Cheemalagudem Waterfall
Remote cascade | 5–6 hour trek through deep forest | Gundala Mandal, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana
A hidden gem for serious trekkers. Cheemalagudem Waterfall is not for casual tourists. The journey itself is the adventure: a 5‑ to 6‑hour trek through dense, pristine forest, crossing nullahs, climbing gentle slopes, and navigating rocky stream beds. The lack of roads and signage ensures the waterfall remains untouched – no food stalls, no concrete, no crowds. The water cascades down a granite face in two main tiers, creating a deep, emerald pool at the base. The surrounding jungle is rich with birdlife, butterflies, and occasional mammal sightings (langurs, wild boar).
The name Cheemalagudem derives from the local village, which is the last human settlement before the forest becomes wilderness. Local elders and forest guards are the primary custodians of this route. Because of the remote nature, visitors must prepare for a physically demanding trek, carry all supplies, and ideally hire a guide from Gundala or Cheemalagudem village. The waterfall is best experienced between October and January, after the monsoon recedes but while the stream still has good flow.
Visitor Information & Trek Essentials
Location & Access
Cheemalagudem Waterfall
Near Cheemalagudem village, Gundala Mandal,
Bhadradri Kothagudem District, Telangana – 507101
Nearest town: Kothagudem (approx. 65 km)
Last road head: Cheemalagudem village (then trek begins)
Trek distance: ~12–14 km one way (through dense forest).
Forest Permits & Guides
Mandatory: Prior permission from the Divisional Forest Office, Kothagudem. Contact: +91-8744-244112.
Local guide: Essential – the trail is unmarked and crosses several stream beds. Guides can be arranged at Gundala or Cheemalagudem village. Typical guide fee: ₹800–1200 per day.
No entry fee, but a nominal forest conservation fee may apply.
Official Enquiries
Telangana Tourism – Bhadradri Kothagudem
Telangana Forest Department
Timings & Best Season
Best season: October – January (post‑monsoon, moderate water flow, fewer leeches, pleasant weather).
Monsoon (July–September): Trek becomes dangerous due to slippery trails, swollen streams, and leeches. Waterfall may be impassable.
Summer (March–June): Waterfall dries up; forest heat makes trekking hazardous.
Recommended trek start: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM from Cheemalagudem village. Return by 4:00 PM (daylight essential).
Fitness & Experience Level
The trek is strenuous. Participants should be physically fit, have good stamina, and prior hiking experience. The trail involves steep sections, stream crossings, and uneven forest floor. Not recommended for children under 12 or elderly persons. Maximum group size: 8–10 (to minimise impact).
The Waterfall & Trek Route
Cheemalagudem Waterfall is formed by a perennial stream originating from the eastern slopes of the Kothagudem forest division. The water drops approximately 80 feet over two distinct tiers: the upper tier is a narrow chute, while the lower tier spreads across a wide rock face, creating a plunge pool about 8–10 feet deep. The pool is safe for swimming when water levels are moderate.
Trek overview: From Cheemalagudem village, the trail enters reserved forest within 500 metres. The first 2 hours involve walking through dense teak and bamboo thickets, following animal paths and stream beds. The middle section (2 hours) requires crossing the same stream multiple times – water shoes are essential. The final hour climbs a rocky ridge, from which the waterfall becomes visible. Total one‑way distance: 12–14 km; elevation gain: approx. 300 metres. Mobile network is absent for 95% of the route.
Local ecology: The forest supports wildlife including Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. While encounters are rare, trekking in groups and making noise is advisable. The waterfall itself is often visited by langurs and birds. The pool is home to small, harmless fish.
How to Reach the Trek Start Point (Cheemalagudem Village)
- From Hyderabad (≈320 km): Take NH163 to Khammam (≈260 km), then continue to Kothagudem (≈60 km). From Kothagudem, drive to Gundala mandal headquarters (≈35 km). From Gundala, follow local roads to Cheemalagudem village (≈30 km – last 10 km unpaved).
- From Kothagudem (≈65 km): Take the Kothagudem–Gundala road; after Gundala, head towards Cheemalagudem village. A high‑clearance vehicle (SUV/jeep) is mandatory for the last 10 km of mud and gravel road.
- From Bhadrachalam (≈70 km): Drive to Kothagudem, then follow above route.
- By Rail: Nearest railway station: Kothagudem (≈65 km). Hire a jeep from the station to Cheemalagudem village (approx. 2.5 hours).
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈320 km).
Note: Public buses go only up to Gundala. From Gundala, you must arrange private jeep or taxi to reach Cheemalagudem village. Overnight parking is safe at the village with prior intimation to local headman.
Nearby Attractions (Bhadradri Kothagudem & Surroundings)
Suggested 2‑Day Remote Trek Itinerary
- Day 1 (Arrival & preparation): Reach Kothagudem by noon. Complete forest permit formalities. Drive to Cheemalagudem village (2.5 hours). Stay overnight in village homestay or camp (arrange with local guide).
- Day 2 (Trek to waterfall & return): Start trek at 6:00 AM. Carry packed breakfast, lunch, and 3–4 litres of water per person. Reach waterfall by 11:00 AM – spend 1.5 hours swimming, photography, rest. Begin return trek by 1:00 PM, reach village by 4:30 PM. Drive back to Kothagudem or Bhadrachalam for overnight stay.
- Alternate (slow pace): Camp overnight near the waterfall (requires additional permits and camping gear). Return on Day 3.
Important: No mobile signal at the waterfall. Inform forest department and village head before departing. Carry a physical map or GPS device (trail not on Google Maps).
Essential Trekking & Safety Guidelines
Critical safety warnings: The trek is unmarked and remote. Getting lost is a real risk – stay with your guide. Do not attempt alone. Stream crossings can become dangerous after rain; check weather forecast. Wildlife encounters (sloth bear, wild boar) – make noise while walking, avoid sudden movements if sighted. The waterfall pool has underwater rocks – test depth before diving. Inform the nearest forest beat officer about your exact itinerary. Carry a whistle and emergency mirror. No rescue services are available; you are responsible for your own safety.
Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation near the trek start
- Cheemalagudem village: Basic homestay (limited) – arrange through Gundala forest office. No electricity, no running water.
- Gundala (mandal headquarters): Small lodges (very basic). Better to stay in Kothagudem.
- Kothagudem (65 km): Hotel Srinivasa, Sai Krishna Lodge – budget options with amenities.
- Bhadrachalam (70 km): TSTDC Haritha Hotel, private lodges – comfortable stay.
Food & Water
- No food stalls or shops on the trek or at the waterfall. Carry all meals for the day.
- Minimum 3 litres of water per person – stream water is not potable (carry purification tablets or filter).
- Packed meals: rotis, boiled eggs, fruit, nuts, energy bars.
- In Kothagudem and Bhadrachalam, multiple restaurants serve South Indian, North Indian, and biryani.
Location Map (General Area)
General area of Cheemalagudem village, Gundala Mandal. Exact waterfall coordinates are shared only with forest department permit holders to protect the pristine ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit Cheemalagudem Waterfall
October – January (optimal): Post‑monsoon, the waterfall has excellent flow but the trek is not dangerously slippery. Leeches are present but manageable. Day temperatures are pleasant (20–28°C). This is the only recommended window.
February – March: Flow reduces; still scenic but lower pool may shrink. Trek becomes hotter.
April – June (avoid): Waterfall dries up; forest heat extreme (40°C+), risk of dehydration and forest fires.
July – September (monsoon – avoid): Streams become impassable, leeches abundant, high risk of flash floods and slippery rocks. The trek is prohibited by forest department during heavy rains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to do the trek without a guide?
A: Not recommended – the trail is unmarked and crosses several stream beds. A guide is mandatory for safety and forest regulations.
Q: How fit do I need to be?
A: You should be able to walk 20–25 km over rough terrain in 8 hours with a 5‑kg backpack. Previous trekking experience is essential.
Q: Are there any facilities at the waterfall?
A: None. No changing rooms, no food, no toilets. Be fully self‑sufficient.
Q: Can we camp near the waterfall?
A: Yes, but only with prior permission from the Divisional Forest Officer. Camping gear must be carried by the group. Fires are strictly prohibited.
Q: What is the water depth in the pool?
A: Varies with season – typically 4–10 feet. Always check before diving; underwater rocks exist.
Q: Is mobile network available?
A: No network at the waterfall or for most of the trek. BSNL works in some patches near villages. Carry a satellite communication device for emergency if going with a large group.
Q: Are there leeches on the trek?
A: Yes, especially after monsoon (October–December). Wear leech socks, carry salt or a leech repellent.
Q: Can we bring children or elderly?
A: No – the trek is too strenuous and remote. Minimum age recommended: 15 years.
Q: Is the waterfall affected by seasonal fluctuations?
A: Yes. October–January offers moderate to good flow. After March it shrinks to a trickle. Plan accordingly.
References & More Information
- Telangana Forest Department – Eco‑tourism guidelines for Gundala Mandal (2023).
- District Tourism Promotion Council, Bhadradri Kothagudem – Offbeat trails brochure.
- Local guide knowledge and oral histories from Cheemalagudem village elders.
- Telangana Tourism – Adventure & Trekking
- Wikipedia – Bhadradri Kothagudem district