Talakona

The Talakona waterfall is in Sri Venkateswara National Park, Chittoor District of Andhra pradesh in India. With a 270 feet (82 m)-fall, Talakona is the highest waterfall in the Andhra pradesh state. Talakona is also known for the Lord Siddheswara Swamy Temple, which is located close to the waterfall.

Talakona is located in Nerabailu village in Yerravaripalem Mandal of Chittoor District. It is located 49 kilometres (30 mi) from Pileru, 58 kilometres (36 mi) from Tirupathi, 127 kilometres (79 mi) from Vellore, 220 kilometres (140 mi) from Chennai, and 105 kilometres (65 mi) from Chittoor and 250 kilometres (160 mi) from Bangalore.

Talakona is a resort with waterfalls, dense forests and wildlife. The area was declared a biosphere reserve in 1989 due to the presence of rich variety of flora and fauna.

Talakona means head hill in Telugu (tala - head and kona - hill). However, Thalakona allegorically means “the head of the Seshachalam hills” as these mountains are believed to be the starting point of the Tirumala mountain ranges.

The Talakona forests host rare and endangered species of animals like Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Golden Gecko, Panther, Porcupine, Chital and Sambar. Endemic species like Red Sander, Cycas beddomeii and Enteda like giant plants are also found in this region. The forest is mostly covered with sandalwood trees with some medicinal plants.

Tawny Coster (Acraea violae) on Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Porterweed) in Talakona forest

Orchid- Habenaria roxburghii in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India

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