Hidden waterfall in Warangal forest

Warangal: About 55 km from Warangal, hidden inside a dense forest, is a perennial waterfall known as Bheemuni Padam (Bheema’s step) jalapatham.

Due to lack of proper facilities, it is not popular like the Laknavaran lake in the district. The Bheemuni Padam waterfall came into limelight a couple of years ago when determined tourists began making their way to it. About 100 people visit it every day.

It is through word-of-mouth that it is gaining popularity. However, there is no proper road to the waterfall, not even a a signboard. There is no hotel for several kilometres around the waterfall which is located in the agency areas.

The road to the waterfall from Warangal goes up to Narsampet, from where visitors have to take a left at Adivarmpet village. The roads are damaged after Kommulavancha village in Gudur mandal.

The road ends a kilometre from the waterfall, and visitors have to walk through the thick forests crossing small streams to reach the place.

At the Bheemuni Padam, water falls from a hillock from about 20 feet in a semi-circular enclosure. Apart from the sound of falling water, it is quiet all around. Legend goes that the Pandava Bheemasena once set foot here to make way for water to to save Papanachamma, a Yadava deity, after a local ruler, Muni Rajulm set her house on fire. Hence the name Bheemuni Padam.

It has has not been conclusively established where the water comes from. Even when the flow is less, it is used to irrigate local fields.

Visitors say the waterfall has lot of scope if facilities are provided and the tourism department  markets the place. Lack of security is a concern since the area can get lonely.

“This place is so beautiful. It is ideal for family picnics. But lack of proper roads is a drawback. I did not know this place existed all these years even though I am from Warangal,” said Santhosh, a tourist from Warangal.