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The Talakona Waterfall is in
Sri Venkateswara National Park, Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh in
India. With a 270 feet (82 m) fall, Talakona is the highest waterfall in
the Andhra pradesh state. Talakona is also known for the Lord
Siddheswara Swamy Temple, which is located close to the waterfall.
Talakona is located in Nerabailu village in Yerravaripalem Mandal of
Chittoor District. It is located 49 kilometres (30 mi) from Pileru, 58
kilometres (36 mi) from Tirupathi, 220 kilometres (140 mi) from Chennai,
and 105 kilometres (65 mi) from Chittoor and 250 kilometres (160 mi)
from Bangalore.
Talakona is a resort with
waterfalls, dense forests and wildlife.
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The area was declared a
biosphere reserve in 1989 due to the presence of rich variety of flora
and fauna. Talakona means head hill in Telugu (tala - head and kona -
hill). However, Thalakona allegorically means “the head of the
Seshachalam hills” as these mountains are believed to be the starting
point of the Tirumala mountain ranges.
The Talakona forests host rare and endangered species of animals like
Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Golden Gecko, Panther,
Porcupine, Chital and Sambar. Endemic species like Red Sander, Cycas
beddomeii and Enteda like giant plants are also found in this region.
The forest is mostly covered with sandalwood trees with some medicinal
plants.
The waters of Talakona are
enriched with herbs and people believe that it has healing properties.
(Pictures of Butterflies & Wild Flowers of Talakona forest). A long and
treacherous trekking route leads to the top of the hill, which can be
reached by multiple paths. Talakona hills geographically is considered a
part of the Eastern Ghats.
There is a beautiful waterfall falling deep into the valley from a cliff
on the upper reaches. According to the local residents, it is said that
the origin of water is difficult to be traced out since an underground
stream surfaces here.
There is a 240 meter long canopy rope walk, about 35 to 40 feet in
height, giving a thrilling experience to the visitors while walking.
There are mighty trees around with birds and monkeys during the canopy
walk. There are number of trek routes in different categories of
difficulty, giving an option for the visitor to choose their route.
In the area there is an ancient Siva temple which is flooded with
devotees during Sivarathri festival. There are also deep caves scattered
over the mountains where it is believed that sages meditate eternally. A
stream flows near the canopy walk area where a bathing ghat is under
construction.
Accommodation is also available in this dense forest, it gives immense
pleasure for visitors to spend time during nights. Accommodation in
Talakona guest houses can be booked in seshachalavanadarshani.com
official website for Talakona and other tourist places like Mamandur,
Pulicat-lake, Thumbalabailu etc.
How to
reach
Tirupati Airport, (IATA:
TIR, ICAO: VOTP) also known as
Renigunta Airport, is
located at Renigunta in Chittoor district in the state of Andhra
Pradesh, India. The airport is 14 km from Tirupati city.
One can easily reach Talakona Waterfalls from the city by taking local Buses,
Rickshaws, Tongas and Taxis.
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