At a distance of mere 180 kilometers from Bangalore lies the enchanting beauty known as Hogenakkal Falls. Hogenakal is situated on Cauvery or Kaveri River in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. It is about 46 kilometers away from the main town of Dharmapuri. This cascading beauty is also referred to as the Niagara Falls of India.
Hogenakkal Falls are a year round weekend getaway destination, however, the Hogenakal falls has an altogether enhanced character right after the rains have washed them. The lush green environs with several waterfalls is a must see sight atleast once in a lifetime. Hogenakal makes up for an excellent picnic point, just pack a basket of food, hop in the car with your friends and drive away to this vital spot leaving behind the tensions and work load of your daily life. Even for those who live far from Hogenakkal, taking few days off to visit the falls is much more than worthwhile. Anyhow the medicinal properties of these falls attract many from far off lands. Hogenakkal is the point where the Cauvery River enters the plains with striking force a bedazzling sight. The Cauvery River, here wanders by a wooded vale, curving and bending round rocks, and small islands with lofty trees.
Places to see in Hogenakkal
1. The Hogenakkal Waterfalls: Since you have already read so much about the falls above that we need not say anything more, however, there are few more things that you ought to know. The height of the water falls here ranges from 60 feet to 1000 feet. A boat ride across the falls will be a thrilling experience that you will never forget. Tiny boats that are locally referred to as parisals and better known as coracles are also available for boat rides. These boats are made of hides stretched over a wicker frame. The boatmen will usually ask for huge amount of money for single boat rides, so don’t leave your bargaining skills behind.
2. The diving skill of the local kids is another thing you must not miss while you are at the falls. The kids here will dive from a height of thirty feet and climb back to the top in a jiffy for a small fee.
3. These falls are buzzing with excited tourists in the months of July and August. A vast heritage fair is held at Pennagara, a village close by.
4. Theerthamalai: a famous pilgrim place at a distance of sixteen kilometers from Dharmapuri is a quite interesting place to visit.
Things to do while in Hogenakal
1. Visit Pennagram on the way to Hogenakal to buy and take a look at brilliantly colored huge terracotta sculptures, considered as protector gods by the dwellers.
2. If you are looking for adventure then you must ask the boater to whirl the boat like a spinning top.
3. An herbal massage from the local masseurs will soothe your tired body. The masseurs here are well versed with the pressure points and have all kinds of essential oils and powders with them.
4. You can also enjoy long treks in the Melagiri Hills nearby.
Accommodation: A day’s visit is quite enough until you plan on taking the long treks in the Melagiri. KSTDC tourist house or Hotel Tamil Nadu provides comfortable accommodation.
How to reach: Nearest airport and railway station are at Bangalore and takes about two and a half hour’s drive. Regular buses as well as cabs are available from Bangalore to the falls.
