Are you looking for a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure of nature? If yes, then Tada Falls is the perfect destination for you. Tada Falls, also known as Ubbalamudugu Falls or Kambakam Falls, is a stunning waterfall located near the Tricity and Oneness Temple in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and pilgrims, who visit the place to enjoy the scenic beauty, the thrilling trek, and the sacred temple.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to trekking and camping at Tada Falls, with information on how to reach, what to expect, and what to avoid. We will also tell you about the history, legend, and significance of Tada Falls and the nearby attractions that you can explore along with it.
How to Reach Tada Falls
Tada Falls is about 95 km from Chennai and 250 km from Bangalore, and can be easily reached by road from both the cities. You can either take your own vehicle or use public transportation to reach the base camp near a village, where you can park your vehicle and pay a nominal entry fee. From there, you can start your trek to the waterfall. Here are the details of how to reach Tada Falls by road from Chennai and Bangalore:
From Chennai
- Distance: About 95 km
- Time: About 2 hours
- Route: Take the Chennai-Tirupati Highway (NH 205) and drive till Varadaiahpalem. From there, take a left turn and follow the signboards to reach the Tricity and Oneness Temple. The base camp is about 10 km from the temple.
From Bangalore
- Distance: About 250 km
- Time: About 4 hours
- Route: Take the Bangalore-Chennai Highway (NH 48) and drive till Poonamallee. From there, take the Chennai-Tirupati Highway (NH 205) and follow the same route as mentioned above.
Tada Falls Trekking Route Map
The trek to Tada Falls is about 10 km (one way) and takes about 3 to 4 hours (one way) to complete. The trek is moderate to difficult, depending on your fitness level and experience. The trek passes through a dense forest with streams of clear water flowing down the hill. After a small on-ground hike, you enter the forest with a well-marked trail. The trail becomes rocky and full of boulders, which you have to climb in order to reach the top of the waterfall. The waterfall is aligned in a cascading manner, with several pools of water at different levels. You can enjoy the view and take a dip in the water, but be careful of the slippery rocks and the strong current.
Tada Falls Trekking Guide
Here is a detailed guide on how to trek to Tada Falls from the base camp, with information on the distance, difficulty level, duration, route, and things to carry:
- Distance: About 10 km (one way)
- Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
- Duration: About 3 to 4 hours (one way)
- Route: The trek starts from the base camp near a village, where you can park your vehicle and pay a nominal entry fee. The trek passes through a dense forest with streams of clear water flowing down the hill. After a small on-ground hike, you enter the forest with a well-marked trail. The trail becomes rocky and full of boulders, which you have to climb in order to reach the top of the waterfall. The waterfall is aligned in a cascading manner, with several pools of water at different levels. You can enjoy the view and take a dip in the water, but be careful of the slippery rocks and the strong current.
- Things to carry: Water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, trekking shoes, comfortable clothes, first aid kit, torch, and a tent if planning to camp overnight.
Tada Falls Camping Guide
If you want to extend your adventure and spend a night under the stars, you can camp near Tada Falls. There are some spots near the waterfall where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the nature. However, you need to take some precautions and follow some rules while camping at Tada Falls. Here is a guide on how to camp near Tada Falls, with information on the best spots, facilities, and precautions:
- Best spots: Some of the best spots to camp near the waterfall are the fifth stream, the seventh stream, and the ninth stream. These spots have enough space to accommodate tents, and offer a good view of the waterfall and the forest. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as:
* The fifth stream is the most popular spot, and can get crowded during weekends and holidays. It also has a lot of litter and noise, which can spoil the experience.
* The seventh stream is a bit secluded and peaceful, but it also has a lot of mosquitoes and insects, which can be annoying and harmful.
* The ninth stream is the closest to the waterfall, and has the best view and sound, but it also has the highest risk of flash floods and landslides, especially during the rainy season.
- Facilities: There are some facilities available near the camping spots, such as toilets, drinking water, firewood, and security guards. However, they are not very well-maintained or reliable, and you should not depend on them entirely. You should carry your own essentials and be prepared for any emergencies.
- Precautions: There are some precautions to take while camping near Tada Falls, such as:
* Carry enough food and water, as there are no shops or eateries near the waterfall.
* Keep the place clean and dispose of your waste properly. Do not litter or damage the nature and the wildlife.
* Avoid alcohol and loud music, as they can disturb the peace and attract unwanted attention. Respect the local culture and the rules of the forest department.
* Be aware of the wildlife and the weather, and do not venture too far from your campsite. Carry a torch and a whistle, and stay in touch with your group and the guards.
* Do not camp alone, and always inform someone about your plans and whereabouts.
Tada Falls Trekking Tips
Here are some useful tips on when to visit, what to wear, and what to avoid while trekking and camping at Tada Falls:
- When to visit: The best time to visit Tada Falls is during the monsoon or post-monsoon season, from August to December, when the waterfall is in full flow and the forest is lush green. The weather is also pleasant and cool, with an average temperature of 25°C to 35°C. However, you should also be careful of the heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides, and check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
- What to wear: You should wear trekking shoes and comfortable clothes that can get wet and dirty. You should also carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. You should also carry a raincoat or a poncho to protect yourself from the rain. You should also carry a change of clothes and a towel, in case you want to take a dip in the water or camp overnight.
- What to avoid: You should avoid visiting Tada Falls during the summer season, from March to June, when the waterfall is dry and the forest is barren. The weather is also hot and humid, with an average temperature of 35°C to 45°C. You should also avoid visiting Tada Falls during the peak season, from January to February, when the place is crowded with pilgrims and tourists. You should also avoid littering, venturing too close to the edge of the waterfall or the pools, and visiting the place alone.
History, Legend, and Significance of Tada Falls
Tada Falls is not just a natural wonder, but also a cultural and spiritual treasure. It has a rich history, a fascinating legend, and a deep significance for the people who visit it. Here are some facts about the history, legend, and significance of Tada Falls:
- History: Tada Falls is believed to be one of the oldest waterfalls in India, dating back to the prehistoric times. It is also said to be the source of the Swarnamukhi River, which flows through the Chittoor district and joins the Bay of Bengal. Tada Falls was also a part of the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled over South India from the 14th to the 17th century. The waterfall was used as a source of water and a strategic location for the empire. Tada Falls was also a refuge for the freedom fighters during the Indian independence movement, who used the forest as a hideout and a base.
- Legend: Tada Falls is also associated with a legend related to Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration. According to the legend, Lord Shiva performed the marriage of Lord Venkateshwara and Goddess Padmavati at Tada Falls, and later performed penance here. He also created the waterfall by striking his trident on the rocks, and blessed the place with his presence. Many devotees visit Tada Falls on Shivratri, the festival of Lord Shiva, and offer prayers and offerings to him.
- Significance: Tada Falls is also a place of significance for the people who visit it, as it offers them a chance to experience the beauty, the adventure, and the spirituality of the place. Tada Falls is a place where one can enjoy the scenic view of the waterfall and the forest, the thrilling trek and the camping, and the sacred temple and the legend. Tada Falls is a place where one can connect with nature, oneself, and the divine.
Places to Visit Near Tada Falls
If you want to explore more of the region and its attractions, you can visit some of the nearby places along with Tada Falls. Here are some of the places to visit near Tada Falls, with information on their location, distance, and features:
- Srikalahasti Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Chittoor, about 36 km from Tirupati. The temple is known for its architectural and sculptural excellence, and its significance as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element of air. The temple is also famous for its Rahu-Ketu pooja, which is believed to ward off the evil effects of the planets.
- Nagalapuram: A beautiful hill station and a popular trekking destination, located in Chittoor, about 78 km from the city center. The place is known for its scenic beauty, its waterfalls, and its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The trek to Nagalapuram is about 12 km (one way) and takes about 4 to 5 hours (one way) to complete. The trek passes through a dense forest, a rocky terrain, and several pools of water, where one can swim and relax.
- Horsley Hills: A scenic hill station and a summer retreat, located near the border between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, about 90 km from Chittoor. The place is known for its pleasant climate, its lush greenery, and its panoramic views. The place also offers some activities such as boating, zorbing, rappelling, and birdwatching. The place also has a zoo, a museum, and a park, where one can see various animals, plants, and artifacts.
- Kailasakona Waterfalls: A perennial waterfall with a legend associated with Lord Shiva, located in Nagari Valley near Tirupati, about 68 km from Chittoor. The waterfall is about 40 metres high, and has a pool of water at its base, which is said to have medicinal properties. The waterfall is also said to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati spent some time during their wedding. The place also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where one can offer prayers and offerings.
- Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple: A renowned temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located in Kanipakam village near Chittoor, about 11 km from the city center. The temple is known for its miraculous idol of Lord Ganesha, which is said to be self-manifested and growing in size. The temple is also famous for its Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated for 21 days in the month of September, and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country.
Conclusion
Tada Falls is a hidden gem of South India, where you can experience the best of nature, adventure, and spirituality. Whether you want to enjoy the waterfall, trek through the forest, camp under the stars, or visit the temple, Tada Falls has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Tada Falls today and discover the beauty and the mystery of this amazing place.
