On the border between Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh lies a small spot of paradise called TADA. So small a spot, it is not even on the map. Tada is regularly given the slip by the normal tourist, mainly because of ignorance. But this place is a regular jaunt for the ones who like to rough it out, to get away, far from the maddening crowd. Deserted as it may sound, don't be surprised to find a bunch of die-hard adventurers camping out.

Just a 60 km ride from the city, one can come face-to-face with rural India, connected by dust roads or even worse, badly laid roads. The main attraction of Tada is that it has got nothing, except the wilderness. The experience of camping out is what draws people there. Tada is complete with a waterfall, small hillocks, ideal for climbing (for any inexperienced climber) and greenery all around.

An ideal trip would be an overnight stay. We would suggest motorbikes, a long ride from Chennai, to reach in the evening. The road from the last village towards the hillocks is nothing but a sand pathway with huge boulders and rocks strewn around. A word of caution - it will take a lot of guts and skill to get to the 'base-camp' on the motorbike. Alternatively, for the green horns, you can always push your bike. If there is one thing that's close to 'infrastructure' in Tada, it is the huts, rented by the lone watchman. They are ideal picnic spots, located near the stream. You can camp for the night here.

The next morning, pack your bags and trek around the hills and the water fall (a small one, but nevertheless, an attractive one). Here again one should get the help of the watchman, who also doubles as a guide. The surrounding hillocks and its valleys provide unlimited picnic spots all along the stream. The stream, at shallow points, provides ideal spots for splashing about in the water.

An ideal camping ground for Chennaites, at a reasonable distance from the city. A must, for an adventure tourist.

Route: 95 kms north of Chennai.
Nearest Airport: Chennai.
Nearest rail hub: Chennai.
Accomodation: Only huts are available.
Notes: Take your own food and water. A pair of good sports shoes for trekking, first aid kit and insect repellent creams would be helpful.