Nimisha Yerram
Tucked in the dense forests of the Sahyadri range, nearly 12 kilometers from Neradigonda in Telangana’s Adilabad district, Kuntala Waterfalls roar with a kind of majesty that could stop a wandering soul in its tracks. Today, its echo softens, not because the waters have dried, but because the world has stopped listening.
At a height of 147 feet, Kuntala is the highest waterfall in Telangana, born from the Kadam River, a tributary of the Godavari. Its waters cascade in a single drop, striking the rocks below with a force both wild and graceful. In monsoon months, the falls swell with life, lush greenery hugging the cliffs, and the air heavy with mist that smells of wet soil, moss, and a hint of legend.
Locals whisper the story of Shakuntala, the mythological consort of King Dushyanta. According to folklore, it was here in these forests that the two lovers met. The name “Kuntala” is said to be derived from “Shakuntala.” Some even say she bathed in these very waters. The legend, while unverifiable, lends the place a romantic charm a kind of stillness that invites reflection.
But while history and myth sleep under the same shade here, the present-day reality tugs at that magic. Once a closely guarded treasure of tribal communities, Kuntala has now become a weekend getaway for tourists. And like most places touched by sudden tourism, it bears the scars plastic bottles floating near the edges, snack wrappers stuck between rocks, and makeshift stalls popping up without regulation.
Despite being promoted by the Telangana Tourism Department, basic amenities are limited. There are over 400 stone steps leading down to the base, yet there are no safety railings on some stretches. In the monsoon, when the waterfall is at its best, it’s also at its most dangerous. Tragic accidents have occurred due to slippery rocks and a lack of official guides or lifeguards.
That said, there is an undeniable charm that still clings to Kuntala — a resilience, much like that of the tribal people who live around it. The Gonds and Kolams, traditional forest dwellers, still perform their rituals during the full moon, believing the waterfall to be sacred. Their connection to the land, to the sounds of the river and the rustling trees, is deeper than any modern tourist can fathom.
Efforts have begun in recent years to revive and preserve the falls. Local NGOs have conducted clean-up drives, and young students from nearby towns like Adilabad and Nirmal often visit not just for selfies, but to document, study, and protect what remains. Some even campaign for sustainable eco-tourism, calling for limits on plastic use, controlled visitor entries, and preserving the tribal rights and culture.
Kuntala isn’t just a place to visit it’s a story waiting to be heard. of ancient love, untamed nature, neglected beauty, and quiet resistance. It reminds us that not all power roars some just flows, tirelessly, waiting to be remembered.