Ethipothala Water Falls

Ethipotala Falls as seen from the viewing point. The falls would be spectacular in the wet season. Alas this was taken in
the heat of summer. Still, the geological formation and natural environment are a sight to behold.

A visit to the Ethipothala Falls in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India in the dry season is a surreal experience worth doing. From the nearest town you drive on for hours through scrub-land filled with stunted, spiny trees and cacti, and the soil that looked more promising of having dust storms than a 70 feet waterfall.

The dry scrub forest landscape before reaching the falls.

Only as you come closer to the confluence of the three streams that give rise to the falls will you see how the presence of water changes the landscape tremendously. Vegetation suddenly become a plenty and the lush tropical feel returns to the landscape.

From the waterfall viewing point, one can see that the falls must be huge during the rainy season, for rock surfaces that bear testament to the erosive forces of water spans a large area of the falls.

Part of the falls that have water in summer.

The water from the streams that form the falls appear to magically fall off the rocky cliff and onto a green pool of water. We managed to see water from two water source, possibly two of the three streams that form the falls had more water at that time.

We walked about the park area where the viewing point was, and the view of the surrounding scrub-land and the falls do make a good backdrop for photos.

Other than seeing the falls with your own eyes and taking landscape photos, there is nothing much to do here. We were told that the path to the pools is to the right of the entrance of the viewing area (as you are exiting the park). There is a concrete arch, and a sandy rock path/steps that seems to meander into the bushes.

It is a good to walk down to the pools of the falls if you have time (or make time for it). There are a few small shrine/temples, and the local priest will probably try to extract a donation from you for showing you around. The pools at the foot of the falls are inviting, but they are apparently used for crocodile breeding projects!

Steps down to the pools of the falls.

We met some interesting local folk at the pool
of the waterfall - a native in her traditional gear.

 SUMMARY:

• It is worth seeing even in the dry season.
• There is a stall that sells drinks and snacks in the viewing area - the staff will wield a cane to chase away pesky monkeys when you are having a drink or snack.
• Do spend time to go down to the pools at the foot of the falls.
• Swimming in the pools is at your own risk!