The Agency Waterfalls of Seethampeta &
the Hills of Manyam

The Agency Waterfalls of Seethampeta & the Hills of Manyam

Carved out of Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts in 2022, Parvathipuram Manyam is an eco-rich, pristine tribal district nestled in the northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh along the Odisha border. Named *Manyam* (meaning forest agency tract), this region preserves lush bamboo forests, rushing mountain streams, and indigenous tribal culture.

The visual identity of Parvathipuram Manyam district is deep forest emerald green and Eastern Ghats sunset saffron. Defining the district is **Seethampeta Agency** (famed for Mettuguda Waterfall, Sunnapugedda Waterfall, Adventure Eco-Park, and bamboo hill drives), **Thotapalli Reservoir** (a major dam across Nagavali River with eco-gardens and Sri Venkateswara Temple), **Savara & Jatapu Indigenous Tribal Settlements** ( fount of traditional Dhimsa dance, Itika Panduga spring festival, and forest honey harvesting), and **Kurupam Palace** ruins.

Culturally, the district is home to ancient indigenous tribes, primarily the Savara and Jatapu clans, who have maintained their unique social customs and forest-based livelihoods for generations. The Savaras are known for their distinct art style, similar to Saura wall paintings, which depict daily village life, forest fauna, and ancestral spirits using natural pigments. Their agricultural calendar is highlighted by the *Itika Panduga* (spring festival), a seed-sowing celebration marked by community hunting rituals, ritualistic bathing of farming tools, and the traditional *Dhimsa* dance, where men and women dance in chain-like formations to the beats of the *Tasha* and *Muri* (drums and wind instruments) to invoke ancestral blessings for a bumper crop.

The geography of Parvathipuram Manyam is defined by the Nagavali and Suvarnamukhi rivers, which flow through fertile valleys before entering the plains. The Thotapalli Barrage Project, constructed across the Nagavali River, is a major engineering landmark that provides irrigation water to thousands of acres of agricultural land and controls flood waters during the monsoons. The reservoir area has been developed into an eco-tourism hub, featuring lush landscaped gardens, boating facilities, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding Eastern Ghats. The reservoir basin also serves as a critical wetland habitat, attracting numerous winter migratory birds and sustaining the local inland fishing communities.

Livelihoods in the Manyam agency tracts are closely linked to sustainable agro-forestry, with cashew and organic turmeric farming forming the main source of income. The hill slopes are covered with extensive cashew orchards, which produce high-quality nuts processed in local small-scale industries. Additionally, tribal farmers cultivate traditional varieties of organic turmeric and ginger, which are highly valued in national markets for their high curcumin content and lack of chemical fertilizers. The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) plays a key role in supporting these communities, helping them market forest products like wild honey, tamarind, and medicinal roots under collective brands that ensure fair wages for tribal collectors.

"Where Mettuguda's mountain streams cascade down bamboo-draped Eastern Ghats, Savara tribesmen gather wild organic honey in forest mist."

The Chronology of the Eastern Ghats Forest Heartland

From 18th-century Kurupam Zamindari principality and Alluri Sitarama Raju's 1922 Manyam rebellion to Thotapalli barrage construction and 2022 district creation, Parvathipuram Manyam's timeline tracks regional history. The chronicle below outlines this evolution.

The Agency Waterfalls of Seethampeta & the Reservoir of Thotapalli

Explore the primary heritage of Parvathipuram Manyam district. From Seethampeta agency waterfalls and Thotapalli Nagavali reservoir to Savara tribal culture and Kurupam Palace, these experiences define the green capital. Click through the tabs below.

The Agency Waterfalls and the Tribal Forests

Explore the primary landmarks of Parvathipuram Manyam district. From Seethampeta agency waterfalls and Thotapalli Nagavali reservoir to Savara tribal culture and Kurupam Palace, these destinations showcase the green capital. Click or hover on the cards below.

The Organic Forest Produce & the Manyam Cashew Nut

Parvathipuram Manyam's culinary heritage features organic wild forest honey, roasted hill cashews, Bamboo Chicken, and Ragi Sangati.

Plan Your Journey

The Unhurried 2-Day Route

Parvathipuram Manyam is best experienced at a slow pace. Bathing under Mettuguda agency waterfall, watching sunset over Thotapalli Nagavali Reservoir, buying wild forest honey from Girijan outlets, and eating Bamboo Chicken require time to settle. This curated route captures the district highlights.

Frequently Asked