Kuntala Waterfalls – The Highest Waterfall in Telangana (2024)
Kuntala Waterfalls – The Highest Waterfall in Telangana
Located 270 km away from Hyderabad, Kuntala Waterfalls in the Adilabad district of Telangana is one of the most popular destinations in the state that you simply can’t miss. Having a height of 200 feet, Kuntala waterfall situated in the middle part of the Sahyadri mountain range is known for being the highest waterfall in Telangana. Having become popular as a weekend getaway from Hyderabad, this destination can be easily reached from places such as Nirmal, Adilabad, or Neredikonda. Shall you desire to witness the power of nature to rejuvenate your soul, this place is for you. Set in a gorgeous setting, this scenic waterfall here plunges from a height of 150 feet and will certainly amaze you. Originating from the Kadam river, Kuntala waterfall unravels the best opportunity for you to experience picturesque nature at its best.
According to a popular story, Kuntala waterfalls have been named after Shakuntala who fell in love with King Dushyanat at the site of the waterfall. Many believe that Shakuntala used to take bath here as well. Because of being home to the Gond tribes, this waterfall has been named Kunta that translates into pond in both languages i.e. Gondi and Tamil. Kuntalu translates into multiple ponds. Since the Kuntala waterfall is created because of the confluence of many ponds draining from the river, this waterfall has been named as Kuntala. If you carefully observe, you will find the fall cascading down through steps located on a rocky platform.
Kuntala waterfall, this popular weekend destination in Telangana, can be accessed by car till the entry point. Once you reach the entry point, you will have to trek down approximately 400 steps, at the end of which you will reach the falls. It takes roughly 10-20 minutes to reach the waterfall from the entry point, depending on the pace at which you walk.
How to Reach Kuntala Falls In Adilabad?
There are quite a few ways to reach the Kuntala Waterfalls, Adilabad. However, the best way to reach the waterfalls is to take a cab.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport which is located at a distance of 320 km from the Kuntala Waterfalls. If you take a cab from the airport, you should be able to reach the waterfalls in 5-6 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Adilabad railway station which is 58 km away from Kuntala waterfalls. You can take a cab to reach the waterfalls from the station. It shouldn’t take you more than 1.5 hours to reach the Kuntala Falls from the railway station.
By Road: If you are traveling by car, you can easily cover the distance of 304 km between Hyderabad or Adilabad in 6 hours. After reaching Adilabad, you will have to travel 64 km more to reach the Kuntala Waterfalls.
Best Time to Visit Kuntala Falls
The best time to visit the Kuntala Falls in Adilabad district of Telangana are definitely the months during monsoons and post-monsoons. All the visitors are requested to exercise caution while getting into the falls especially during the high waterflow. The sharp rocks and twists at the bottom of the fall can be extremely dangerous. That’s why you should always look for the flow of the falls before getting close to it. During the rainy season, the fall gets a little dangerous because of the water release. Since there isn’t much water in the falls during January and July, you can avoid those months.
Places to Visit Near the Kuntala Falls
As you visit the Kuntala Falls, you should add a few more destinations to your trip to make it even more memorable. Here are some of the places that you must cover during your trip here:
Pochera Falls: Located 17 km away from Kuntala Waterfalls, Pochera Falls is quite enthralling and is known for being the deepest waterfall in the entire Telangana. Surrounded by picturesque environment, this waterfall falls under the category of plunge waterfalls. The water of this fall comes from the holy river Godavari which breaks into small streams after coming through the Sahyadri range. While the beauty of this waterfall will amaze you, some find the roaring to be a little scary. Made with hard granite, the waterfall bed holds the strong falls.
Location: Adilabad, Telangana 504323, India
Gayathri Waterfalls: Located 7.5 km away from Kuntala Waterfalls, Gayathri Waterfalls is another breathtaking waterfall that you simply can’t miss during your trip to Telangana. Situated in the Kadam river, this amazing waterfall falls 100 feet into the valley, which ultimately creates a spectacular sight. Popularly known as Gadida Gundam in local language, this fall is located in a secluded place inside a forest, which is why it has remained one of less-visited spots over the years.
Location: Near Gundiwagu GP: Mankapur, Ichoda, Telangana 504307, India
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 117 km away from the Kuntala Waterfalls, Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination during your trip to Telangana. Being one of the most important sanctuaries in the state, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, fauna, and wildlife as well. Some of the popular animals that you will find here include Nilgai, Sloth Bear, Bison, Panther, etc. You can also find reptiles such as python, monitor lizard, star tortoise, etc. here.
Location: Jannaram, Telangana 504205, India
Precautions to Take Near Kuntala Falls
As you visit the Kuntala Waterfalls, you must take certain precautions to keep you and your friends or family members safe. Here are some of the precautions that you should adhere to:
- While the waterfall might look really gorgeous during the monsoons, it is highly recommended that none goes into the waterfall because it creates pools which might be dangerous and lead to accidents.
- The best time to visit the Kuntala waterfall are the months between October and December.
- Avoid visiting the waterfall between January and June as there are chances of trickle formation due to the heat.
What Are The Best Accommodation Options Near Kuntala Waterfalls?
If you would like to stay near the Kuntala Falls, you will have to consider the accommodation options available in Nirmal or Nizamabad town. There are plenty of options available at pocket-friendly prices in both of these towns.