About Kempty Falls
Kempty Falls outside Mussoorie holds the distinction of being India's most visited waterfall — a claim borne out by the extraordinary crowds that pack its amphitheatre on summer weekends. Developed as a tourist attraction by British administrator John Mekinnen in 1835 (who created a tea and picnic spot here), Kempty has been welcoming visitors for nearly two centuries. The falls drop in a broad, white curtain into a natural pool in a dramatic canyon of Himalayan forest.
Despite its fame and crowds, Kempty's natural setting remains genuinely beautiful — the deep gorge with pine-forested walls, the misty amphitheatre around the pool, and the cool air even in summer heat all combine to make the experience memorable. The best time to appreciate its natural character is early morning before the crowds arrive, or in the monsoon season when the volume increases dramatically and most casual visitors stay away. A short cable car ride gives an aerial view of the waterfall and valley below.
Early morning (before 8am) when crowds are absent and mist fills the gorge. July–August for maximum flow.
Use the ridge above for wide landscape shots including the forested gorge walls. Telephoto for detail of the cascade itself.