Hyderabad: After ages, and much to the joy of visiting public, over half a dozen waterfalls in Telangana State have come alive. Thanks to widespread rainfall, rivers and streams are drawing down loads of water, making waterfalls the star attraction in districts like Adilabad, Warangal, Khammam and Mahbubnagar.
While people from near and far are visiting these places in droves, many waterfall points lack basic amenities. They are located in thick forests and the government does not allow setting up of hotels and other facilities there. This, though, is not stopping people from reaching out to the waterfalls. What they do is to arrange stay and food in nearby towns or cities and head for the destinations.
The Kuntala waterfalls is the highest waterfalls in the state. With waters from River Kadam falling from a height of 150 feet in Kuntala forest area of Neredigonda mandal in Adilabad district, this is the most-visited waterfall site today. The Telugu film Rudramadevi was partly shot here, adding to the people’s interest in visiting this place.
Kuntala waterfalls is named after Shankuntala, consort of King Dushy-anth, who is believed to have bathed here as per mythology.
Close to this is the Pochera waterfalls in Boath mandal, about 50 km from Adilabad. A narrow stream of Godavari, which flows down the Sah-yadri mountain ranges, it falls from a height of 20 metres. The beauty of the locale is breathtaking.
The Parakuppi waterfalls in Jainur agency, the Kanakai waterfalls in Neredigonda mandal, the Gayatri waterfalls and other smaller waterfalls are within a 50km distance from Adilabad town. Khammam district, rich with its flora and fauna, has the famous Bogatha waterfalls in Koyaveer-apuram of Wazed mandal. A major town along the way is Manuguru, where there are hotels and other facilities. Similarly, some 20 km from Manuguru, there’s another waterfall called Manuguru.
It is after a long time that waterfalls have come alive in Telangana, thanks to good rains; and rivers as also rivulets are full with copious flow of waters. People in large numbers are visiting the waterfalls despite the fact they are mostly located in thick jungles. “Since they are under the forest area, there are no basic facilities. One has to find accommodation in nearby towns,” a senior official of the Telangana State tourism development corporation said.
Where and how to go
Mallela theertha
Pilgrims and nature-lovers heading for the famed Brahmarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Srisailam do not miss the Mallela Theertha waterfalls (falls to a depth of 500 feet) in the thick Nallamalla forest area. Located 173 km from city on the Hyderabad Srisailam road, it is believed that many sages performed penance here for Lord Shiva and that the Lord appeared before them. It is also said tigers frequent the place during the summer. Srisailam has both government and private hotels.
Bogatha waterfalls
The Bogatha waterfalls is in Koyaveerapuram of Wazed mandal in Khammam district. Some 420 km from Hyderabad via Khammam. Khammam 200 km; and Khammam-Wazed 220 km. Major nearby town with hotels is Manuguru.
Bheemuni Paadam
The Bheemuni Paadam waterfalls, not very vibrant, is located in Warangal district near Komulavancha village of Gudur mandal. One has to walk through the forest for one km to reach the area. The water falls from a hillock to a depth of 20 feet in a semi-circular enclosure. Legend has it that Bhima, the Pandava, set foot here to pave the way for water to save Papanachamma, a Yadava deity.
Pochera waterfalls
The Pochera waterfalls are in Boath Mandal, some 50 km from Adilabad town. A narrow stream of the Godavari, which flows down the Sahyadri mountain ranges, falls from a height of 20 metres. The beauty of the locale is breathtaking.
Smaller waterfalls
The Parakuppi waterfalls in Jainur agency, the Kanakai waterfalls in Neredigonda mandal, the Gayatri waterfalls and other smaller waterfalls are within a 50-km distance from Adilabad town.
Kuntala waterfalls
The Kuntala waterfalls is set in Neredigonda Mandal of Adilabad district. The route is via Nirmal, famous for the Nirmal toys and paintings. Hyderabad-Nirmal is 220 km (Hyd-Nagpur highway). From Nirmal town, it is 30 km away. Distance between Hyderabad and Adilabad is 300km.
Stay at nearby towns to visit waterfalls.
Carry food, snacks and water.
Visit only during the day.
Better watch from a distance since it is dangerous to get into waterfalls.
