A hidden waterfall that surfaces in rainy season

Warangal/Karimnagar: Come rains, the waterfalls skidding down a series of hillocks known as Neelagiri guttalu, near Raikal village in the Saidapur forest area, little around 50 kilometers from Warangal, is a picture-perfect picnic spot.

Raikal waterfall is one of those less explored destinations in north Telangana. Coz the waterfall has neither a better access nor amenities, notwithstanding the authorities' promise to turn it as a tourist spot. The other big drawback is that waters here cascade down only when rains are around.

With waters meandering through hillocks, perched on the border of Warangal Urban and Karimnagar districts, from the height of nearly 200 meters, the waterfall is safe and playable unlike the Bogatha waterfalls in Mulugu district where it was unsafe for the visitors to venture.

Even though the visitors have to toil a bit to trek a steeply road leading to the spot, it's a jolly good hike in the serene settings of a village with green pastures all around. The small stream flowing amid crevices of hillocks that takes a staircase-like plunge allows visitors have fun and frolic.

However, reaching the spot is a bit strenuous exercise for the visitors as there was no sign of development to turn the place a tourist spot. The visitors who turned to see the falls on Sunday had a tough time with the road leading to hillocks was skiddy and full of potholes.

It may be recalled here that in a bid to promote the waterfall, Karimnagar District Collector Sarfaraz Ahmad and Commissioner of Police V B Kamalasan Reddy trekked the hillocks a couple of years ago.

Then the Collector had assured that measures would be taken to develop the place by constructing a pucca road from Raikal village to the waterfall and ensuring other amenities with the help of forest and tourism departments.

Speaking to The Hans India, Amulya Ceremilla who visited the spot on Sunday, said: "It's a visual fiesta for nature lovers. If developed, the picturesque waterfall is best suited for adventure sports also. There is enough space downhill for recreation activities."

"Even though the waterfall is attracting a large number of nature lovers, it's unfortunate that the authorities are least bothers about providing amenities. The village committee which collecting parking fee needs to repair the road," Satyam Patel said.