Lakes & Falls · Treks · Around Tirupathi
Aare Falls (Nagalapuram Falls)
Timing & entry
Open daily 8 AM–3 PM. Entry is about ₹50 per person, plus about ₹50 for bike parking. The falls were closed for safety from 2018 and reopened later with forest staff on duty, so check that they're open before you set out.
Best time to visit
July to January, when the monsoon and post-monsoon rains keep the falls full. Summer has little water. Start early in any season to avoid the open, sunny stretch on the walk back.
Location
In the Eastern Ghats forest near Nagalapuram, Tirupati district, about 16 km from Nagalapuram town. The usual route is via Puttur and Pichatur, then the road toward Arai village to the falls parking.
What to do
A forest trek past three waterfalls, each with a rock pool. The first fall is about 20 minutes from the parking, and the full trail is 4–6 km one way.
Strong swimmers can swim in the larger pools; others can bathe near the safety rope or in the shallow pools. Often only the first fall is open; the others open as safety work is completed.
There are no shops and mobile signal is weak, so carry food, water and grip shoes. A local guide helps on a first visit, and solo treks aren't advised.
Distance from Nirvana Backpackers
About 75 km south, roughly 2 hours by cab or bike via Puttur.
How to reach
No public transport reaches the trailhead, so go by cab or bike and leave by 6 AM to reach the gate when it opens. Visit the Vedanarayana temple in Nagalapuram on the way back; Krishnadevaraya built the town for his mother.
Stay at Nirvana Backpackers
Budget AC dorm beds in Tirupati, a base for Aare Falls (Nagalapuram Falls) and the rest of the temple town. Lockers, Wi-Fi and free luggage storage.
See beds & prices