Devi‘s Fall Pokhara, Nepal
🏞️ Overview & Identity
Devi‘s Fall (also Davi‘s Fall or Davis Falls) is a unique plunge waterfall located in Pokhara, Kaski District, Nepal
. Its Nepali name is Patale Chhango (पाताले छाँगो) , which literally translates to “Underworld’s Waterfall” or “Fall of the Netherworld”
.Key Identifiers:
Location: ~2 km southwest of Pokhara Airport, on the Siddhartha Highway
Coordinates: 28°11′N 83°58′E
Type: Plunge waterfall, single drop
Protected Status: Registered as a natural monument (NP-KAS-05)
📜 The Story Behind the Name
The name originates from a tragic accident on July 31, 1961
What happened:
A Swiss couple was swimming upstream from the waterfall. The woman—identified across sources as Mrs. Davis, Davi, or Devi—was pulled by the current and swept over the falls into the deep underground sinkhole
Her body was recovered three days later in the Phusre River (Phurse Khola), located far downstream
How the name evolved:
The woman‘s father requested the waterfall be named “David’s Fall” in her memory. However, due to Nepali pronunciation and transliteration, it became Davis Falls or Devi‘s Fall. In Nepali, Devi coincidentally means “goddess,” which contributed to the local adoption of the name
Name Variant Usage Context
Devi‘s Fall Most common tourism spelling, official signage
Davis Falls Frequent alternate spelling, especially in older texts
Davi‘s Fall Used by Nepal Tourism Board
Patale Chhango Official Nepali name
🌊 Geological Wonder: The “Vanishing” Waterfall
What makes Devi‘s Fall scientifically and visually unique is that the water disappears underground.
Water Source:
The waterfall is fed by water released from the Phewa Lake dam, flowing as the Pardi Khola (stream)
The Underground System:
At the base of the fall, the water plunges into a tunnel approximately 500 feet (150 meters) long
This tunnel runs 100 feet (30 meters) below ground level
The water flows underground for nearly 1 km before converging with the Phusre Khola
The tunnel passes directly beneath the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave on the opposite side of the road
Seasonal Transformation:
Monsoon (June–September): Maximum water volume. The waterfall roars with ferocious power; rainbows frequently appear
Winter (November–February): Water volume decreases significantly. The exposed rock formations—carved by centuries of water—become visible
🧭 Visitor Information (Timings & Fees)
⏰ Opening Hours
Source Opening Hours
Nepal Tourism Board / French Guide 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Times of India 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Recommended: Arrive between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM for fewer crowds
.
💰 Entry Fees (2024 Consensus)
Visitor Category Fee (NPR) Notes
All visitors (Nepali/SAARC/Foreign) NPR 20 Flat rate for waterfall only
Cash is required. Entry is exceptionally affordable compared to other Nepali attractions.
🗺️ What to See & Do Inside
1. Main Viewing Platform
The waterfall is viewed from secured, blue-railed platforms. During monsoon, the spray and sound are intense2.
Luck Pond (Wishing Well)
A small pond where visitors throw coins onto a statue of a deity. If the coin lands and stays, your wish is believed to come true. This is one of the most active engagement points for domestic tourists
3. Traditional Nepali Cultural Displays
Headless costume statues wearing traditional Nepali attire. Visitors place their faces behind the frames for souvenir photographs
A model of a traditional Nepali house
4. Souvenir Stalls
Small shops selling local crafts, clothing, and snacks are located within the complex