Kuntala Waterfall is a waterfall in Telangana, a state in the country of India. It is located on Kadam River in Neredigonda Mandal of Adilabad district. It is the highest waterfall in the state of Telangana with a height of 50 meters. Kuntala Waterfall resides in dense forests and is inhabited by the Gonds. The meaning oof Kunta in Gondi and Telegu means a pond. Several ponds flow together into the Kadam River. Kuntala Waterfalls is formed by this flow of ponds down their way and segregates into two steps and can be seen as two adjacent falls after the peak rains. Kuntala waterfalls is one of the most visit sites in Hyderabad.

How to get to Kuntala Waterfalls?

A motorable road reaches up to the falls. It takes merely 10 to 15 minutes to walk up to get a view of the falls.

Public transport is also available to Neredikonda Mandal. From here you can hire or rent a vehicle that will take you to the entry point of the falls. Base stations for the hiring cars are from Niremal and Adilabad base stations.

Best places to visit in Kuntala Waterfalls

Kaddam River

The main purpose of this dam is to irrigate about 25000 hectares in Adilabad District. However, currently, the dam is equipped to irrigate an ayacut of 68000 hectares. The dam is popularly known as the Godavari North Canal project. The Project has been integrated with the Sriram Sagar Project. It has two major canals for water distribution, the Left Canal length is 76.8 km and the Right Canal length is about 8 km.

A boating facility is available in the reservoir. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers as the dam is situated amidst beautiful surroundings. There is a nice park adjacent to the reservoir and it’s a good place to visit. The gushing water from the flood gates during monsoon season is an awe-inspiring moment for tourists. Monsoon and post-monsoon is the best season to visit this place. It attracts a large number of tourists when the dam gates are open (around Sep/Oct)

The dam is very close to Nirmal – Mancherial Road and easily accessible. The road condition is good.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.

Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary

Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the important wildlife sanctuaries in Telangana. The Kawal sanctuary houses various animals and several varieties of flora and fauna are seen here. If you want to get a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitat, then, the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-see place. This Wildlife Sanctuary gives you a picturesque view of the retreat. Every corner of this sanctuary is filled with adventure and thrill. Thousands of tourists visit this secluded animal kingdom to experience the thrills amidst wild beasts of the region. This sanctuary is located in the Adilabad district which is 50 kilometres from Mancherial and 250 kilometres from Hyderabad.

The wildlife sanctuary is a dry and dense forest with teak, bamboo and many other varieties of trees. During summer, the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary witnesses a hot and dry climate. But the monsoon season that commences from June and continues till September adds life to the forest and makes it bliss. Winter is the perfect season to visit the sanctuary. The sanctuary houses several species of animals including Cheetal, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Sloth Bear, Indian Bison, Panther and Tiger. Tourists can also find reptiles like Crocodile, Python, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise and Cobra, in this wildlife sanctuary. This tourist spot also provides jeep safaris, and bird watching trips to spot several rare animals in their habitat.

Mavala Park

If sighting of various wild animals in a park is rarity, Mavala Park or Adilabad Harithavanam is a biodiversity wonder for nature lovers. The newly created lung space is gradually becoming the most-sought after recreational destination not only for residents of the district headquarters, but people from neighbouring habitations offering a wide range of experiences. Adilabad Harivathavanam was developed on a sprawling 1,000 acre land including forest without affecting the native flora and fauna in 2018 at a cost of Rs 3 crore.

The area was facing threat of encroachment and used to be a haven for illegal activities. It now boasts of recreational facilities such as children park, boating, yoga spot, walking track, watch towers, pagodas and play items for children which were created in 50 acres of land.

Gnana Saraswati Temple

This temple has been famous for “Aksharabyasa”- An initiation ceremony for children to the universe of formal learning. I visited this temple decades ago. During this visit I found some improvements such as garden in-front of the temple and sheds for Queues for devotees. Road connectivity has improved a lot. My journey from Hyderabad was a breeze. I started at 6 am and returned by 3pm. Starting early will allow you to avoid rush both on the roads and at the temple. A couple of hours of late starting will mar your experience.

I found many workers holding brooms but no body seems to be cleaning. Temple must be kept clean. Quality of Prasadam is another dampener. There is no dedicated parking area. Many vehicles are parked right in-front of the temple blocking the way.

Here are some must-visit Waterfalls near Kuntala Waterfalls

Pochera Waterfalls

At a distance of 40 Kms from Nirmal, 50 Kms from Adilabad, 257 Kms from Hyderabad and 22 Kms from Kuntala Falls, Pochera Falls is a pretty waterfall on Kadam River. The falls are located at a distance of 10 Kms from Neredikonda village between Nirmal & Adilabad (a diversion is required at Both crossroads). Pochera Falls is one of the popular Tourist places in Telangana and also one of the best places to visit near Hyderabad.

The water flows through a rocky bed over several steps to finally descend into a big pool from a height of about 40 feet in 2 steps. The surroundings of the falls are maintained well along with a park by the Tourism department. Motorable road is available till the falls. Monsoons and post-monsoons are the best seasons to visit Kuntala falls. It is not recommended to get into the bottom of the falls during peak monsoons. However, there is a small stream at the left corner of the main falls where visitors can play safely in the waters.

The waterfall is situated in a beautiful location with breathtaking nature. The surrounding are well maintained and it can be a good picnic spot along with Kuntala Falls. You don’t find much water after January, so avoid visiting between Jan & July.

There are no shops available near the waterfall. It is advisable to carry water and food from Both crossroads or Nirmal. Public transport is available till Both crossroads from where private vehicles can be hired. Nirmal & Adilabad are base stations.

Kanakai Waterfalls

At a distance of 2 km from Girnur Village, 35 km from Kuntala waterfalls, 54 km from Nirmal, 51 km Adilabad and 282 km from Hyderabad, Kanakai waterfall is a nice waterfall on Kadem river located in Adilabad District of Telangana. This is also a good trekking destination. Bandrev waterfall and Cheekati Gundam are located in a single stretch along with Kanakai waterfalls and all three can be visited together.

The Kanakai waterfall, also called Kanakadurga waterfalls are located near a small village called Girnur of Bazarhatnoor Mandal. There is also a Kanaka Durga temple located near the waterfall. A large number of devotees from nearby villages visit the temple during festivals. The waterfall is cascading down from a height of 30 ft. There is a big pool at the bottom of the fall. Swimming at the falls is a great experience for the visitors. When you climb up to the top of the falls, you can get a panoramic view of the falls and the surrounding area.

Gayathri Waterfalls

At a distance of 5 km from Tarnam Khurd Village, 19 km from Kuntala Waterfalls, 38 km from Nirmal, 59 km Adilabad and 270 km from Hyderabad, Gayathri Waterfalls is a beautiful place located in Adilabad district of Telangana.

Gayatri waterfalls is a very less known place situated on Kadem River, a tributary of Godavari River. Along with Kuntala and Pochera Falls, Gayatri falls is another fascinating waterfalls in Adilabad district. This is a magnificent waterfall and attracts a large number of tourists in the monsoon season.

Gayatri waterfall is also called Gadidha Gundam or Mukti Gundam by the villagers. It is located at a very secluded place inside the deep forest near Tarnam Khurd Village. This stunning waterfall is cascading down from a height of 100 ft into the valley to create a magnificent sight. There is a pool at the bottom of the falls and visitors can reach the pool and swim. The rocks are very slippery should be careful while swimming in the pool.