Gandhaari Fort and Gundaala Water Falls -Mancheryal

Gundala Waterfalls & Gandhaari Khilla

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A two day visit to Mancheryal and Kawal Tiger reserve ended with an affirmative learning about the primitive culture/Heritage and Gonds Tradition.

Ganhdaari Khilla/Fort: Its near to Bokkalagutta in Mancherial District. This khilla is from 12th Century ruled by Gond Community. The entire fort is a sand rock formation with rich plant species and also has medical herbs/plants. You will witness the tradition of the Gond tribe (Pics added for your glance). The tradition of Kala Bairava ritual once in every two years at the fort. The canopy varies from 60-80% overall. Magnificent Adishesha petroglyph can be seen on the fort which showcases the due diligence of the sculptor.

So far, had a scat of Sloth bear, its a home for Monkeys and Langoors as well.

We did try to camp on the fort but had to en-route back to the base due to lack of water and supplements. We could manage with a camp fire to secure the perimeter as a safety measure till 10 PM.

Gundala Water Falls:

How to reach:

Mancheryal-Hajipur-Dorabanda-Lakshampet-Dandapalli-Gundala

Distance from Mancheyal: Approx 48 KMS of drive and 6 kms walk through the forest to Gundala village.

Total population at Gundala: approx 200 families

Source of Income: Cattle, Fishing, Agriculture, Selling the herbs/plants like-Nallamaddi, Ippa Flowers, Blinds made of Bamboo sticks etc.

The only issue what the tribe facing is the road connectivity and the rest is assured. Please do witness the facts from the senior citizen from the video who is now at 96 years of age. The Gond people are very generous and soft spoken souls. It was an immense pleasure to meet and interact with them.

Glad to get introduced to the Lyric writer and a Nature enthusiast Mr. Akkala Chandra Mouli Varma was of a great help in guiding me through the journey. He hails from Mancherial and has written lyrics for movies like 4G, Sivakasipuram, Gulabi, Telangana Tourism Theme Song, Haritha Hyderabad Theme Song, Telangana Tourism Caller Tune lyrics and he is on his way to present few more bullets in the coming days.