The highest waterfall in Telangana (about 45 m), reached by a flight of steps down through forest to viewing points on the Kadam river.
Kuntala Waterfall, in Neredigonda mandal of Adilabad district, Telangana, India, is the highest waterfall in the state at about 45 m, falling in stages on the Kadam river. The Kuntala Waterfall Steps are the stone staircase that descends through forest to a series of viewing points near the cascade. The walk is about 500 m of steps, with roughly 100 m of descent and matching ascent on the return, and takes one to one and a half hours. It is rated easy, though the climb back up the steps can tire visitors in the heat.
Trailhead access is by road. The falls are about 60 km from Adilabad town, and Adilabad is on the Secunderabad-Nagpur rail line, so many visitors arrive by train and continue by taxi. Parking is available near the top of the steps, and current entry arrangements and any fees should be confirmed with the tourism or forest authorities. Local buses may serve nearby villages, but a taxi or private vehicle is the practical choice.
The surface is a built stone staircase running down through forest, with railings in places and platforms at viewpoints. Technical difficulty is low, and there is no scrambling. The steps become slippery when wet with spray and monsoon rain, and moss can grow on the shaded sections. Tree cover gives partial shade along the descent, while the viewpoints near the water are damp and cool. Exposure at the viewing platforms is moderate, so visitors should keep to the marked areas and avoid the river edge.
Key landmarks are the top viewpoint, the descending stairway, the mid-level viewing points where the stepped fall is visible, and the lower platforms close to the spray. A turn-around point can be chosen at any platform, since the route is a single staircase. The waterfall is at its best from August to December, after the monsoon has fed the Kadam river, while flow reduces in the dry months. There are no huts along the steps, though small stalls near the car park may sell drinks. Visitors should carry water, wear non-slip shoes and bring spare clothes if planning to get wet.
| Distance | About 500 m of stone steps |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | About 60 km from Adilabad town by road; Adilabad is on the Secunderabad-Nagpur rail line, then take a taxi |
| Best season | August-December |
| Address | Kuntala Waterfalls, Neradigonda, Adilabad district, Telangana 504323, India |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Neredigonda mandal, Adilabad district
What to bring
- Non-slip shoes
- Water
- Rain jacket
- Spare clothes
Location
Kuntala Waterfalls, Neradigonda, Adilabad district, Telangana 504323, India
19.2850, 78.5030 View on map
Highlights
- The highest waterfall in Telangana at about 45 m
- Stone staircase descending through forest to viewing points
- Spray and pools on the Kadam river
- Short outing of about 500 m each way
Tips for visiting
- Wear non-slip shoes; the steps are wet and mossy in the monsoon.
- Carry water for the climb back up the staircase.
- Bring a rain jacket and spare clothes if visiting in the wet season.
- Visit between August and December when the flow is strongest.
- Keep to the marked viewing platforms and away from the river edge.
When to visit
August to December, when the river is in flow. Mornings are cooler for the climb back up.
Accessibility
The route is a long flight of stone steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The top viewpoint near the car park can be seen without descending.
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Frequently asked questions
How tall is Kuntala Waterfall?
It is the highest waterfall in Telangana, at about 45 m, falling in stages on the Kadam river.
How many steps and how long is the walk?
The staircase covers about 500 m and takes one to one and a half hours for the descent, viewing and return.
How do visitors get to Kuntala from Adilabad?
The falls are about 60 km from Adilabad town by road. Adilabad is on the Secunderabad-Nagpur rail line, then a taxi covers the rest.