Pochera Waterfalls Adilabad

Pochera Waterfalls is located in the Adilabad District, known as the District of Forests in the state of Andhra Pradesh. In fact, 70% of the district is covered by forest.

Pochera Waterfalls is near Kuntala Waterfalls and is located on the River Godavari. The water cascades down at a height of 66 feet (20 metres). The pond below the waterfalls is wide and deep. The place around the waterfall is scenic and beautiful, since the water that flows in to the pond is perennial. The vegetation is lush and dense. River Godavari originates from the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.

Situated deep in the forest, it was only discovered of late. The river Godavari flows down from the Sahyadiri Mountains in different streams and gathers collectively as it approaches the waterfalls and these waters replenish the waterfalls. The sound of the force of water rushing down can be heard before it can be seen as the sound echoes around the mountains. There are smaller cascades before the final fall in to the pond at the foothills. There are different streams and some of them are perennial and others are active only during monsoons. What makes Pochera Waterfall so unique is that the road is motorable up to the point of the waterfall. In fact, this is the only waterfall in Andhra Pradesh that is approachable but still maintains the allure and beauty that nature has provided it with.

The forest around the waterfalls has not been intruded upon by modernization or otherwise and thus it is a unique experience to be able to watch nature and the raw force on display.

HISTORY

The legends state that sages had performed austere penance at this place dedicated to Lord Shiva. The legends also say that Lord Shiva had appeared in this place. Tigers are found to come in herds to slake their thirst in this water during summers.

PLACES TO VISIT

Basar: Known for the Basar Saraswathy Temple, one of the two temples in India, it is a village situated on the banks of River Godavari at the confluence with River Mangira. It is believed that Sage Vyasa and his son Shuka, who were greatly disappointed with the Kurukshetra war, came to this confluence and meditated on the banks. The place was then called Vasar, after the sage, which was corrupted and came to be known as Basar. It is believed that Sage Vyasa heaped three mounds of sand and prayed daily after his bath. These three heaps later turned to idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Sarada and Gowri. Another fable that has its round in the village is that Sage Vyasa installed Goddess Saraswathy before beginning his manuscript on Ramayan. There is a huge idol at the place.

Nirmal: Said to have been named after a chieftain by the name of Neema Naik, who made weapons of war, he encouraged making of toys and other crafts. Nirmal has been patronized by the Kakatya rulers, the Chalukya rulers, Vishnukundinis, Qutbushahis and the Nizams and all these traditions can be found in the monuments and forts at the place.

Kawal  Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in an area of 893 sq. kms. and has the richest teak forest in the state. The wild life consists of Tigers, Cheetal, Panther, Gaur, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, many species of birds and reptiles.

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary: this sanctuary has an area of 136.02 sq. kms. The Pranahita River which is a tributary of River Godavari flows through this Park. The park has endangered species of animals like the Black buck, Chinkara and wolf. There are tigers, sloth bears and bears apart from many other varieties of animals, reptiles and birds.

Suvarnapuri: also known as Soan is famous and a sacred place for Hindu pilgrims. It is believed that Lord Rama and Seeta spent a part of their ‘aranyavasa’ on the banks of River Godavari also known as ‘Vriddha Ganga’. People from in and around Nirmal come to the place to perform their post cremation rites on these banks.

WHEN TO GO

The months from March to June are generally hot with temperature soaring between 200C and 400C. This is the summer season. Monsoons prevail from June to September. Winter is from October to February and the barometer reads between 130C to 300C. The best time to visit the place is between July and December.

GETTING THERE

The Pochera Waterfalls is 8 kms. west of Boadh, 37 kms. north of Nirmal, and 50 kms. south of Adilabad, the district headquarters. The place is 250 kms. from Hyderabad , where the nearest airport is situated. The waterfall is near the Neredigonda Village which is 30 kms. away. From Neredigonda to Pochera it is around 20 kms. The nearest railway station is at Adilabad.

ACCOMMODATION

There is no suitable accommodation near the waterfall. The nearest place where accommodation can be found is in Nirmal.

Hotel Sri Krishna Residency

Hotel Thirumala

There are more restaurants than hotels in Nirmal.

There are hotels at Adilabad, the District headquarters which will suit the budget of visitors. Some of them are:

Kamadehenu Hotel: Ranked the best but opinions are diverse. The tariff starts at Rs.600. There is a restaurant in the hotel

Haritha Hotel: Situated in a very good location, the room tariff is upwards of Rs.700. Opinions are diverse.

Sanjay Lodge: Room tariff is from Rs.200 onwards. Visitors have commented well on the hotel. The only disappointing factor is its surroundings.

Sri Krishna Residency:  The room tariff starts at Rs.500 and opinions are diverse. There is no restaurant in the hotel.

Tirumala Lodge: at Rs.500 per night, per room opinions are in favour of the hotel.

PRECAUTIONS                                                                                                     

The pond below the waterfalls is quite dangerous and deep and visitors are advised to be careful while descending into the pond.

There are no good restaurants at the waterfall and it is advisable to take food packets from Nirmal
Visitors are advised not to litter the place around the waterfalls.
There are cabs in Nirmal which can be hired to see places in and around Pochera and Nirmal