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Famous Waterfalls of the World

The famous waterfalls around the world have a spectacular location, appeal to the senses, and are unique in some way-either because of some natural phenomenon or because they are a prime example of what make that region special. A waterfall also provides new opportunities for adventure and an atmosphere that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.

Here are some differences you will find as you visit the world's waterfalls in your travels:

• Some of them do not flow throughout the year, and they may be reduced to a mere trickle in the midst of the local "dry season".
  
  
• Some must be turned on and off, as you would a faucet, because of the area's hydroelectric needs or dams. For example, one waterfall in Norway only flows for 12 hours a day during the annual two-month tourist season.
  
  
• Waterfalls are grouped into 10 distinct categories, based on their water volume, the most impressive being Niagara falls with 600,000 gallons flowing every second.
  
  
• They can be hidden by their mist when the water volume is at its peak. (During the rainy season, the mist from Victoria Falls rises 1,000 feet above it.

Some of the World's Most Famous Waterfalls

1. Kaieteur Falls (South America) - The waterfall's tremendous beauty is derived from its breath-taking height and notable water volume. It can be accessed by either land or water, and visitors also have an opportunity to view the flora and fauna of the rain forest that surrounds it.

2. Yosemite Falls (North America) - It is part of Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, and at 1,430 feet, it is also America's highest waterfall. (Its waters flow forcefully from a rocky mountain ledge.)

3. Rhine Falls (Europe) - Located in Northern Switzerland, this is the continent's largest waterfall, and it has three sections separated by piles of jagged limestone.

4. Dudhsagar Falls (Asia) - This is one of India's popular tourist attractions, and visitors gain easy access to it by using the carved steps provided. However, they can also be seen swimming in the pools forming at the waterfall's base.

5. Niagara Falls (North America) - It is located between the United States and Canada, and the water flow separates into two falls running side-by-side. It is extremely powerful because four of the Great Lakes feed the Niagara River before moving on to Lake Ontario.