Hogenakal Falls - ಹೊಗೆನಕಲ್ ಫಾಲ್ಸ್ ಫಾಲ್ಸ್
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Hogenakal Falls are the falls in the Hogenakkal Village of Tamilnadu. Located on the border of states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the Hogenakal Falls are also known as the Niagara Falls of India. The Falls are surrounded by Carbonite Rocks which are considered to be the oldest in the world and are one of their kinds in South Asia. The Hogenakal Falls are so called as whenever the water falls on the rocks it appears as if hoge - smoke is coming out from the top of the Kal ( rock) because of the force of water and hence the name.
The waters coming to the Hogenakal Falls pass through dense forests which are filled with herbal plants. Because of these Herbal plants the water of Hogenakal Falls is considered to medicinal to bathe in. Spreading miles with water and hills, the Hogenakal Falls often give a panoramic view (except the summer season).
Boating is allowed in the summer season as the water flow is not very fast these days. Local Boats called the parisals operate from Tamil Nadu to Karnataka Banks of the gorge. Freshly caught fish are also sold by these fisherman at a distance and not near the Fall. There on one side of the left shore of the falls, one can leave the fishes to be cooked in separate kitchens for a small sum.
Made with waters of Cauvery River, the falls flow through the silent valley. One of the ways of reaching Hogenakal Falls is through Bangalore. Drive through Hosur and Krishnagiri, turn left and reach Dhamagiri. A stretch of 30 kms from Dhamagiri takes you to Hogenakkal Falls. A number of children diving in the falls can be seen from a distance. All around the falls there is thick vegetation but less habitation, so expect very few people on the way to the Falls. However, on reaching the Falls you can expect a number of people, especially in the peak time.
The river Cauvery originates as a small flow of water near Coorg in Karnataka and gradually gathers momentum and size as it flows through the state. It then swells as a huge body of gentlly flowing water with sandy beaches before falling with a great roar that sounds like continuous thunder into Tamil Nadu at Hogenakkal.
Cauvery is to Tamil Nadu what the Ganges is to North India.. the entire history of the state revolves around the river and the waters from Cauvery feed the delta regions making them one of the most fertile regions of the world
Located about 250 mts above sea level amidst the Melagiri Hills, the route to Hogenakkal Falls is scenic, with lush mulberry fields and giant terracotta guardian deities (Aiyanars). As you approach Hogenakkal, the roar of the Cauvery river and the abundance of vegetation in the area is sure to catch your attention.
The Cauvery falls in a mighty gush into a narrow gorge. In fact you need to get aboard a coracle to be able to see the magnificent falls. The coracles or basket boats covered in buffalo hide or plastic have been in use for thousands of years. The rocks around this gorge and woody valley are beautifully shaped. The roar of the magnificent falls, the fine spray of water and the spectacular natural scenery are sure to revive you.
Hogenakkal is hailed as a river spa location. You can attempt a massage by the local masseurs. It is an experience to be rubbed with medicated oils atop the slabs of rock and to wash off in the bathing cubicles under the glorious cascading waters of the Cauvery. For lovers of fish, do not miss the fresh catch that is fried right in front of your eyes.
Hognakkal has a moderate climate with warm summer (March to May) with maximum temperature 34°C and a minimum temperature of 23°C. It has a pleasant winter (December to February) with a maximum temperature 27°C and a minimum of 13°C. Monsoon during June to August provides good rains and the river over flows in Hogenakkal.
Time to visit Hogenakkal is all through the year except summers. Boating is allowed only during the dry-season as the water falls are not strong enough to disturb the moving of the boats. Monsoon and Post monsoon seasons are good for sight seeing and waterfalls.
As the scrub-covered slopes give way to thickets of thorny vegetation and then, almost imperceptibly, when tall trees began to rise, the air reverberates, with the soft roar of running water becoming more and more assertive as one reaches lower and lower.
At the bottom of the valley, the Cauvery tributaries spread in a blue and shimmering web. They gurgle, shimmer, some hardly more than exposed rocks, and large rocky stretches where old trees grew. Women in bright saris bathe, or wash clothes in the running water.
The spa-hamlet rises off the road-a scatter of shacks and buildings, staggering up the slopes of the valley, gazing down at the water-woods on the other side of the road. It has the character of a village struggling to become a town, a little tatty in patches, not yet chrome glass-and-polish, still retaining much of its truly rural charm.
Often referred to as basket-boats, the circular vessels called Coracles have bamboo frames covered in either black plastic or buffalo hide. They wait like black mushrooms, propped against trees or upturned on the banks of the river. When the river is in spate, all the dark rocks are submerged, but if one goes there in February, which is among the most favored months to visit this riverine spa, there should not be any problem. Coracles are among the oldest types of watercraft in the world, and among the most successful-a reassuring thought when one is floating in these saucer-like devices.
Chaparai Water Falls |Bharachukki Waterfalls|Gaganachukki liquid falls|kerala liquid falls|Maramala Waterfall kerala | Athirappilly Water Falls kerala|urakkuzhi waterfall| Cheeyappara waterfalls in kerala|JOG WATER FALLS | Dhoni Waterfalls | Kalhatty Falls ooty | Pykara Falls Ooty |Ethipothala Waterfalls |
The waters coming to the Hogenakal Falls pass through dense forests which are filled with herbal plants. Because of these Herbal plants the water of Hogenakal Falls is considered to medicinal to bathe in. Spreading miles with water and hills, the Hogenakal Falls often give a panoramic view (except the summer season).
Boating is allowed in the summer season as the water flow is not very fast these days. Local Boats called the parisals operate from Tamil Nadu to Karnataka Banks of the gorge. Freshly caught fish are also sold by these fisherman at a distance and not near the Fall. There on one side of the left shore of the falls, one can leave the fishes to be cooked in separate kitchens for a small sum.
Made with waters of Cauvery River, the falls flow through the silent valley. One of the ways of reaching Hogenakal Falls is through Bangalore. Drive through Hosur and Krishnagiri, turn left and reach Dhamagiri. A stretch of 30 kms from Dhamagiri takes you to Hogenakkal Falls. A number of children diving in the falls can be seen from a distance. All around the falls there is thick vegetation but less habitation, so expect very few people on the way to the Falls. However, on reaching the Falls you can expect a number of people, especially in the peak time.
Hogenakkal Background
The name "Hogenakkal" has it’s root in the Kannada terms ‘Hege’ meaning smoke and ‘Kal’ meaning rock or stone. So, ‘Hogenakkal’ translated to ‘Smoking rock’. The smoke referred to here is the spray of water as it hits against the rocky surface.. from a distance, this spray of water resembles a smoke and hence the name.The river Cauvery originates as a small flow of water near Coorg in Karnataka and gradually gathers momentum and size as it flows through the state. It then swells as a huge body of gentlly flowing water with sandy beaches before falling with a great roar that sounds like continuous thunder into Tamil Nadu at Hogenakkal.
Cauvery is to Tamil Nadu what the Ganges is to North India.. the entire history of the state revolves around the river and the waters from Cauvery feed the delta regions making them one of the most fertile regions of the world
Hogenakkal Trip
Located about 150 kms from Bangalore, Hogenakkal is in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The waters of the Hogenakkal waterfalls are said to have curative properties and many tourists throng this tourist spot.Located about 250 mts above sea level amidst the Melagiri Hills, the route to Hogenakkal Falls is scenic, with lush mulberry fields and giant terracotta guardian deities (Aiyanars). As you approach Hogenakkal, the roar of the Cauvery river and the abundance of vegetation in the area is sure to catch your attention.
The Cauvery falls in a mighty gush into a narrow gorge. In fact you need to get aboard a coracle to be able to see the magnificent falls. The coracles or basket boats covered in buffalo hide or plastic have been in use for thousands of years. The rocks around this gorge and woody valley are beautifully shaped. The roar of the magnificent falls, the fine spray of water and the spectacular natural scenery are sure to revive you.
Hogenakkal is hailed as a river spa location. You can attempt a massage by the local masseurs. It is an experience to be rubbed with medicated oils atop the slabs of rock and to wash off in the bathing cubicles under the glorious cascading waters of the Cauvery. For lovers of fish, do not miss the fresh catch that is fried right in front of your eyes.
Location
This is one of the wonderful waterfalls in Tamil Nadu. It is a part of the river Cauvery and is about 250 metres above sea level. The main attraction of the falls is its vertical drop from a height of 20 metres with a thundering sound. A sacred bathing place, Hogenakkal is well known for its power of healing. It is located at a distance of 114 km from Salem and 133 km from Bangalore.Weather & Best Season of Hogenakkal
July is a good month to visit Hogenakkal.Hognakkal has a moderate climate with warm summer (March to May) with maximum temperature 34°C and a minimum temperature of 23°C. It has a pleasant winter (December to February) with a maximum temperature 27°C and a minimum of 13°C. Monsoon during June to August provides good rains and the river over flows in Hogenakkal.
Time to visit Hogenakkal is all through the year except summers. Boating is allowed only during the dry-season as the water falls are not strong enough to disturb the moving of the boats. Monsoon and Post monsoon seasons are good for sight seeing and waterfalls.
How to Reach
By Air
Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport, which is at distance of about 133 km from Hogenakkal. Taxi charges about Rs 2000 from Bangalore to Hogenakkal. Bangalore is well connected to most of the major airports in India and abroad.By Bus
Hogenakkal is well connected to all major cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Hogenakkal (133 km) and Salem to Hogenakkal (114 km). Bus charge is about Rs 3 per kilometer.By Train
Nearest major railway junction is Salem, which is about 114 km from Hogenakkal. Salem to Hogenakkal taxi charge is about Rs 1500. Other two railheads nearby are Dharmapuri to go to Bangalore and Morappur to go to Chennai.Tourists Attractions
Tour to Hogenakkal The 15 km descent from Pennagaram to Hogenakkal snakes through very interesting terrain. In these lands, one can see villages with lush fields of mulberry, fodder for busy silkworms, and the broad-leaved though often scraggy castor. On the outskirts of the rural settlements en route are their fascinating guardian deities, often referred to as Aiyanars. Made of terracotta or plastered brick, these giant figures are brightly colored and generally depict fearsome and mustachioed warriors. But exceptions to this excessively macho rule are also seen at some places.As the scrub-covered slopes give way to thickets of thorny vegetation and then, almost imperceptibly, when tall trees began to rise, the air reverberates, with the soft roar of running water becoming more and more assertive as one reaches lower and lower.
At the bottom of the valley, the Cauvery tributaries spread in a blue and shimmering web. They gurgle, shimmer, some hardly more than exposed rocks, and large rocky stretches where old trees grew. Women in bright saris bathe, or wash clothes in the running water.
The spa-hamlet rises off the road-a scatter of shacks and buildings, staggering up the slopes of the valley, gazing down at the water-woods on the other side of the road. It has the character of a village struggling to become a town, a little tatty in patches, not yet chrome glass-and-polish, still retaining much of its truly rural charm.
Often referred to as basket-boats, the circular vessels called Coracles have bamboo frames covered in either black plastic or buffalo hide. They wait like black mushrooms, propped against trees or upturned on the banks of the river. When the river is in spate, all the dark rocks are submerged, but if one goes there in February, which is among the most favored months to visit this riverine spa, there should not be any problem. Coracles are among the oldest types of watercraft in the world, and among the most successful-a reassuring thought when one is floating in these saucer-like devices.
Things to do in Hogenakkal
Hogenakkal special oil massage
Hogenakkal is known for it’s special oil massage offered on the rocks by the water before going for a bath in the falls. It takes a strong man with good stamina to go through this massage as it involves heavy slapping and beating with oil all over your body.. some feel rejuvenated after the massage.. while others feel beaten-up and tired! Either way, the massage offers a fascinating sight and you will be spell-bound just watching the process of someone going through this massage. So, take a careful look and decide for yourself if your body will withstand the ‘Hogenakkal special oil massage’. It will cost you about Rs 200 and is very much negotiable.A herb-rich bath in the falls
The Cauvery flows through dense forests in Karnataka before arriving at Hogenakkal and is said to carry the healing properties of several herbs along with it. Moreover, the force at which the water falls will shake your system to it’s very root.. you cannot help feeling like a different person after the bath in the falls!! Provision is made for men and women to enjoy this bath in separate areas.‘Parisal’ ride
After an adventurous massage and a rejuvenating bath in the falls, it is time to relax in a ‘Parisal ride’. The parisal is a circular boat made of coir and rowed along by a boat-man. The unique shape helps in keeping the boat afloat in areas where there are strong currents in multiple directions (very much like a raft). A parisal ride has graduated from being a mode of transportation to a joy ride of tourists.. the riders take you in places of some heavy current to let you feel the ‘saral’ or the spray of water from the falls and can be quite an experience. The ride will cost around Rs. 300 for a group and about 8-10 people can be seated in a parisal at one go.Fresh Fish Fried
In Hogenakkal, fish gets caught in the waters, friend in oil with spices and entertains your taste-buds.. all at one spot! Eating a freshly caught fish is a speciality in Hogenakkal that you will not want to miss.. and it is available in the numerous mobile eateries all over the place.Trekking
There are numerous trekking tracks in this rocky terrain and the best way to find your way around these tracks is by picking up a conversation with locals and taking them along for company. Do offer some money and youcan have a great day out trekking in these virgin lands.Hanging Bridge
Do not miss a spectacular view of the falls from a 'Hanging Bridge' across the waters. You have to ask your way around and mentioning the name 'hanging Bridge' will be sifficient to help you find this spot. You will get great views of the falls from here and best of all is the excitment of standing on the bridge below which water gushes its way thru in great speed.Where To Stay
At Hogenakkal rattling restricted improvement occur available, with the prizewinning mortal the traveler hut with the traveler rest concern separate by the land business utilization corporation.Chaparai Water Falls |Bharachukki Waterfalls|Gaganachukki liquid falls|kerala liquid falls|Maramala Waterfall kerala | Athirappilly Water Falls kerala|urakkuzhi waterfall| Cheeyappara waterfalls in kerala|JOG WATER FALLS | Dhoni Waterfalls | Kalhatty Falls ooty | Pykara Falls Ooty |Ethipothala Waterfalls |
 Photo by : Thejaswi in Flickr |
 Photo by : jignashu_parikh in Flickr |
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 Photo by : Aravinda_up in Flickr |
 Photo by : C+H in Flickr |
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 Photo by : Dennis Zach in Flickr |
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 Photo by : mkrsnarao in Webshots |
 Photo by : mkrsnarao in Webshots |
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 Photo by : mkrsnarao in Webshots |
 Photo by : mkrsnarao in Webshots |
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 Photo by : HardikDesai11 in Webshots |
 Photo by : HardikDesai11 in Webshots |
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