Devi's Falls: Your Guide to Pokhara's Unique Waterfall - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Devi’s Falls, locally known as Patale Chhango, meaning ‘Underworld Waterfall’.
At the site, the roaring Pardi Khola stream plunges into an underground tunnel which starts at the Gupteshowor Mahdev Cave.
Fed by the Pardi Khola stream, the waterfall becomes especially powerful during the monsoon season, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as it disappears into the earth.

Origin of the name Devi's Falls

The most widely accepted account states that in 1961, a Swiss woman named Mrs. Davis (sometimes the name is recorded as Devi or Davi due to local pronunciation) was swimming in Phewa Lake with her husband when the dam unexpectedly opened. The sudden surge of water swept her into a sinkhole at the top of the falls, and she was tragically drowned, her body recovered three days later in the Phusre River downstream.

Out of respect and at the request of her grieving father, the waterfall was named ‘Davis Falls’ after her. Over time, due to local Nepali pronunciation and the common use of ‘Devi’ as a name (meaning ‘goddess’ in Sanskrit, and also a common Nepali name), the name has evolved and is now more popularly known as Devi's Falls.

Site and Admission

The site is beautifully maintained with viewing platforms, landscaped gardens, and traditional statues.

Admission fee is Rs 100 per foreigner, at the time of writing.
Opening hours are daily from 6am to 6pm, but the site is closed on public holidays, at the time of writing.

Back to your self-guided tour

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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