The district derives its name from Adilabad, the headquarters town which was named after the ruler of Bijapur, Ali Adil Shah. The district was for long not a homogenous unit and its component parts were ruled at different periods by dynasties namely, the Mauryas, Staavahanas, Vakatakas, Chaludyasof Badami, Rashtrakututs, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Mughals, Bhosle Rajes of Nagpur and Asaf Jahis, besides the Gond Rajas of Sirpur and Chanda. In the year 2016, the Adilabad district was reorganized into 4 districts namely Adilabad, Nirmal, Mancherial and Kumrambheem Asifabad Districts.
Kuntala Water Falls
The Kuntala Waterfalls is located nearly 12 kms from the Neredikonda village, about 64 km from Adilabad. At Kuntala, the Kadem river cascades 45 meters down and rushes deep into the jungle. Kuntala, the highest waterfalls in the State, offers a spectacular sight particularly when the river is flush with copious inflows. The winter months are ideal for witnessing the waterfalls, as one can also see the river in all its glory.
Pochera Water Falls
The Pochera Water falls is situated about 52 Km from Adilabad, 40 km from Nirmal and 8 Km from Boath Buzurg. The sounds of gushing water of the Godavari River and the soothing verdure around make Pochera Waterfalls a memorable visual treat. Small cascades down rocky slopes gather in a large opening in the rocks at a depth of 20 meters forming an enchanting pond.
Jainath Temple
The jainath temple is named after a small village in which the shrine is located, about 20 km from Adilabad. A prakrit stone inscription in the temple, with 20 slokas, suggests that the temple was built by a Pallava chief. The temple reflects the Jain style of architecture. The Laxmi Narayana Swami Brahmotsavam, celebrated from karthika sudda astami to bahula saptami (October- November) attracts large number of devotees.
Nagoba Jatara, Keslapur
Keslapur is situated 35 km from Adilabad and 25 km from Utnoor. The famous Nagoba temple which has a stone image of Seshanag (Serpent God) attracts a large number of devotees. During pushya month (December- January) a large number of people belonging to various castes and creeds participate in the Keslapur jatara, which is held in the honour of Nagoba, the snake God. People from all parts of the district as well as Gonds and other tribes from the neighboring Maharashtra state also take part in large numbers.
Gayatri Waterfalls
Gayatri waterfalls, a less known water body is situated on Kadam River. The river is a tributary of the grand Godavari River. Away from the human eye, the waterfalls found its habitat in a very secluded place inside a deep forest. It is at a distance of approximately 5 Km from Tarnam Khurd village, near Neredigonda of Adilabad district. The villagers living around the waterfalls call it Gadidha Gundam or Mukdi Gundam.