A landmark among Telangana's waterfalls. Kuntala Waterfall is a breathtaking cascade on the Kadam River in Neradigonda mandal of Adilabad district. The river cascades about 45 metres (148 feet) through the forested landscape, making Kuntala one of the best-known waterfalls in Telangana. Located about 12 km from Neredikonda village and about 64 km from Adilabad, the waterfall is especially spectacular when the river has abundant inflows.
A popular local tradition connects the name Kuntala with Shakuntala, the legendary figure associated with King Dushyanta. Another traditional explanation connects the name with the appearance or meaning of flowing water and ponds. Near the waterfall is an image of Someshwara Swami, and devotees gather here during Maha Shivaratri.
Legend – Shakuntala's Bathing Pool
A popular local legend. According to local tradition, the waterfall was named after Shakuntala, the beloved of King Dushyanta from the Mahabharata tradition and the heroine of Kalidasa's Abhijnanashakuntalam. The legend says that Shakuntala was enchanted by the beauty of the region and bathed in the waters of the waterfall. These accounts are part of local tradition and should not be treated as established historical fact.
The Two Falls – Devkanne & Somanna
Some local and secondary descriptions refer to different sections of Kuntala as Devkanne and Somanna. Reported measurements for these sections vary between sources, so the figures should not be treated as separate officially established waterfall heights. The reliably documented overall height of Kuntala is about 45 metres. Near the waterfall, visitors can also see the image of Someshwara Swami, which is associated with local worship and Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
The Adventure – 408 Steps and Forest Ghat Road
The approach: From Neredikonda, the road continues toward Kuntala through a forested landscape. After reaching the visitor/parking area, visitors traditionally descend approximately 408 stone steps to reach the waterfall area. The descent can be steep in places and the return climb can be strenuous. Allow sufficient time, carry drinking water, wear suitable footwear, and take care on wet or slippery surfaces.
Forested Landscape Around Kuntala
Kuntala lies within a forested landscape of Adilabad district. The surrounding vegetation contributes to the scenic character of the waterfall, particularly during and after the monsoon. Rather than assigning the site to a specific number of reserve forests, this article uses the broader and better-supported description of the forested surroundings because current official tourism information does not independently verify the previously listed four-reserve-forest claim.
Visitor Information
Address & Coordinates
Kuntala Waterfall
Kuntala Khurd Village, Neradigonda Mandal,
Adilabad District, Telangana
Location: Approximately 12 km from Neredikonda and 64 km from Adilabad.
Forest / Tourism Contact
Adilabad Forest Division
Contact details should be confirmed with the current Forest Department or district administration before travel.
Telangana Tourism for tourism information
Official Info
Best Time to Visit
Monsoon & post-monsoon: Water flow can be especially impressive when the Kadam River receives abundant inflows.
Winter: The current Adilabad District tourism information specifically identifies the winter months as ideal for viewing the waterfall.
Summer: Water flow can be lower and daytime conditions can be hot.
Entry Fee & Timings
Entry Fee: Current official fee information was not verified and is therefore not stated as a fixed amount.
Parking: Charges, if applicable, may change; confirm locally before visiting.
Timings: Confirm current visitor access conditions locally before travel.
Steps: Approximately 408 descending – be prepared for the climb back up!
How to Reach Kuntala Waterfall
By Road: Kuntala Waterfall is approximately 12 km from Neredikonda village and about 64 km from Adilabad. From Hyderabad, travelers generally use the NH44 corridor toward northern Telangana before continuing toward Neredikonda and Kuntala. Road distances and travel times vary according to the starting point and route.
By Rail: The nearest railway station identified by the Adilabad District administration is Adilabad Railway Station, approximately 57 km from the Kuntala area according to the district's current tourism information.
By Air: The nearest major airport identified by the district administration is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, approximately 280 km away.
Trail: After reaching the visitor/parking area, visitors traditionally descend approximately 408 steps to reach the waterfall area. Take it slowly and carry drinking water.
Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation
- Adilabad: The current Adilabad District accommodation information lists Hotel Panchavathi, Dwaraka Residency, Hotel Ravi Teja and Laxmi Residency among the accommodation options in Adilabad.
- Nirmal: The district accommodation information lists Thirumala Residency and Hotel Mayuri Inn among accommodation options in Nirmal.
- At the waterfall: Visitors should not rely on accommodation being available immediately at the waterfall; Adilabad and Nirmal provide the principal hotel options listed by the district administration.
Food & Tips
- Food availability immediately around the waterfall can vary.
- Carry your own drinking water and any essential food or snacks, particularly if spending several hours at the site.
- Neredikonda, Nirmal and Adilabad provide additional options for meals depending on your route.
Nearby Attractions
Essential Travel Tips & Safety
Critical safety advisory: The descent to the waterfall involves approximately 408 steps, and the climb back up can be strenuous. Take breaks and carry water. Rocks around waterfalls can become extremely slippery, particularly during periods of high flow. Avoid entering deep or fast-moving water, do not cross barriers or safety restrictions, and do not attempt dangerous climbs around the waterfall. Children should be supervised at all times.
Conclusion – A Landmark Waterfall of Telangana
Kuntala Waterfall is one of Telangana's most spectacular and best-known natural attractions. The Kadam River plunges about 45 metres through the forested landscape of Adilabad district. The approach, the descent toward the falls, the surrounding greenery and the nearby Someshwara Swami shrine together make it an important destination for nature lovers and visitors exploring northern Telangana. With other major and newly documented waterfalls now drawing attention across the state, Kuntala is best presented as a landmark waterfall of Telangana rather than described as the state's highest waterfall. Visit when conditions are favorable, allow enough time for the steps, and follow local safety guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How high is Kuntala Waterfall?
A: Kuntala Waterfall has a documented drop of about 45 metres (148 feet) on the Kadam River.
Q: Is Kuntala still considered the highest waterfall in Telangana?
A: Some current government tourism pages still describe Kuntala as the highest waterfall in Telangana. However, newly documented waterfalls such as Kothikuntla/Alapaka Crescent Falls have been reported at a much greater estimated height of about 977 feet (298 metres). Because the latter measurement is not yet independently established in the current official tourism sources reviewed, this article does not assign Kuntala an absolute statewide height ranking.
Q: Are there 408 steps?
A: Approximately 408 steps are traditionally reported on the descent from the visitor/parking area toward the waterfall. The exact number may vary depending on which access point or route is counted.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: Current official fee information was not verified, so a fixed ₹10 fee should not be stated as a current fact. Check locally before visiting.
Q: Can I swim in the waterfall?
A: Entering deep or fast-moving water is not recommended. Conditions can change rapidly, especially during periods of heavy flow, and wet rocks can be dangerous.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Monsoon and post-monsoon periods can provide strong water flow, while the current Adilabad District tourism information specifically identifies the winter months as ideal for viewing the waterfall.
Q: How far is Hyderabad from Kuntala?
A: The distance varies by route and starting point. The current Adilabad District tourism information gives approximately 280 km from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.
Q: Is Kothikuntla Alapaka Crescent Falls taller than Kuntala?
A: Reports describe Kothikuntla/Alapaka Crescent Falls in the Mulugu–Venkatapuram–Wazeedu forest region as having an estimated drop of approximately 977 feet (298 metres), substantially greater than Kuntala's 45-metre drop. The measurement should currently be treated as a reported/estimated figure rather than an officially established statewide ranking.
References & More Information
- Telangana Tourism – Nature & Kuntala Waterfalls
- Adilabad District – Kuntala Water Falls
- Adilabad District – Places of Interest
- Adilabad District – How to Reach
- Adilabad District – Accommodation
- Telangana360 – Kothikuntla Alapaka Crescent Falls