We may not know exactly why water makes us feel calmer, more spiritual, and happier. However, the human desire to connect with water is universal. Ask anyone to dream up a perfect relaxing getaway and their mind will conjure up water in some form.
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Of the many forms that exist, one that is most associated with beauty and grace, is the waterfall. Charged by the constant collision of water molecules, the surrounding air becomes charged. So, if you are planning your next vacation, these beauties may inspire.
Niagara Falls, Canada and the United States
This is officially the most Instagrammed waterfall in the world. It boasts a whopping three million hashtags and it draws over 12 million visitors a year. Known since the 1880s as ‘the honeymoon capital of the world’. It comprises three waterfalls and straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada.
Veliki Slap, Croatia
If you were still questioning whether a visit to Croatia was worth it, check out the Veliki Slap (or ‘Big Fall’). Located in the water-filled oasis that is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Over 76.2m high, its beauty lies not so much in its length as in its breadth and intricacy. Divided into upper and lower lake areas, Plitvice boasts lakes and waterfalls of all sizes. While you are there, head to Pevalekovi Slapovi. Surrounded by a lush forest, this semi-circular crest of falls which flow over a pristine pool.
Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
In my view, the best waterfalls are the ones you can get close to without any fear. Seljalandsfoss, with its 60m drop, is one of them. You can walk to the base or hike to the top upon a verdant hillside. During warmer months, you can walk along a narrow trail behind the falls to appreciate the majesty of the water. For a pretty recording of this waterfall, check out Justin Bieber’s music video for I’ll Show You.
Tibumana Waterfall, Indonesia
Bali is known as the waterfall lover’s paradise. There are so many incredible natural water-filled escapes just minutes from Ubud. Tibumana is a good choice for those seeking a spiritual experience. You can freely bathe in the pool below and feel the gentle fall of the water. As a result, it is easy to feel like you are part of something greater than yourself
Staubbach Falls, Switzerland
It is easy to see why Tolkien was so inspired by the majesty of the Swiss mountain ranges and waterfalls. So much so that many passages in Lord of the Rings are said to be inspired on his visits. Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen are the quintessential Swiss falls for many reasons. For one, they fall from a lofty height of 297m. There is a marked path that allows visitors to walk behind the fall. The sensation of the power and coolness of the water is a must-experience sensation of this small mountainside village.
Iguazú Falls, Brazil and Argentina
Iguazú, the world’s largest waterfall system, covers 2.7km of land between Brazil and Argentina. Legend says that a God once wanted to marry a beautiful woman called Naipí. She was already in love with a human, Tarobá, and the young couple decided to escape. The God grew angry and ‘broke’ the river, creating the deep falls so the young couple were doomed to death. The God had a great eye for design, having created 275 falls in total. ‘Devil’s throat’ bears a gracefully curved shape with 14 falls dropping to a height of 107m.
The falls have an eternal rainbow on one side, caused by the refraction of light against the mist. You can view this natural wonder from the Brazilian side or the Argentinean side. The former offers a better panoramic view, but the latter has more paths for walking and viewing the individual cascades.
Multnomah Falls, The United States
There are few spots in the world that are quite as picture-perfect as the bridge looking out to Multnomah Falls. Dropping 189 spectacular metres, it is the tallest in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Fed by both rainfall and snowmelt, it reaches its greatest volume in the spring when wildflowers grace nearby trails. Hike to the bridge and bring a pair of binoculars to spot nearby wildlife.
There are lovely views from the lower viewing platform, or take on the 265m hike to the upper viewpoint. It has the world’s highest flow rate (28 million litres travel down the falls every second). So, it is also one of the fastest moving falls, making it a vital hydropower source. If feeling the cold spray of the falls makes you feel nervous, take note. Five people (even one blindfolded) have taken tightrope walks over the Falls!
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
It is one of Livingstone’s most amazing discoveries and it is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. These falls are 1,708m wide and 108m high. As a result, they are the largest curtain of flowing water on the planet! (Twice as high as the Niagara Falls and 1.5 times wider). We can see 75 per cent of the Falls from the Zimbabwean side, and 25 per cent from the Zambian side. When the light of the full moon hits the Falls, they form a stunning lunar rainbow.
Tukad Cepung, Indonesia
Another waterfall in Indonesia in such a small list? Why not? Its loaction within a cave is what makes Tukad Cepung so special. Sometimes, when the sun’s rays hit the glistening water, a delicate rainbow forms, in this spiritually charged area. Unlike all other waterfalls in Bali, the water does not fall into a river or stream. It drops into its crystalline pool from a cliff, coming into view as you climb down a small set of steps.