Kumuram Bheem Asifabad (కుమురం భీమ్ ఆసిఫాబాద్) | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

History 

• Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District is created from what was once Adilabad District. It is bordered by Adilabad, Mancherial, Nirmal districts, and Maharashtra state.
• Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District consists of 15 mandals and two revenue divisions - Asifabad and Kaghaznagar. The district headquarters is in Asifabad, a town mainly inhabited by tribal communities. A significant railway line connecting the north and south of India runs through the district. Sirpur-Kaghaznagar is a prominent railway station here, with an RTC depot located in Asifabad.
• The district's main agricultural products include rice, cotton, and pulses. Industries in the area comprise Singareni Collieries, Sirpur Paper Mills, as well as several spinning and ginning mills.
• Historically, Kumuram Bheem District has a rich heritage. Kumuram Bheem played a crucial role during the reign of its former rulers. Discoveries of prehistoric fossils around Asifabad add archaeological significance to the region. Tourist attractions in the area include the Kumuram Bheem project, Gangapur Cave, and Movvad village.

Places of Interest

• Gangapur Temple, Rebbena
• Jodeghat, Kerameri
• Kadamba Forest Reserve, A Tiger Reserve
• Kerameri Ghats
• Komaram Bheem Irrigational Project
• Palarapuguttalu, a Vulture Reserve
• Savatula Gundam Waterfalls
• Shiva Mallana Temple, Easgoaon
• Shivakeshava Temple, Wankidi
• Sirpur Forest Reserve
• Thrishul Pahad, Kagaznangar
• Tonkini Hanuman Temple, Sirpur-T
• Vattivaagu project, Asifabad

Tourist Places

Gangapur Temple

• The Gangapur Temple, also known as Sri Balaji Venkateshwara Swamy Devasthanam, is located in Gangapur village in Rebbana mandal. This ancient temple undergoes preparations for a three-day annual Jathara every year. It is a significant pilgrim center in the district, believed to have been constructed in the 13th century on the scenic banks of a rivulet just outside Gangapur.
• Devotees often travel five kilometers from the mandal center to worship the deity on the full moon day of the sacred month of Magha in the Hindu calendar. According to legend, Mummadi Pothaji, a devout follower of Lord Venkateswara Swamy, was unable to undertake his annual pilgrimage to Tirumala due to illness and old age. In a divine intervention, Lord Balaji appeared in Pothaji's dream, instructing him to find an idol inside a hillock by drilling it. Pothaji followed the instructions, discovered the idol, and began worshipping it, performing special prayers every full moon day of Magha.

Overview of Gangapur Temple

• The Kakatiya dynasty rulers visited the temple and placed an idol of goddess Padmavati there in the 16th century.
• They also constructed a sacred pond in front of the temple, which has disappeared over time. However, a crowbar remains visible on top of the shrine.

How to Reach

• The nearest airports are located in Hyderabad and Nagpur.
• Trains from Secunderabad to Nagpur are available, with key stations being Asifabad Road-ASAF and Sirpur Kaghaznagar-SKZR.
• Numerous buses operate from Hyderabad MGBS to Asifabad, providing access to Rebbena Mandal. From there, several shared autos are available to reach the temple.

Kerameri Ghats

• The Kerameri Ghats, located near Kerameri mandal, offer a mesmerizing view of changing landscapes, making it a popular tourist destination. 
• The journey along the 6 km long Kerameri ghat road is known for its scenic beauty.

Landscape Description

• The landscape along the Kerameri ghat road transitions in colors, starting with dark green agricultural fields and progressing to bright yellow drying leaves. The mountain range visible from the road adds a touch of blue at the top, creating a captivating sight for visitors.
• During the monsoon season, the area becomes lush green with thick vegetation, particularly along the road's edges. The dense vegetation limits visibility around the bends, emphasizing the need for caution while driving.

Driving Caution

• Drivers are advised to be extra cautious, especially at the top three bends and the one-kilometer stretch at the lowest end of the ghats, which features several sharp turns. The presence of wild lantana shrubs further reduces visibility, requiring drivers to maintain focus and avoid distractions.
• The road's twists and turns demand careful navigation to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles, particularly in areas with restricted views due to vegetation growth.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport is located in Hyderabad and Nagpur.
• Trains from Secunderabad to Nagpur pass through main stations like Asifabad Road-ASAF and Sirpur Kaghaznagar-SKZR.
• There are a number of buses available from Hyderabad MGBS to Asifabad. From Asifabad, one can reach this place within 40 minutes.

Mitta Waterfalls

• In terms of pristine natural beauty, the Saptagundala waterfalls in Pittalaguda village of Lingalapur mandal surpasses the other waterfalls of Telangana—Kuntala and Pochera waterfalls. In fact, it comprises not just one but seven waterfalls, hence the name Saptagundala. The waterfall, which is 100 km away from Asifabad, is nestled between tall hills on one side and dense forests on the other. The Saptagundala waterfalls, also known as Mitta waterfalls, are tucked far away from civilization. There are no proper roads to reach this natural beauty.
• One has to trek rough and uneven terrain for a distance of three kilometers to reach the spot. A tourist from Jainoor, Ravinder, mentioned that the challenges faced in reaching this natural beauty by trekking will soon fade away upon witnessing nature's magnificence. Among the seven waterfalls, the most significant one is Pedda Jalapatam. It gives the impression of the skies opening up, resulting in a majestic descent resembling a stream of milk.
• As tourists witness the majestic waterfall, a sense of relaxation washes over them. The soothing sound of the cascading water resonates in their ears, providing a peaceful ambiance. Visitors are captivated by the beauty of the waterfall and often take showers under it, immersing themselves in the moment and capturing its splendor with their cameras.
• The waterfall gracefully descends from a height onto the stone slabs below, eventually flowing into a valley that lies approximately 100 meters beneath. The natural stone formations resemble ancient stepwells constructed by past rulers, adding to the site's historical charm. A stream flows swiftly from where the water lands, further enhancing the picturesque scenery.
• Some of the seven waterfalls are named after revered figures such as Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Bheema, with an idol of Bheema located nearby. Tribals hold two annual fairs in honor of their deity Bheema, believing that the stone slabs bear the footprints of the deity as he traversed the area.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Hyderabad, Nagpur
• Nearest Railway Station: Asifabad Road, Sirpur Kagaznagar
• Mitta Waterfall is located 100 kms from Asifabad