Ubbalamadugu Falls
(Tada Falls)
Ubbalamadugu Falls (also
called Tada Falls) is a waterfall located to the North of Sricity in the Chittoor district of India. It is coming under the Buchinaidu kandriga &
Varadaiahpalem mandals. The falls are located 92 kilometers (50 mi)
from Chennai and 45 kilometers (22 mi) from Srikalahasti. Tada falls also called as Ubbalamadugu Falls is in Tada
sub-division of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh on the border of Tamilnadu
and Andhra Pradesh.
Tada Falls is a popular tourist
destination. The view of the verdant green surroundings amidst which the
beautiful cascade tumbles down is a sheer delight. The best season to visit
this place is from mid October to mid February when the rains are in full swing.
The falls are located in a forest
called the Siddulaiah Kona.
The relation to Lord Shiva ensures
that the festival of Maha
Shivrathri is a common time for people to
visit.
As this water fall is located near a
dense forest it is also a recommended destination for nature walks and bird
watching and best sought after by trekking enthusiasts as one can trek down to
the falls. Ubbalamadugu Falls forms a natural swimming pool at the base where
trekkers can take a swim and rest. This place is also a preferred destination
for a lot of families as there are numerous picnic spots near the falls.
Kalki Oneness Temple and Pulicat
Lake are other attractions that are located close to the Ubbalamadugu Falls and
can be clubbed together for a visit. As this place is a tourist hotspot, buses,
autos and taxis are available on a regular basis.
The terrain that surrounds the falls
includes rocky hill formations and lush forests interspersed with a number of
streams. The rugged beauty of the path that leads to the falls attracts
trekking enthusiasts from all over the country. The path has a number of spots
where trekkers relax and refresh themselves during the challenging ascend. The
spectacular beauty of the waterfalls unfolds at the end of the 90 minute climb,
giving trekkers a fitting reward and an experience to cherish.
At a distance of 29 km from Tada, 45
km from Srikalahasti, 85 km from Tirupati, 92 km from Chennai, 130 km from
Nellore and 156 km from Chittoor, Tada falls or Ubbalamadugu Falls is situated
in Varadaiahpalem mandal of Chittoor district. It is situated on the border of
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
To reach the falls visitors have go
through the Varadaiahpalem village, about 12 km from Tada falls. There is only
7 km rugged path and the remaining distance has to be trekked through. SUVs or
vehicles with high ground clearance are best suited to reach the trekking
starting point. Autos can also be hired from Varadaiahpalem village to the
trekking starting point. There is a forest check post on the way where visitors
need to pay Rs 50 per vehicle and Rs 50 for camera. There is limited guidance
in the form of arrow marks and it is advisable to hire a villager as guide in
Varadaiahpalem village. The total trek distance would be about 10 km both ways,
which is somewhat difficult and advisable only for physically fit people.
As soon as you enter the forest you need to cross one small bridge. One can
witness the crystal clear water throughout the journey. Initial trek for about
1.5 km is easy and there is a stream beside Shiva temple on the way to the
falls. The path to the falls runs beside the stream. Visitors encounter the
first tier of the falls which is a beautiful place amidst thick forest and
rocky formations with a pool of water. The second tier of the falls is more
beautiful amidst serene location, but it demands tough trek through steep
boulders.
Last ATM point, snacks/ water
purchasing shops are at Tada town. There are frequent buses and auto to
Varadaiahpalem from Tada.
Best season to visit Tada falls is
post monsoon season that is from October to January.
This trek can't be done with children and elder persons.
Water Falls:
Ubbalamadugu Falls rise from a
height of 100 meters and are located in the Kaambakam Forest, also known as
Siddulaiah Kona. The waterfall is accessible at the point of origin and the
entire scenery at this location is splendid. To reach the place of origin, you
will have to climb many small hills. Along the way you will come across arrow
marks that will lead you to the destination. After a trek of 4 to 5 kms you
will get the first sight of a pool of water. By about 100 meters you can get a
complete view of the waterfalls, which is a breathtaking sight.
Camping and Trekking:
Ubbalamadugu Falls and the
surroundings are ideal for hiking, trekking and picnicking. While trekking to
the waterfalls it is important to be very careful as the huge boulders are
slippery due to the continuous flow of water.
The actual trek starts after you
reach the base camp. The total trek distance would be about 10kms to and from
with nearly 4kms in real rocky conditions. Once you reach the base camp which
is nothing but a slightly larger open space on this gravel road. If you are in
an SUV/bike, continue further till you reach a small stream of water. The depth
is only around a foot. So you can cross it comfortably and then park the
vehicle there. The distance between these two camps is just a furlong.
Trekkers have to cross a small
stream after the starting point. A small word of caution: Don't get excited on
seeing the water and get into it with your shoes on. It will become really
tough to trek with wet soles.
Once you cross this small stream the
walk continues till you reach a mud-path. Just follow this mud-path and you
will first go up the hill and then down the hill. It is quite tricky to follow
the path as in some places only rocks are seen and there is absolutely nothing
to indicate a path.
Keep walking along the mud-path and
you will cross another stream. Continue walking on the mud-path and around
30mins later you will reach a Siva Temple. This is the last place where you can
sit comfortably and have food, if you haven't had any so far. If you don't
reach the Siva temple within an hour and half of starting the trek, then you
have lost your way. Use the time tested method of following the stream and proceed.
After this point there is no proper
path and you have to rely on the direction shown people who are around the Siva
Temple. You have to cross the stream and then look for a path. You will find a
small clearing and this might help you on the way forward. From here on, the
trek starts to become difficult. You encounter rocks and millipedes on those
rocks on the way forward. (Remember to listen for the stream from this point
on. This would be very helpful.)
Some of the rocks are pretty big and
it would helpful if someone who is a good trekker is around. You have to climb
nearly 10ft at times and some of the formations are also difficult. There are
two falls, but only one can be found during peak summer before the rains have
started.
The Day is incomplete without a
Camera to click the Crystal clear Waters.
The ideal time to visit Tada is
between August-December when the sun is a little less intense. The worst time
is March-June.
Siddulaiah Temple:
There is a Siddulaiah Temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is popular in this region. The temple is
situated in the Ubbalamadugu village near Chittoor and Nellore. The location of
this temple gives the name Siddulaiah Kona to this place. Situated close to
Ubbalamadugu Waterfalls, this place is also frequented by tourists and
pilgrims. During Maha Shivrathri, the temple is thronged by ardent
devotees.
Travel Tips:
First go to Tada which is on the
border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. You can take NH-5 from Chennai and
drive for about 92 kilometers to reach Tada. Just before you enter the town
Tada, you hit the Kaalahasthi Road going west off NH-5. Take this road and go
another 10 to 15 kilometers till you hit Varadaiah Palem. Ask any local for
directions to Ubbalamadugu Falls. That is the actual name of the
Falls. In fact the falls are nearer to Kaalahasthi than to Tada. However since
the approach is from Tada, outsiders call it Tada Falls.
The road from Varadaiah Palem to
Ubbalamadugu check post is fairly good. If you are traveling in anything other
than an SUV or Motorbike, be very careful and drive slowly. Once you hit the check
post, listen patiently to all the warnings from the ranger-watchman and pay 50
rupees per vehicle.
After this point, there is no proper
road. All you see is an endless stretch of about two meters width comprising of
small to medium sized rocks amidst dense vegetation. The locals call it a road.
Again, if you are not in an SUV or a bike, the safest speed on this road is 5
kilometers per hour. Anything more than that is going to break your axle into
two if not three.
Backpacks are a must. This is
Godforsaken land. You won’t get anything. In fact you won’t see a human face
after the first two kilometers. So pack your backpacks adequately. Do NOT carry
a lot of water. Then it will be a additional burden for you as you have to
carry all along the way. Tada falls water is definitely much better and clearer
than the so called mineral water. It is best to carry a one-liter bottle of water
in every backpack. You can fill it up all through the trek. There is a water
stream running all along the trek path. The water is crystal clear.
Carry some medication Painkillers,
Mosquito repellents, bandage, Dettol and a pair of scissors with some clean
cloth.
From base camp till you reach the
Siva Temple, Path will be good & after this you have to cross the water
stream. Depth varies from 5 feet to 2 feet. Be careful while crossing this
stream. There are lots of submerged boulders.
Once you cross this point, there is
no such thing as a path. You need to trek on the rocks/boulders/logs/trees etc
to go upstream towards the water falls. Some rocks are taller than five meters
and some are steeper than you can imagine. A rope will come in handy in conquering
these rocks. When you come to the stage where you are greeted with an almost
formidable rock formation, do not get disheartened. This is the best place of
Tada Falls. You can see a clear water stream and a small waterfall sandwiched
between two boulders. Climb those boulders and sit under those falls.
Spend as much time as you can in
this point. Then gather all your energy and climb that rock formation. Life is
going to be easy once you conquer this formation. All you have to do next is to
climb the hill at an angle of 60 degrees for one more kilometer and then climb
down at the same angle for another kilometer. You will reach the Tada Falls.
You need at least two hours to reach the Sivalayam. So make sure you reach this
point before the sun sets.
Eat Outs:
Commercialization of this place
hasn't begun as on date. So, it is still a nice spot for trekking without the
usual buzz of people and shops surrounding you. There are small canteens and
grocery stores at Tada, where you can buy snacks or water. Locally the falls is
called "Ubbalamadugu falls". On the national highway there is Swathi restaurant
(A/C) opposite to SBI ATM and next to TADA police station, were you can find
south, north Indian and Chinese dishes.
Accommodation:
Tada is a rapidly growing centre
with good hotels and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can stay at Sricity which
offers tented camp with outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling etc.
AP Camping:
P.S.N.Raju,
Opp: Mamanduru
Web: www.apcamping.com,
Email: yesrajup@yahoo.com
Connectivity:
By Personal Vehicle:
To reach Tada, Cross the Padi
junction in Chennai and take the red hills route and join NH-5. Drive for about
60Kms and you will reach Tada town. Before you reach Tada you will cross the AP
check post. If you are taking taxis, then you will have to shell out permit tax
here (Rs.250 for Small cars) and it is pretty high for a Tata Sumo or Tempo
Traveller. It might be cost effective to take 2 small cars compared to a Tata
Sumo.
Once you reach Tada, take the left
which is right next to the bridge and you will reach Varadaiah Palem. Ask the
people for directions from here. You have to take a left turn to reach Tada
falls and there are absolutely no indications at this point. You can reach this
place from Kaalahasthi too.
By Bus:
SETC buses ply from Koyambedu, Chennai
(bus no.114) which drop drops you at Varadaiah Palem (the last human settlement
on the way to TADA falls). From Varadaiah Palem, Tada falls forest
department check point is around 8 kms. Book an Auto from Varadaiah Palem
to the Tada falls forest check point. It costs around 150-200 rupees depending
upon your bargaining skills.
By Train:
Trains towards Sullurpeta from
Chennai Central pass through Tada railway station. Frequency of the local train
is good and almost one train every two hours and the last train from Tada to
Chennai leaves at 8:30 pm.
By Air:
Nearest Domestic & International
Airport is Chennai.
City Taxi (+918297282979) is another reliable taxi service
at Tada.
