A DAY TO HOGENAKKAL FALLS

Hogenakkal falls:

I love my travel. I love to go for a long ride with my familys and friends.

So due to pongal holidays on 17-01-2012 a day I decided to go for hogenakkal falls with my family members. We started our trip from pondicherry at 6.00 am. early morning  velan who is my close friend with her family were joined with us later on the spot.

As there was not much traffic due to sunday we reached harur via (villupuram, thirukovilur ) at 9.am we had our late breakfast. After breaking the fast we started to hogenakkal via ( morappur,dharmapuri) around 12.10.pm we reached to hogenakkal.

Hogenakkal falls is a beautiful water falls in the state of tamilnadu, is a good picnic spot its some time referred as Niagara of India. The moment we reached, we were mobbed by people – some by advising us to take massage, some by telling us to follow for boat ride. People will be asking you Rs.150 per head for boat ride. You have to be really very careful on fixing the cost. You can easily bargain the amount. We made it for Rs.400 for eight of us. Soon after few minutes of coracle ride, we had to walk for about 100 meters. It was nice sceneries and we took some snaps. It was a time for dip. We had nice time splashing around and took bath. The boat man was really funny and we enjoyed the trip at the max. At some places he had to carry the coracle nearly 600 meters on his own. Finally we reached back at origin. We decided and gave him Rs.550 for boat ride. He was really very happy. At Hogenakkal You can get different kinds fish fry.
We had our late lunch before we start our head back the way we came. We reached pondicherry around 11pm .We were very tired. 

The best season to visit is soon after the monsoons, when the river is in full spate. But some tourists prefer to visit during off-season to skip the crowd. The temperature in summer varies between Max 34 Degree Celsius to Min 23 Degree Celsius while during the winter it is still pleasant and ranges from Max 27 Degree Celsius to Min 13 Degree Celsius. 

The tips which I had attached below will be helpful who are planning for trip

A) About :

Hogenakkal Falls or Hogenakal Falls is a waterfall in South India on the river Kaveri. It is located in the Dharmapuri district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, about 180 km (110 mi) from Bangalore and 46 km (29 mi) from Dharmapuri town. It is sometimes referred to as the "Niagara of India". With its fame for medicinal baths and hide boat rides, it is a major site of tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. This is also the site of a proposed project to generate drinking water.

Hogenakkal is a small riverside village in Tamil Nadu with lush vegetation, vast fields of mulberry and fodder of silkworms. The gushing water fall in this village is the most beautiful one in the country that makes it an ideal tourist destination. A serene coracle ride in the river is something that must be experienced once in Hogenakkal.

The word Hogenakal is formed of two Kannada words hoge and kal. When the water falls on the rocks it appears as if hoge (smoke) is emanating from the top of the kal (rock) because of the force of the water, hence Hogenakkal (smoking rocks). It is also called as Marikottayam by the people of Tamil Nadu.

"The meaning of the the place is rather an interesting one, Hogenakkal means 'smoking rock'. It is an apt name for this town implying to the famous Hogenakkalwater fall. The river Kaveri dashes along roaring between the rocky banks that make it look like the rocks are emitting smoke."

B) Weather:

The best season to visit is soon after the monsoons, when the river is in full spate. But some tourists prefer to visit during off-season to skip the crowd. The temperature in summer varies between 23–34 °C (73–93 °F) while during the winter it is still pleasant and ranges from 13–27 °C (55–81 °F). The time span between October-March remains the best period to visit Hogenakkal to avoid crowd and enjoy the beauty of Hogenakkal.

C) Things to do in kogenakkal falls:

Take a bath at the main bathing area or at the smaller falls after crossing the hanging  bridge. Take a coracle ride to see the main falls, the rates may vary should be around Rs.150 per person for a one – hour ride. Feed yourself with fresh fish fries, unless your are too fussy about hygiene. Get yourself a message with the herbal oils from the local masseurs.

1) Boating:

The journey along the river in the coracle is a worth-cherishing experience for the visitors. Boating in Hogenakkal is allowed during the dry-season as the water falls are not strong enough to disrupt the passage of the boats. This is the main source of income for these boat operators. The coracles are about 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in) in diameter, but still can take a load of eight persons at a time.^[12] These coracles are made of bamboo, and with all materials available takes about a day to build. The bottom of the boats are made waterproof by the use of hides, but sometimes with sheets of plastic. Use of plastics in the Hogenakkal vicinity, not just for boats, has been criticised due to problems with pollution. These boats are steered and propelled using a single paddle, making them unique. The coracles are locally calledparisal in Tamil and either teppa or harigolu in Kannada.

2) Oil Massage:

Hogenakkal is much renowned for the oil massage rendered by local malishkarans who have the expertise in applying their massaging tricks in the fourteen massage points in the human body. Female masseurs also join hands with the male masseurs in making the visitors feel the soothing effect of the massage. The oil massage replenishes one's body, improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, increases memory power, rejuvenates skin, detoxifies one's body and gives deep peaceful sleep at night.

Significance of its water:

The ambience over there is so salubrious and the river water in which the tourists take bath is said to possess some special curative powers as it flows along the way where herbal trees and plants are ubiquitous.

3) Trekking and Swimming:

It is so exciting and challenging indeed to swim in Hogenakkal as the swimming and diving experience tests the stamina and resilience of even the hard-core swimmers to the maximum. Trekking in the hills nearby on the other hand gifts the adventurous with a visual feast and more importantly it is much easier as well. Shooting a song in Hogenakkal is a typical fashion for many movie producers as well.

4) Food and Clothing:

Freshly caught fish are sold by the gorge and also various vendors selling water and snacks up and down the gorge rowing their coracles is not uncommon. The fish caught include katla, robu, kendai, keluthi, valai, mirgal, aranjan and jilaby. After leaving the gorge, on the left shore one can find improvised stalls set up on the sand. There, one can let the fresh fishes be prepared in one of the many kitchens. Also, many people can be found swimming or bathing around there. One has to order beforehand to get regular meals. Fried fishes and spicy fishes are the mouth-watering food stuffs which are ubiquitous here. It is a good idea for the tourists to bring mosquito repent creams and buckle-up convenient suits. It would be a fantastic deal to enjoy a hot cup of coffee with snacks to boot.

D) Attraction in and around hogenakkal:

1) Krishnagiri dam:

The Krishnagiri Dam is situated 7 km form Krishnagiri across the Thenpennar which is a place of great tourism potential. The dam is sandwiched between Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri irrigating all areas on the way. It is a very good picnic spot as well.

2) Thai Little England:

Thai Little England is around 25 kms away from Hosur in the Karnataka – Tamil Nadu border. It is amidst valleys and cliffs and has a salubrious cool climate. It has the climatic conditions resembling England hence it is called 'Little England' ever since the British rule. It is an area surrounded by mountains and hills and Denkanikottai is its Taluk headquarters built by Palayakarar in 1530 AD. The fort got obliterated in the war involving Tippu Sultan and Hyder Ali. And Venugopala Swami Temple is situated nearby it. During May every year the car festival would be conducted here. And the place would be thronged by scores and scores of devotees at that time.

3) Hanuman Theertham Temple:

The Hanuman Theertham Temple, looking majestic on the banks of Pennaiyar, is around 10 km from Uthangarai. The Hanuman Theertham Temple and Tirtamalai are historically associated with each other. Once Hanuman was instructed by Rama to bring some water for him to perform his religious ritual but unexpectedly Hanuman could not reach in time. So Rama performed Astrapryogam and received it. So the belated Hanuman got deeply exasperated and threw the vessel containing Holy Ganges water down and the spilled water is believed to form 'Hanumantirtham.' People throng this place during the Tamil month of Aadi (July – August) as it is considered to be very sacred.

4) Kelevarapalli Reservoir Project (KPRP):

The KPRP Project assumed full shape in the year 1995 AD. It is around 10 kms from Hosur and 8 Kms from Karnataka. People of Hosur come here to spend their time leisurely and comfortably. And the people in the nearby states frequent this place during holidays.

5) Arulmigu Maragathambigai Chandra Chodeswara Temple:

This temple is on NH-7 in Hosur and is visited by many of the pilgrims of Karnataka. It lies majestically on a mound across a children's park and an Observatory raised by the tourism department. And there is a guest house in its neighborhood under the control of Tamil Nadu Tourism.

6) Government Museum:

The Government Museum has been functioning since 1993 so as to spread the historical heritage, culture, art and traditional values of Tamil Nadu and Krishnagiri district. It is located on Gandhi Salai in Krishnagiri District. It has a wide collections of monuments of historical importance. It is a center of education as well as tourism. Certain researches related to the historical value of monuments are conducted here.

7) Rajaji Memorial Thorapalli:

In remembrance of the effervescent leader and freedom fighter Rajaji, the house in Thorapalli where Rajaji was born was converted into a memorial by the Tamil Nadu Government. It is 10 kms from Hosur near Onnalvadi. And the photos and galleries of different facets of his life are exhibited over there.

8) Rayakottai Hill Fort:

The Rayakottah Hill Fort forms the periphery of Palghat Plateau and is 30 km away from Hosur. It was the vantage point for the British soldiers who stayed there till 1861 even after the Mysore Wars. The ramparts and the bastions of the fort still remain undestroyed.It is supposed to be a protected monument.

9) Mallachandran:

It is 19 kms from Krishnagiri and 4 kms from Samalpallam. Samalpallam is situated on NH 7 in Banglore Road. The religious cult of the forefathers was worshipped by the Megalithic people of the ancient period. There are 3 types of monuments in Krishnagiri district namely Cairn Circle, Dolmen and Urn burials. There are over 100 Dolmens in Mallachandram in the Moral Pari. And more interestingly, around 4 Types of dolmens are found in the same place.

E) Where to stay near hogenakkal:

There are limited options to stay at hogenakkal, TTDC run hotel, looked the best option there. Check out adhiyaman palace or rama boarding in case you don’t find a place in TTDC hotel. I would suggest to stay at dharmapuri instead, which has much better options.

Std Code: 04342 Accommodation in hogenakkal

NAME ADDRESS PHONE NO Hotel Adhiyamaan Palace 69/4 Adhiyamaan ByePass Road Dharmapuri 270007 SV Lodge 11F Nachiyappan Road Near Head Post Office Dharmapuri 266273 Sri Saravana Inn 102 ByPass Road Dharmapuri 263728, 260728, 97894 97722 DNC Lodging House 11 Nachiappa Gounder Street Dharmapuri 260626, 260625 Hotel Sri Madheswara Inn 103 Nagammal Complex Adhiyaman ByePass Road Near 4 Roads Dharmapuri 260226, 261472, 98428 61598 Hotel Sri Rama 165 Opp To Govt Medical College Hospital Nethaji Bye-Pass Road Dharmapuri 260141, 261641 Sree Raam Lodge Near Bus Stand Chinnasamy Naidu Street Dharmapuri 260134 Hotel Sri Rama 165 Nethaji ByePass Road Dharmapuri 260134 Hotel Tamil Nadu Hogenakkal Pennagaram 256447

There are no good places to stay at Hogenakkal.It is always advisable to spend the day in Hogenakkal and come out before night. In Hogennakal,TTDC operates an Hotel there and this is easily the best of the Hotels available. There are good hotels available in the nearest city Dharmapuri (45 km). Best hotels suggested are 1. Adhiyaman Palace 2. Rama Boarding 3. Hotel Saravana

F) Where to eat near hogenakkal:

Usually people coming here will pack their own food for they have fun in the water and have a relaxed meal. Otherwise the nearest town which promises good food is Dharmapuri, about 45kms away from Hogenakkal.

1.Adayar Ananda Bhavan 
Dharmapuri, Hosur Road, Tamil Nadu

2.Hotel muruga bhavan, thoppur 
Thoppur, Tamil Nadu
094 43 517691

3.Danam Mess 
Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu

4.Valli Mess 
Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu

5.Lavanya mess 
Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu

6.Hotel Rama Boarding 
Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu

7.HOTEL SRI SARAVANA BHAVAN 
102 Bye pass road, dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu 636701
04342 260 728 

G) How to reach hogenakkal falls:

From Bangalur:

Car/bike: hogenakkal falls can be visited as a day trip from bangalur. There are 3 routes to reach hogenakkal, the shorter is via denkanikottai, which is about 130 kms. The roads are decent on this stretch , head towards anchetty from denkanikottai and then hogenakkal. Make sure u take a right turn fron the main signal on NH7 at hosur. 

The 2^nd route is via rayakottai, which is abouit 170 kms. This route has excellent roads with minimum traffic. Take a right diversion from hosur just after exiting from the hosur flyover.  

The 3^rd route is via the silky smooth NH7 till krishnagiri. Take a right diversion towards dharmapuri and continue on the dharmapuri – hogenakkal road. This is the longest route, being about 190 kms.

Public transport: The nearest airports are at bangalur and coimbatore the nearest rail heads are dharmapuri, salem and morappur. There r frequent private buses plays from bangalur, salem towards hogenakkal. Get on the bus towards rayakottai or pallakodu from shanthinagar in Bangalore and there many buses to hogenakkal  from these places.

From pondicherry:

Hogenakkal can be reached from pondicherry. There are 3 routes to rech hogenakkal, the shorter is via thiruvanamalai-harur road, which is about 240 kms. ( pondicherry – villupuram – thirukovillur – harur – morappur – dharmapuri – hogenakkal ).

The 2^nd route is via NH66 road, which is 242 kms. ( pondicherry – tindivanam – gingee – tiruvanamali – (thiruvanamalai – harur road)  - chengar – uthangarai – dharmapuri – hogenakkal falls).

The 3^rd route is via NH66 thiruvanamalai  – harur road, which is 249 kms. ( pondicherry – tindivanam – gingee – tiruvanamali – (thiruvanamalai – harur road)  - harur – morappur – dharmapuri – hogenakkal falls).

 Public transport: There are frequent public and private buses plays from dharmapuri, towards hogenakkal. Which is about 18 kms.Get on the bus towards indur from dharmapuri and there many buses to hogenakkal  from these places.

Dharmapuri to Hogenakkal Route: dharmapuri - (dharmapuri – hogenakkal road//SH60) – attukarampatty – erikodi - continue (dharmapuri – hogenakkal road//SH60) – indur – continue (dharmapuri – hogenakkal road//SH60) – hogenakkal falls.

Getting there by rail:  Salem 114 km and Bangalore 130 km are the nearest railway stations from this place. 

H) Driving direction routes:

From Bangalore to hogenakkal:

From pondicherry to hogenakkal:

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