Telangana: Enjoy the thrill of a 170-metre waterfall
Nestled in the forest, it has become a picnic spot for families.
Warangal: The 170-meter-tall, naturally-formed, multi-step waterfall that is found amid a series of hillocks on the outskirts of Rayikal village is a treat for the eyes. It is located 40 km away from Warangal city, on the border of Warangal Urban and Karimnagar districts, in the Saidapur forest area.
Relatively unknown to the rest of the world, it attracts locals looking to spend time in the lap of nature. After the recent bout of heavy rains, the waterfall is full of life. It has recently begun gaining popularity because of pictures being shared on social media by local visitors.
Visitors say that the waterfall has the potential to become a tourist attraction. “Though it is not as big as the Bogatha Waterfalls, its location in the midst of a forest encourages nature-lovers to visit the place. Families and friends can enjoy themselves here. There is enough space to sit and have a picnic,” says Devarakonda Parameshwar, from Warangal.
Local villager R. Santhosh says that the area can be dangerous as the forest is home to wild animals such as bears and boars. However, not many animals have been sighted there in the recent past and people from the nearby villages and hamlets have been visiting the waterfall regularly, without incident.
The waterfall
Water cascades down the rocks, in multiple levels, like a slinky tumbling down a staircase. A soothing sound is produced by the falling water. The beautiful scenery is completed by the hillocks which are full of lush, green trees.
How to get there
To reach the waterfall, you must travel by the Husnabad-Siddipet Road, turn right at Mulkanoor, and pass through Vangara, the native place of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, to reach Rayikal village. From the village, you must travel towards the south for about 3 km, through a small road that passes through the fields. At the end of the road, at the village tank, you must park your vehicle and trek up the hill for a distance of one-and-a-half kilometres to reach the waterfall.
What to carry
The waterfalls attract adventurous tourists who enjoy trekking and hiking. If you are interested in visiting the place, you must carry food with you as there are no restaurants close by. Closed shoes and clothes that cover the entire body are recommended.