Explore Telangana

Bordering the banks of River Godavari, 30 km from Nizamabad, Basara is a quaint little village in the Adilabad district. It attributes a major share of its adulation to the presence of the famous Gnana Saraswati temple.

The temple is a major attraction in the village not only for the local people but also for tourists who travel from far and wide to offer their prayers to its presiding deity. Basara Saraswathi Temple is one of the famous Temples in Telangana. Every year, tourists from all over India visit this Gnana Saraswati Temple of Basara. Basara Temple is one of the two Saraswathi Temples of India (The other temple is in Kashmir)

As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. The temple also houses the idols of Goddess Lakhshmi and Kali. The story behind the origin of the temple has various versions. Some believe that it was built during the Chalukya period while others opine that Bijialudu a king of Karnataka who ruled Nanded area, built this beautiful Basar Saraswati Temple in 6th century.

Yet another school of thought believes that Maharishi Vyas (Maharshi Veda Vyasa), after the Kurukshetra, halted at this spot and laid the foundations of the temple by placing three heaps of sand representing the idols of the three Goddesses: Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali. It is believed that Maharishi Vyasa made idols of the three Goddesses with that Sand and used Turmeric also. The presence of the marble image of the Maharishi along with his Samadhi indicates the validity of this theory of the temple’s origin. According to Brahmanda Purana, it is also believed that Maharsi Veda Vyasa completed writing of Mahabharata at this place.

Being the abode of the Goddess of learning, the temple assumes the role of becoming the preferred destination for Akshara Abhyasam. This is the ceremony which marks the commencement of formal education in a child’s life and is usually held on the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami which is held with great fanfare within the temple premises. On the first day of spring, children dressed in new clothes enter the temple precincts to practice writing the first alphabets in the presence of the Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge. She blesses them with her auspicious presence to move on in their life’s journey to seek and attain more wisdom. Children offer the Mother Goddess flowers and dedicate their books, pens and pencils to seek her blessings.

Basara Saraswathi temple also becomes a riot of colors and is flooded with devotees during the other three festivals namely Vyasa Purnima, Maha Shivaratri and Dussera Navaratri. The Maha Shivaratri festival is held during the Magh Bahula Trayodashi. This is the ceremony which celebrates the greatness of the Lord Shiva. The temple premises are decked in flowers. Thousands of people all over Telangana and Maharastra states throng the temple to join in the celebrations.

The Vyasa Purnima festival is celebrated to commemorate the founder of the temple Sage Vyasa. It is held every year on Ashada Purnima and is a major event in the temple. The nine days of Navaratri hold equal importance in the temple. Devotees throng to the temple premises to join in the Navaratri festivities which commences on Ashwayuja Shudda Dashami.

The idol of Goddess Mahakali is located on the first floor of the Basar temple very close to the main temple. The presence of Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Kali has lent the temple a different mystic charm. Devotees often refer to the presence of this holy threesome as the Divine Trinity.

There are only two temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswati in India. The other temple can be found in Jammu & Kashmir. Consequently, the Basara temple receives considerable attention owing to its uniqueness.

Special Attractions of Basara Temple

Basara Saraswathi Temple Timings:4 AM to 8:30 PM daily

Nearby by Tourist Attractions:

Distance to Basara:

How to reach Basara:

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Accommodation in Basara:

Procedure to book Accommodation in Basara:

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Located on the Kadam River in the small village of Neredikonda, the Kuntala waterfalls paints a beautiful vista over the Adilabad tourism horizon and Telangana waterfalls. Known to be the highest waterfall in the Telangana state, its gushing waters as they cascade over the mountains does generate awe in the hearts of its visitors. The sheet of water from River Kadam, a tributary of the Godavari, cascades over two separate steps. Such is nature’s bounty that the 147 feet high waterfall gives the appearance of two adjacent falls in peak monsoon. Therefore tourists visiting the falls in monsoons can surely view a double bonanza at the cost of one.

The Kuntala Waterfalls is associated with a beautiful legend. It is said that the beautiful Shakuntala frequently visited this picturesque spot and often used to bathe in Kuntala’s pristine waters. She also fell in love with King Dushyanth at this very spot. In fact, the waterfall has also been named after the mythological beauty.

Tourists can reach the waterfalls from Nirmal or from Adilabad through well-built motorable roads. All vehicles can travel till Kuntala, the access point of the falls. From Kuntala however it is a short walk of 10 – 20 minutes which primarily includes climbing down a total of 408 steps that have been cut into the hills to help tourists reach the bottom of the falls. On reaching the foot of the falls, the sight that presents itself as one looks up is spellbinding. The 147 feet sheet of water gorging down and splashing itself playfully as it touches earth is indeed a sight to behold. It is however risky to get into the waters, particularly during monsoons when the water flow is very strong owing to the presence of sharp rocks and twists.

The Kuntala waterfall presents a fantastic option for a one day trip from Hyderabad. The place around is so picturesque that a day out with family and friends seems just to be the best way to spend the weekend. On days when the flow of water is not that heavy, tourists can also enjoy a walk on the river bed and sit around on the scattered boulders for a prolonged photo session.

The depth at the point where the water falls on the ground is believed to more than 300 feet and 700 feet for the Waterfalls on left side and right side respectively. An interesting fact is one of the falls is called as ‘Deva Kanyala Gundam’. Local believe that angels come to these waterfalls even now and advise the tourists not to go near to waterfalls during nights. As it’s a dense forest, it’s not advisable to go far from waterfalls.

The Kuntala waterfall is as much a favourite with people as it is with the Gods. As evidence of the divine affinity for the place, one can find the Someshwara Swami temple located close to the Kuntala fall. The temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. With the beautiful Kuntala waterfalls as a pleasant backdrop the temple surely draws several devotees. ). The temple is in a small cave located in between the two waterfalls of Kuntala. The entrance of this cave is in an oval shape of 1.5 feet wide and 2.5 feet in length. Locals believe that a sage used to do meditation in this temple. One can visit this temple only during March-June. During rainy season the flow of water is so huge that this cave is fully filled with water. The maximum footfalls are however witnessed during the Maha Shivaratri festival when devotees throng the temple to offer their prayers to the Lord. The temple can be accessed through a narrow passage cut into the hills through which the Kuntala waterfalls flow.

Set amidst the Sahayadri Mountains, the Kuntala Waterfalls is a beautiful natural gift to Adilabad tourism. The road leading to the falls is mesmerizing as it is bordered with emerald green forests on both sides. The vista as it opens up suddenly into the frothy waters of the Kuntala waterfalls is breathtaking. It is a definite stop over while planning any trip to Adilabad.

Special Attractions:
– The picturesque setting and the breathtaking vistas are a major attraction for all tourists visiting the Kuntala waterfalls.
– The Kuntala waterfall presents the unique combination of being a spot for pleasure trips as well as a site of religious significance. While its views enthrall pleasure seeking tourists, the Someshwara Swami temple attracts the religious minded as well.
– An ideal spot for nature and photography lovers. Also an ideal picnic spot for family.
– Make sure you talk to locals to get some interesting and surprising facts about the place.

Distance to Kuntala Waterfalls:
– Distance from Hyderabad is 250Kms
– Distance from Nirmal is approx. 41 Kms
– Distance from Adilabad town is 57Kms

Journey Time By Road:
– 5 hours from Hyderabad
– 1 hour from Nirmal
– 1.5 hours from Adilabad

Hyderabad to Kuntala Waterfalls Route by Road:
– From Hyderabad to NH7 via Bowenpally. After crossing Neredikonda, take right and drive for 11Kms and its Kuntala Waterfalls.

How to reach Kuntala Waterfalls:
– Buses ply between Hyderabad and Neredigonda. Tourists need to hire private vehicles from Neredigonda to reach the waterfalls. Buses also ply from Hyderabad to Nirmal which is located at a distance of 30 km from Neredigonda, the entry point to the falls.

Bus Timings:
Hyderabad(MGBS) to Nirmal starting at 3:30AM at every 1 hour till 11:45PM
Hyderabad (MGBS) to Adilabad via Kamareddy, Armoor and Nirmal starting at 4:30AM at every 2 hrs till 11:15PM.

Nearest Railway Station: Adilabad Railway Station is the closest station that can be accessed to reach the fall. It is located at a distance of 57 km from the falls.

Where to stay: (Kuntala Waterfalls Accommodation)
– The best place for tourists to stay while visiting Kuntala waterfalls would be at Nirmal or Adilabad. Some of the reasonably good hotels at these places include Sri Krishna Residency, Haritha Hotel, Sanjay Lodge, Tirumala Lodge, Raviteja Hotel, and Laxmi Residency Hotel.
– There is also a guest house at Kuntala Waterfalls. One can take help of locals to arrange an accommodation in the guest house.

Food Facilities:
You can pack food at Nirmal which is on the way Kuntala Waterfalls.
You can even ask locals of Kuntala village to cook food for yourself and pay accordingly.

Best Time to visit: July to November is the best time to visit so that one can enjoy the full flow of waterfalls due to monsoons.

Nearby by Tourist Attractions:
– Someshwara Swami Temple
– Pochera Waterfall
– Sri Ram Sagar Project
– Nirmal Toy Emporium

Useful Contact Numbers:
– Adilabad Tourism Officer: 9440816087
– Kuntala Waterfalls Guide: Somanna – 9441078662
– Sri Krishna Residency, Hotel, (Opp: Nirmal Toys Showroom, Nirmal), Tel: 08734-244255, Mobile: 9705972103