Photo spot in Araku Valley
Katiki Waterfalls
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
A pretty waterfall near the Borra Caves reached by a short forest walk, where a stream drops into a cool pool amid the Eastern Ghats greenery.
Best time
Late morning, when the sun reaches down into the forest gorge; early afternoon on overcast days for even light on the water.
Best angle
Stand on the flat rocks at the edge of the pool and take a vertical photo of the full drop, with the green forest framing the fall.
Entry fee
Nominal
Opening hours
Daylight hours
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Katiki Waterfalls
Late morning, when the sun reaches down into the forest gorge; early afternoon on overcast days for even light on the water. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Katiki Waterfalls
Stand on the flat rocks at the edge of the pool and take a vertical photo of the full drop, with the green forest framing the fall. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the waterfall
On the forest trail
Outfit guide
What to wear at Katiki Waterfalls
For photos at Katiki Waterfalls, forest green, rust and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Araku Valley.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Araku Valley.
Eat nearby
Food near Katiki Waterfalls
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for ragi sangati nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Agree on the jeep's waiting time before you set off from the Borra junction.
Wear shoes with grip, because the last stretch is over wet boulders.
Stay out of the deeper water and away from the base of the fall, especially after rain.
Carry water and a snack, as there is little at the fall itself.
Put your phone in a dry bag or pouch when the spray is heavy after the monsoon.
Ask at the junction whether jeeps are running if it has rained hard.
Take your plastic back with you, because nobody clears it from the forest.
A waterfall in the forest
Katiki is a waterfall on the Gosthani, the same river that shaped Borra Caves. The water drops about 15 metres over a rock face into a pool, in a narrow valley thick with trees. It is not tall, but the setting and the journey make the trip.
Getting there
Most visitors take a shared jeep from the Borra Caves junction. The track is rough, muddy after rain, and runs through forest beside the river; expect a bumpy ride. The jeep stops short of the fall, and a walk of around 20 to 30 minutes over a path and then boulders brings you to the pool. Some people walk the whole way instead, but take someone local who knows the route. Jeep fares are per person and are paid at the stand; agree on the waiting time before you set off.
When it is best
The fall runs fullest from the monsoon into October. By April and May it drops to a thin stream. In heavy rain the track can flood, and jeeps may not run; ask at the junction before committing.
At the pool
The rocks near the water are slippery, wet or dry. People do paddle at the edge, but the pool is deeper in the middle than it looks and the current is strong after rain. Stay near the edge and away from the base of the fall. There are no lifeguards.
Food
Stalls near the jeep point and on the way sell bamboo chicken cooked over wood fires, along with tea and snacks. Carry water, since there is little at the fall.
Planning
Allow two to three hours from the Borra junction and back. Combine it with the caves in one trip, visiting Katiki first while the light is best in the gorge.
Questions
Katiki Waterfalls — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Katiki Waterfalls?
Late morning, when the sun reaches down into the forest gorge; early afternoon on overcast days for even light on the water. Stand on the flat rocks at the edge of the pool and take a vertical photo of the full drop, with the green forest framing the fall.
Is there an entry fee at Katiki Waterfalls?
Entry to Katiki Waterfalls is nominal.
What are the opening hours of Katiki Waterfalls?
Katiki Waterfalls keeps daylight hours.
What should I wear at Katiki Waterfalls?
Forest green, rust and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Katiki Waterfalls get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: late morning, when the sun reaches down into the forest gorge; early afternoon on overcast days for even light on the water.
What food should I try near Katiki Waterfalls?
Try ragi sangati, available at nearby restaurants.
How do I get to Katiki Falls?
Take a shared jeep from the Borra Caves junction along a rough forest track, then walk about 20 to 30 minutes over a path and boulders to the pool.
Can I swim at Katiki Falls?
Paddling at the edge is common, but the pool is deeper in the middle and the current is strong after rain. There are no lifeguards, so stay near the edge.
Is Katiki worth visiting in summer?
Only as part of a Borra trip. By April and May the fall is a thin stream. It is at its best from the monsoon into October.
How long does a Katiki trip take?
Allow two to three hours from the Borra junction, including the jeep ride, the walk and time at the pool.