Fascinating trips to Ethipothala
Nagarjunasagar trip first trip
We discovered Ethipothala sometimes in the 90s. It is a great option for a day trip or even better for a weekend. This beautiful spot had a serene, calming and inviting ambience. There was a very basic but very well maintained large guest house with a large area in the front with two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Furniture was bare minimum. But we were prepared for the fun. we carried our bedding, cooked food, snacks and munchies to hold us over if we needed something for an overnight stay with ten close family members.
The place was clean and there was a skeleton staff to take care of the needs of the guests. They were friendly respectful, loving and kind. In one of the corner of the hall facing the Ethipothala falls was a tea stall where you could buy snacks and tea.
All the men, spread he Shatharangies (heavy Indian style area rugs) along the walls and covered them with clean bedsheet to use it as a sitting area instead of chairs, sofas etc. which were very few and far between. since we were all hungry after traveling all morning we spread a dusterkawn (floor tablecloth), very similar the one in this picture,
Dustar kawn
and served the food which we brought with us in stainless steel tiffins. We also brought cutlery, crockery, and large container of fresh drinking water with us. We had a delicious, and sumptuous lunch to everyones full satisfaction. After cleaning up, we rested for sometime. then refreshed and set out to explore Ethipothala. We went all the way up trekking towards the foot of the flow of water. We rested in-between by sitting on the rocks with the falls in the backdrop, lost in thoughts enjoying nature and even praying before we continued our walk. As we walked someone came to warn us saying that we are in a dangerous area, which apparently is a breeding ground for the alligators. After their warning we walked back still getting the panoramic views of the falls and taking some beautiful pictures. We were really lucky to have that amazing opportunity of walking so close to the falls, which is closed to the public now because of the dangers involved.
The day was spent walking around the area which was very quiet, peaceful and beautiful. There are lot of temples around when we walked down towards the river on a cool shady walk. We sat under the trees and talked and enjoyed nature which takes your breath away. when we got back it was rather late and was getting dark. Some of our group members were playing cards and others were sleeping etc. We organized the dinner by getting the guest house kitchen to make us some fresh rotis (Indian bread), and chana( chickpeas curry) etc. which we combined with our left over food and had a great dinner.
Everyone settled down to whatever they felt like doing, while the men continued to play the cards. Somehow the word got around about the card playing and the police came suspecting that there was gambling going on. Since gambling was not allowed, they confiscated the cards. Everyone one got very upset at their assumption and unfair action, Jaffer went to the police station and was able to recover the cards as well as permission to continue with their card game.
Next day we got up to a glorious morning in my most favorite spot in the world. We were up early and walked down to the river from the resort. Since the breakfast was not going to start until 8 Am, we decided to get our morning walk until then. We went for a walk which turned out kind of treacherous and tiring because it involved walking down on steps plus walk on rock strewn river bed where you had to watch your steps. We could still see the full flow of the beautiful falls displaying their thunderous glory for everyones delight.
It was most exhilarating feeling to get back to the guest house cafeteria for a traditional south Indian breakfast, and also steaming hot tea to your hearts content. The day ahead was cool and fun to exploring and enjoying the beautiful area. Later that evening we drove back home which was again like an adventure on a dark, scary road, but altogether the experience of the whole trip was magical.
