Panthumai Waterfall (পান্থুমাই ঝর্ণা)

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Panthumai village, Paschim Jaflong Union, Gowainghat Upazila, Sylhet District, Sylhet Division, Bangladesh Website
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In short

Panthumai is a broad waterfall on the Meghalaya side of the border, seen and approached by boat from Panthumai village in Gowainghat, Sylhet. There is no gate or fee, and boats run in daylight. Combined with Bichnakandi it fills half a day to a full day, which suits nature lovers on a Sylhet trip.

Panthumai Waterfall is a wide monsoon fall in the Meghalaya hills of India, viewed from Panthumai village in Paschim Jaflong union, Gowainghat upazila, Sylhet district, Bangladesh. It suits day-trippers from Sylhet on the Hadarpar boat route who want to see a broad cascade from the border without crossing it.

Is Panthumai in Bangladesh or India?

The fall itself, with its pool, is in India. Visitors see it from the Bangladesh side of the stream, which runs on toward the Piyain River. The border is not always marked on the ground, BGB personnel are posted nearby, and moving toward the fall means entering Indian territory, which is not allowed.

A wide white curtain from June to September

From June to September the fall spreads into a wide white curtain down a steep, forested hillside, split into several streams by rock ribs. The water reaching the Bangladesh side runs shallow over stones, and people wade at the edges. Local names include Phatachhori, Boro Hill jhorna and Mayabati, and spellings of Panthumai vary.

Betel-nut trees and fields below the Khasi hills

Panthumai is small, with houses, betel-nut trees and fields running up to the border at the foot of the Khasi hills. Ask before photographing residents, and remember drone flights face extra restrictions near the border.

Meals at Hadarpar and nights in Sylhet

There is no entry fee; the boat is the main cost. Simple set meals are sold at temporary stalls in Bichnakandi, and Hadarpar bazar has eateries known for bhuna khichuri. There is no lodging at the falls, so stay in Sylhet. Plan a half to full day and return before evening. Currents are strong even in shallow water during the rains, so keep children close.

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Key information
🏞️Waterfall: Meghalaya fall viewed from Bangladesh
📍Location: Panthumai village, Gowainghat
🌅Known for: Wide monsoon cascade
🎟️Entry: Free (boat paid)
💰Currency: Bangladeshi taka (৳ BDT)
🕕Time Zone: BST (UTC+6)

Explore the area

View in a map
Bichnakandi same boat trip
Lakkhonchhara same boat trip
Hadarpar bazar boat start point
See all about this area
✦ Plan your visit to Panthumai Waterfall (পান্থুমাই ঝর্ণা) Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
The fall
  • Broad curtain of water on the Meghalaya hillside
  • Shallow stream on the Bangladesh side
  • Local names Phatachhori and Mayabati
The trip
  • Boat from Hadarpar ghat
  • Combined route with Bichnakandi
  • Village lunch at Hadarpar
What They Offer
Boats Hired boats from Hadarpar covering three spots
Visit duration Half to full day with Bichnakandi
Timed entry required No

Accessibility

Boat boarding and rocky, wet ground; difficult for limited mobility.

Age limits

None stated

What to pack

Cash, water, dry bag, spare clothes

What to wear

Grip sandals, quick-dry clothing

Not allowed

Crossing the border; littering in the stream

Amenities

Food stalls at Bichnakandi and Hadarpar; none at the fall

Tips for visiting Panthumai Waterfall

  • Agree the boat route and price at Hadarpar before boarding.
  • Do not cross toward the fall; it is on Indian territory.
  • Enter the water carefully, as monsoon currents are strong.
  • Carry cash in small notes for boats, CNGs and food.
  • Head back to Sylhet before evening.

Visitor policy

Cancellation and prepayment
No booking is needed for the site itself; agree boat or vehicle terms directly with the operator.
Children and admission
Keep children away from wet rocks and fast water.
Groups
No booking needed; groups usually share a boat or CNG.
Pets
Not recommended.
Photography
Personal photography is fine. Drone flights must follow national drone rules, and near the border extra restrictions apply.
Bags
Carry a light, waterproof bag.
Smoking
Do not smoke or leave litter at the site.
Accepted payment
Carry cash; cards are not accepted by boatmen, drivers or stalls.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What to know before visiting Panthumai Waterfall.

General

No. The fall is in Meghalaya, India. You view it from Panthumai village on the Bangladesh side and can get closer by boat without crossing the border.