Kuntala Waterfall

Kuntala Waterfall is a cataract in the Sahyadri hills of Telangana, where the Kaddem River drops roughly 150 feet (45 meters) over layered rock into a wide pool below. The cascade forms a thick white curtain during monsoon months and narrows to a thinner stream during dry periods.

The waterfall takes its name from Shakuntala, a character in Sanskrit literature who married King Dushyanta, reflecting centuries of storytelling tradition in the region. Between 2000 and 2006, accidents caused by powerful whirlpools and currents prompted the installation of safety barriers around the viewing area.

The surrounding Sahyadri mountain ranges contain dense forests that provide a natural sanctuary for regional flora and fauna species.

The area around the cascade has uneven rock surfaces that become slippery after rain, so solid footwear and careful footing are advisable. The best months to visit are between July and October when the Kaddem carries the most water and the surrounding forest appears greenest.

The pool at the base is deep enough that whirlpools once posed a danger to swimmers until barriers and warning signs were installed. Even today, bathing remains discouraged due to unpredictable undercurrents that form when water levels rise.