Hogenakkal

State

Hogenakkal is situated at the borders of Karnataka, about 46 kms from Dharmapuri, the headquarters of the district of the same name. The river Kaveri which enters in Tamil Nadu as a big river flows here as natural falls, thus making the place serene and panoramic.

Known as the Niagara Falls of India, Hogenakkal is a nature tourism destination. Situated in the forested Melagiri hills, 170 km south of Bangalore by road, it is located at the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and the nearest main town is Dharmapuri. Hogenakkal is a quiet village at the confluence of the Kaveri and the Chinnar rivers and it is from here that the Kaveri River develops into a series of impressive waterfalls. It is also considered as a riverside spa with the waters having curative properties.

The beautiful Hogenakkal Falls in the state of Tamil Nadu are a part of the River Cauvery. A perfect picnic spot, the falls are known for its curative and healing powers. Hogenakkal means “smoking rocks” derived its name from the waterfall dashing against the rocks creating a spray of mist around it. The Hogennakal Falls ranging forma height of 50 feet to 150 feet are also sometimes referred to as the “Niagra of India” and are 250 meters above the sea level.

The roaring and the gushing Hogenakkal Falls are spread over half a km and in the second section the river flows calmly down through a narrow and steep gorge. The carbonate rocks around the innumerable falls are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and also the oldest in the world.

Since the Hogenakkal Falls are a sightsing package itself, one can enjoy the coracles rides in the River Cauvery. Coracles are circular boats called as Parisal in the local language. The boatman can take you close to the falls where ou are completely drenched with spray and mist. The boatman often tends to swirl the boat, a dizzying but exhilarating experience.

Another famous feature of the Hogenakkal Falls are the Malishkarans, who treat tourists to oil massages, followed by a bath in the curative powers of the waterfall.

The word Hogenakkal is made of two words, Hoge and Kal. Hoge in Kannada means smoke and Kal means rocks. Hence, the Hogenakkal means smoky rocks. The river when falls on the rocks below, then the gushing force of the water looks like as if smoke is coming from the rocks so this place is as Hogenakkal.

Hogenakkal is unique as it is the only natural, traditional river spa in our land. It also offers a thrilling experience, and perhaps that is why the name means the smoke that thunders. And, as an added bonus, one can visit the giant terra-cotta village guardians, the Aiyanars, on the way to Hogenakkal.

Hogenakkal is located on the Karnataka – Tamil Nadu border. It lies at the distance of 114 km from Salem and 133 km from Bangalore. Hogenakkal waterfalls are the part of river Kaveri and is about 250 meters above the sea level. It is one of the beautiful places in the state. When the water hits the rocks a fine cool spray rises, that is the reason these rocks have been given the name 'Smoking Rock'. The best time to visit the Hogenakkal waterfall is between mid July to mid August when the water is at its peak. During this season water level rises from 20- 30 feet more. Hogenakkal falls are not the single waterfall but the series of waterfalls.

Known as the Niagara Falls of India, Hogenakkal is a nature tourism destination. Situated in the forested Melagiri hills, 170 km south of Bangalore by road, it is located at the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and the nearest main town is Dharmapuri. Hogenakkal is a quiet village at the confluence of the Kaveri and the Chinnar rivers and it is from here that the Kaveri River develops into a series of impressive waterfalls. It is also considered as a riverside spa with the waters having curative properties.

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.

The main attractions at Hogenakkal are the massive waterfalls, with the water falling about 60 - 1000 ft deep in the canyon. There is another big waterfall on the Kaveri River after Shivanasamudra. One can also visit Theerthamalai, which is a popular pilgrim centre and is about 16 km from Dharmapuri.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalyan/306577941/

Accessibility

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.

Rail: 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.

Road: 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.

Accommodation

Since Hogenakkal is just 150 km from Bangalore, a day visit is always possible. Those looking to stay in Hogenakkal can either stay in KSTDC tourist bungalow or Hotel Tamil Nadu.

From Middle Class to Deluxe levels, hotels are available at Hogenakkal. Those looking to stay in Hogenakkal can either stay in Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation tourist bungalow or Hotel Tamil Nadu.

The KSTDC Tourist Bungalow run by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
080-2275869, 2275883

2.Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hogenakkal
Penagram
Hogenakkal-636810
Phone:+91-4342-56447, 54448

2.Hotel C.M.Boarding & Lodging
Hogenakkal.

3.DDDC Lodge
Hogenakkal.

4.Hotel Priya Lodge
Hogenakkal.

5.Hotel Sri Rama Boarding & Lodging
Dharmapuri.

6.Hotel D.N.C Lodge
Dharmapuri.

7.Hotel New Dharmapuri Lodge
Dharmapuri.

8.Hotel Vijay Lodge
Dharmapuri

Things to do

Boating: A visit to the Hogenakkal waterfalls is incomplete without taking a ride in the waterproof basket boats covered in buffalo hide or plastic stretched over light-weight wicker frames. These boats are locally known as Teppa. These are among the oldest water crafts in the world. The boats man steer the boats through the rapids of rising water giving you the thrilling experience. You can also engage on photography of the beautiful surrounding areas while taking the boat ride. Enjoy the full flow of the water and the fantastic view of the waterfalls from the boat.

Trekking and Swimming: Hogenakkal is also the good place to try out your swimming skills. The water is quite challenging. Tourists can also go for trekking on the nearby surrounding hills. The treks are usually simple. Hogenakkal waterfall is the popular site among the film makers. There are many films songs shotted at this destination. For example a song 'Dil Hai Chootasa....' from the film Roza was shot here.

District
Hogenakkal
STD Code
04342
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Hogenakkal Waterfalls popularly referred as the Niagara Falls of India.