Cycling track, trekking spots to add spice at Bogatha falls

Bhupalpally: Barely two years ago, not many people knew about the alluring waterfalls of Bogatha, nestled in the lap of nature. After the high-level bridge across Godavari river near Eturnagaram became accessible, there is no stopping nature lovers from swarming the waterfalls to soak in its pristine beauty.

Prior to the construction of the bridge, a circuitous trip was unavoidable to reach the Bogatha falls, located in Wajedu mandal (of the erstwhile Khammam district), now part of Prof. Jayashankar (Bhupalpally) district. Although the Bogatha falls is just 130 km away from Warangal, one was required to travel a total distance of around 300 km via Bhadrachalam.

With the catchment areas in Chhattisgarh receiving abundant rains this monsoon, Bogatha has become the most sought-after destination in the region, attracting hordes of tourists from across the State, despite the lack of facilities at the spot.

Observers, however, say it is just a matter of time, before everything falls in place. The weekends will never be uneventful for nature lovers soon, courtesy the Forest Department, which at least on record has a plethora of plans to make the place a major tourist attraction.

So far, with Rs 11.93 crore funds sanctioned under the Union government’s Swadeshi Darshan scheme, works such as the construction of a road and parking place has been completed. Works relating to the construction of a watch tower and changing rooms are almost complete. A restaurant, a cantilever viewing platform, tribal products stall and landscaping are part of the plans.

Against this backdrop, the Forest Ministry, having identified huge potential of the Bogatha waterfalls, has decided to develop the entire area. Additional attractions such facilities for cycling and trekking would be built so that visitors to the waterfalls can be kept engaged throughout the year.

Sharing plans with The Hans India, Bhupalpally DFO T Ravi Kiran said: “Survey for setting up of a cycle track and a trekking facility has been completed. This apart, plans are afoot to establish a food court and landscape garden at Bogatha falls. The proposals in this regard have been sent to the government.”

Venkatapuram FRO Venkatapuram D Shankar said that two hills, situated 3 km from waterfalls, had been selected for the trekking facility, besides offering campfire facility. The authorities are understood to be planning an artificial water cascade so that even in summer, when the Cheekupally stream -- the source of waterfalls, dries up, tourists get their due, thanks to pumped water.