Hogenakkal Falls is a thrilling waterfall situated in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, on the Kaveri River. According to the specific rock arrangement surrounding it, the place gets its name from Hogenakkal, which means “smoking Rocks”. The Kaveri River dips through several streams and slides by multiple stages, rendering the sight a hallmark to behold.
Hogenakkal is also one of the best waterfalls and one of the most scenic tourist spots to visit near Bangalore & Chennai. As the Kaveri River crosses the Tamil Nadu border as it works its way through the state of Karnataka. It descends down the high scenery of the Hogenakkal Waterfalls. The Carbonate rocks located by the waterfall are one of the oldest rocks in the world. The two Kannada words ‘Hoge’ mean ‘Smoke’ and ‘Kal’ mean ‘Rocks’ give meaning to the term Hogenakkal as Smoky Rocks.
Drinking water can also collect from the drop, and oddly enough, due to the various herbs that grow along with its course. The water here is also known to possess medicinal properties.
About Hogenakkal Falls
Falls have about 14 channels with drops ranging from 15 to 65 ft. To enter the surroundings of the waterfalls, you need to take a boat-ride (there is no connexion to the land). Coracle riding is one of the key activities that can enjoy during the monsoon and winter seasons. Boating is normally suspended at the start of the monsoons.
Hogenakkal is also a safe place to practice your swimming skills. The stream is rather a challenge. Tourists may even go trekking on the surrounding hills. The water flows from the waterfall to the Mettur Dam, also known as the Stanley Reservoir.
The falls are less than 1 km away from Hogenakkal Bus Station. There are no decent food points near the waterfalls, except for basic snacks, soft drinks, and fish fry. Consider packing your food near Hogenakkal Bus Station or Dharmapuri if necessary. There are several lodges and mid-range lodging options in Dharmapuri.
The Hogenakkal Falls renowned for their pristine appeal and is the prime attraction in the area. Tourists can also enjoy the Coracle boat journey from one end of the river to the other. They can simply find a quaint place to perch on and bask in the wonders of Hogenakkal Falls Enchanting beauty.
Things To Do In Hogenakkal Falls
Boating in Hogenakkal Falls
While the majesty of the falls is mesmerizing, thanks to medicinal curing properties, trekking routes, and boat trips during the dry season. It also draws many visitors. During the dry season, boating in coracles is possible as the water of the Kaveri River is comparatively calm. The coracles are basket-shaped boats made of bamboo, with a bottom of animal hide or plastic mats. They span 2.5 m long, can seat 8 people, and use a single wooden paddle to steer them by hand.
Trekking in Hogenakkal Water Falls
Trekking, which is a beautiful experience in its own right, is another engaging practice that you can try at Hogenakkal Falls. A breathtaking sight to see is the hike overlooking the waterfall. And one cannot help but mesmerized by the green vegetation and virgin charms of the place. The hike takes you through a labyrinth of gentle rocks and dense greenery. It is fun-packed and adventurous at the same time to approach the path as it comes. The level of difficulty of this trek is not much, so at the Hogenakkal Falls, both beginners and experienced trekkers will enjoy this activity.
It is considered that the waters of the Hogenakkal Waterfall have healing properties that can cure anyone of their ailments. This is also due to the fact that in the immediate vicinity of the falls, a variety of herbs and medicinal plants are present, imparting their goodness. People come to the water of Hogenakkal Falls from far and wide to bathe in it and enjoy its health benefits. The local masseuse, who keeps making the rounds of this place, can also get oil massages from you.
Best Places to Visit near Hogenakkal
Below are the best places to visit in Hogenakkal Falls.
Mettur Dam, Hogenakkal
One of the largest dams in India is the Mettur Dam, located 30 miles from Salem in the tiny Mettur Village. Built over the River Cauvery in the gorge, the Mettur Dam was built in 1943 and is a sight of pure elegance. The dam is surrounded by green hills and picturesque natural wonders and is very popular with visitors. One of the most remarkable aspects of the dam is its architecture, a testimony to the engineering genius of the region. Mettur Dam is an immense human-made wonder that spans a vast length of 1700 meters and is a huge hotspot where visitors come to relax and explore solitude from all over the world.
The dam also provides irrigation services for 2,71,000 acres of farmland surrounding it, apart from being a tourist hotspot. Another big draw of the city is a water tank surrounded all over by hilly ranges. The location is also next to a large Hydro Electric Power Station that generates 240 MW, formerly known as Stanley Reservoir. The water here is not only for power generation either, but it also hosts a number of local fish. The Mettur Dam is a favorite of visitors, along with Ellis Park and the hydroelectric power station. One has to seek permission from the authorities in advance to access this place.
Melagiri Hills, Hogenakkal
The next most desirable spot in Hogenakkal is the Melagiri Hills, after seeing the stunning drop. The Hills are a few kilometers away and the joy of actually seeing the ranges is complemented by numerous trekking opportunities up to the plateau.
The hills are the place where the Ghats of the East and West meet each other. The vision is literally sublime, with two mountain ranges that meet on all sides, and thick forests all around the place. There is also one-horned antelope you can spot in these valleys.
Sightseeing around Hogenakkal Falls
One of the easiest ways to enjoy the majesty of the Hogenakkal falls is maybe to sit back and enjoy the sight it provides. This water cascade comes from a huge height of 20 meters with gushing sounds that are not less like thunders following it. Tall trees spin over the falls and are surrounded by thorny bushes that give the spot its own kind of elegance. A leisurely nature walk is a must when you are at Hogenakkal Drop. You can also engage a guide who can provide you with a clearer understanding of the venue.
Best Time to Visit Hogenakkal Falls
The best time to visit Hogenakkal is after the monsoon, the only thing that’s going to crowded during this time. During the offseason, Hogenakkal is popular for boating, as the waterfalls would not be as strong as during the monsoon season. It is also essential for the Coracle to go under the waterfalls and admire its beauty. Coracle known as Parisal by locals can accommodate up to 6 passengers, riding here can certainly be adventurous. These coracles are made of bamboo and hides. The temperature varies from 23 to 34 ° C during the summer season and ranges from 13 to 27 ° C during the winter season (55 to 81 ° F).
You can conveniently get buses to Hogenakkal as the nearest bus station in the town of Hogenakkal is barely 1 km away. Besides these, there are also taxi services available to visitors.
How to Reach Hogenakkal Falls
The nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport, 216 km from Hogenakkal Falls. Dharmapuri is the nearest railway station, 47 km from Hogenakkal. It is connected by rail to Bangalore, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Tuticorin, Coimbatore, Salem, Nagercoil, Mysore, Pondicherry, Tirunelveli, and Ernakulum. Dharmapuri is the nearest major bus station to Hogenakkal. It has buses from Bangalore, Mysore, Salem, Coimbatore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Kochi, Ooty, Madurai, and Hyderabad.
