Talakona - More than just a Falls

The Talakona waterfall is in Chittoor District of Andhra pradesh in India. With a 270 feet (82 m)-fall, Talakona is the highest waterfall in the Andhra pradesh state. It is located 36 kilometres (22 mi) from Piler,49 kilometres (30 mi) from Tirupathi, 220 kilometres (140 mi) from Chennai, and 105 kilometres (65 mi) from Chittoor and 250 kilometres (160 mi) from Banglore.

(Shot with 10-22 mm Canon lens @ 10mm on a crop sensor camera)

Thanks to my friends at office, we left on a saturday morning, and motored (slowly) and reached the green wet thalakona forest by lunchtime. Talakona does not have many shops, so if you want to buy anything, do it 23 kms before.

There are no mobile towers in that place, so you can’t be reached while you’re there (Best place to be if you’re one of the most sought one by your Boss!!!). Surprisingly the government guest house accommodation was neat and clean. The food has to be consumed at a local eatery (it is better that you don't actually see the preparation) and also can be ordered for room service (preferred).
Caution: The place is full of aggressive monkeys.

After finishing half stomach of lunch (made a lot of compromises), went to the Falls. Afterdropping from the van, had to walk about 1 km in the concrete path (mostly easy one for all ages) to reach the falls.

It wasn’t kind of Kutralam falls but a decent one. So lower down your expectations, if any.

The Falls was just perfect. It was said by the localities that the falls would have water almost throughout the year, the peak season being August & September. The most driest period is April & May..

Most of the areas of water falls (at lower level) were accessible for everyone (including Ladies) except a few.

Mostly famous for its waterfalls, Talakona has the most wholesome and serene atmosphere. The waterfalls is located amidst beauty and greenery. The water of the Talakona is enriched with herbs and people believe that it has healing properties.



I am told that trekking can be arranged there. Would’ve been wonderful had we taken one. Most of the time our team was very busy with the pets they’ve brought and hence couldn’t go to any place other than falls. Came to know (very late..!) that the spot has a beautiful Canopy walk and even has some kind of boating and swimming pool (!!!). Missed it!

Left the place around Noon time on Sunday and reached Chennai by 6.30 p.m. Overall it was a nice experience. If next time I go there (with family) I would prefer to pack my food too.

The contact for Room reservations at Talakona:-
For Hut houses :- 9490609117, 9491135641 – Mr. Gangoji / Mr. Raganna
For Concrete houses: - 08584-272425 – Mr. Murali Krishna.

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