Hogenakkal Falls or Hogenakal
Falls
Introduction
Hogenakkal Falls or Hogenakal
Falls is a waterfall
in South India
on the Kaveri (or
Cauvery) River. It is located in the Dharmapuri district of the southern Indian
state of Tamil Nadu,
about 180 km from Bangalore and 46 km 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 Waterfalls
often referred to as "Cauvery" or "Kavery" or
"Kaveri" by locals and the people of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri
districts in tamilnadu, India where it is situated. Hogenakkal is also
described as the 'Niagara' of India, offer an exciting holiday destination for
Indians and foreigners alike. Hogenakkal is located about 750 feet 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. Hogenakkal is a
beautiful place with picturesque scenes.
Tucked away just 150
km from Bangalore is a cascading beauty that goes by the name of ‘Hogenakkal
Falls’. Hogenakkal, located on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border makes for a
quick getaway from Bangalore. Though a year round destination, Hogenakkal
Waterfalls has a different character just after the rains. The area looks lush
green and there are a number of waterfalls that you may come across.
Situated on the
Karnataka - Tamil Nadu border, Hogenakal is undoubtedly one of the most
beautiful places in the state. The broad stream of the River Cauvery gets
forked at this point, forming an island from where one stream continues on
while it plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfall
gives these rocks the name Hogenakal which means "smoking rock" in
Kannada. Since the waters of the kauvery flow through a forest of herbs on
their journey to Hogenakal, bathing in these falls is considered to be good for
health.
The magnificent,
rugged mountain scenery around the falls can be better enjoyed by long walks
and treks.
.JPG)
Etymology
When the water falls on the rocks it
appears as if hoge (smoke in Kannada)
is emanating from the top of the kal (rock in Kannada) because of the force of
the water, hence Hogenakkal (smoking rocks). It is also called as Marikottayam
by the people of Tamil Nadu.
River
The Kaveri River is considered to form
at Talakaveri
in the Brahmagiri hills in Kodagu district in
Karnataka and gathers momentum as the land drops in elevation. It becomes
larger as various tributaries feed into it on the way down. At Hogenakkal, the
Kaveri, now a large river, drops and creates numerous waterfalls as the water
cuts through the rocky terrain. In places the water falls as much as 20 m and
is said to sound like continual thunder. Soon after the falls the river takes a
Southerly course and enters the Mettur reservoir. The river carries sediment
which makes the "down-river" land fertile.
At Hogenakkal the river spreads out
over a wide area of sandy beaches, then flows through to the Mettur Dam
and creates a 60 sq mi. lake called Stanley Reservoir.
Built in 1934, this project improved irrigation
and provided hydropower.
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 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.
Bathing
Hogenakkal waterfalls is a beautiful
picnic spot with its waters supposed to be having curative powers. Hogenakkal
is set in thick, green woods and is considered both a sacred bathing place and
a spa-like health resort.
Here the water spreads for miles around. The area is surrounded by hills and
offers lovely panoramic view. People can take bath in the Kaveri river, before
and beyond the falls. Before reaching Hogenakkal, the river flows through a
forest which contains herbs that are traditionally believed to enhance health.
Hence bathing in these waters are believed to be curative.
Boating
Boating in Hogenakkal is allowed during
the dry-season as the water falls are not strong to disrupt the passage of the
boats. Local coracles operate from the banks of both Tamil Nadu
and Karnataka
banks of the gorge. This is the main source of income for these boat operators.
The coracles are about 2.24m in diameter,[ but still can take a load of eight
persons at a time. These coracles are made of bamboo, and with all
materials available takes about a day to build. The bottom of the boats are
made water proof 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 called as parisal in Tamil
and either teppa or harigolu in Kannada.
Freshly caught fish are sold by the
gorge and also various vendors selling water and snacks up and down the gorge
rowing their parisals 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.
Hogenakkal water project
Hogenakal Falls is the location for the
Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project proposed by the Tamil Nadu Government. The objective of this
project is to provide safe drinking water to the urban and rural areas in
Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts. In February 2008, The Japan Bank for
International Cooperation has agreed to fund the Rs 1,340-crore project.
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.
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.
Tourist Attraction
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 Iyanars. 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.
The Hogenakkal Waterfall is the main
highlight of the place. And a trip to Hogenakkal revolves around the fall and
the river. The Hogenakkal Waterfall is often called the Niagara Falls of India.
Waterfalls here fall from a height of 60 to 1000 ft. A boat ride here is a
thrilling activity and a good way to get a slice of adventure. Rides are taken
on the coracles, the round small boats that are locally known as parisals.
These are made from watertight hides stretched over lightweight wicker frames.
It is a spectacular experience. And don’t be surprised when a boatman asks you
for Rs. 500 to take you on a coracle ride. Heavy bargaining is recommended. Another exciting attraction at Hogenakkal
Waterfalls is the diving skills of local kids, who would dive for a fee. They
can dive from a height of around 30 feet and climb straight up back on the
rocks in no time. And the fee can range from 5 to 10 rupees.
The spot comes alive especially in
July-August. A huge weekly fair is held in the nearby village of Pennagaram. Theerthamalai,
a popular pilgrim centre 16 km from Dharmapuri is another interesting place
that you can visit. At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri River enters the plains and the
river dashing against the rocks is a great sight. The river,here flows through
a wooded valley, splitting and merging and splitting again around rocks, and
lil islands with towering trees, and boulder- strewn out crops, which are
covered only when the river is in spate with the rains of the monsoon.
This riverside spa is famous for coracles, masseurs and roaring waters. The
sound of the Kaveri River,roaring between rocky banks, is a constant presence
in most places in Hogenakkal.
Theerthamalai: Theerthamalai is a popular
pigrim centre and it is 16 k.m. from Harur in Dharmapuri district. This pilgrim
and picnic centre becoming very popular with the public. The temple situated
about one k.m up the steep slope of a hillock derives that its name from the
five springs in the temple. Lord Theerthagireeswar (Lord Shiva) is the
worshipping deity. According to the legend it was here that Lord Rama
worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of having killed several
demons in the war against Ravana. Hence there is belief that a holy dip in the
waters of this spring will wipe out the sins committed by the people.
According to the legend, in order to
worship to Lord Shiva, Rama sent Hanuman to fetch water from the River Ganga,
but when Hanuman did not return at the appointed time for pooja, Rama
unleashed an arrow onto the rocky slope of the hillock and water sprang forth,
which today is called Rama Theertham. The tiny waterfall drops from a height of
about 30 feet is perennial and during the summer as well as the rainy season
the water falls on the bathing ghat behind the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
The other Theertham, all of which have their origin in different parts of the
rocky surface, are the Agasthya Theertham, AgniTheertham. Kumara Theertham and
the Gouri Theertham, besides these four Theerthams the Hanuman Theertham is
situated about 16km from the main temple on the banks of river South Pennar.
This too is also closely associated with the temple. It is stated that when
Hanuman returned with the water from the Ganga, he found that Rama had brought
the Ganga water with his arrow. He then threw away in anger the vessel
containing the Ganga water. This water fell onto the riverbank. Hanuman
Theertham also is a very holy place. During summer even when the river is dry
there will be sweet water in the spring that flows from rock in the riverbed.
The waters of the Theerthamalai are supposed to have medicinal values too. It
may be mentioned that Theerthamalai has huge reserves of magnetite iron ore
that can be utilized for the Salem Steel Plant.
Several Inscriptions can be found in
the Theerthagireeswarar Temple. They relate to the Vijayanagar and Chola
rulers. There is one inscription in ancient Telugu and Kannada. Poet Saint
Arunagirinathar referred to the Temple of Theerthagirieeswarar in his
compositions. The Mandapam near the sanctum sanctorum is supposed to be built
by Sila Naicken. He is said to have maintained a well-fortified garrison
at the top of the hill from where a commanding view of the surroundings can be
on all sides is available.
There is another spring known as
Vashista Theertham higher up in the hill. Close by are the wonderful granite
pieces of Saptha kanyakas. The beauty of these sculptures is that they can be
viewed only through a very narrow crevice in the rock. The nine-day annual
festival at the Temple is in the month of March. The main festival is held at
the Shiva temple at the foot of Theerthamalai.
Lodging
There are two popular places where one
can stay overnight:
·
The Tourist Bungalow
run by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
·
Hotel Tamil Nadu
If one plans to stay longer than a day,
he/she can take long treks in the surrounding Melagiri Hills and explore the
lush, rugged, landscape.
1.
Hogenakkal,
Pennagaram,
Phone No.
04342-256447
Name of other Hotels
|
Places
|
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.
|
Travel
|
Mass Travels, Pennagaram. (16 km from
Hogenakkal)
|
Bank
|
There are Nationalized Banks at
Pennagaram (16 km for Hogenakkal) and at Dharmapuri
|
Connectivity
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 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.
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.
Things to do in Hogenakkal
- Stop by at Pennagram en-route to Hogenakkal to admire/buy
brightly coloured giant terracotta statues, regarded as guardian deities by the
villagers.
- Take a coracle ride across the river. The ride will take
you to the foot the majestic waterfalls – an exhilarating yet intimidating
experience.
- Hardcore adventurer can ask boatman to spin the boat - the
experience is like that you are sitting on a spinning top.
- Get a massage from the famed Hogenakkal masseurs. The
local malishkarans or the mystic masseurs are fully equipped with oils, powders
and esoteric knowledge about the different massage points in the human body.
- Those planning to stay longer can take long treks in the
surrounding Melagiri Hills and explore the lush, rugged, landscape.
About Hogenakkal: Hogenakkal Information
& Fact File
Altitude
|
250 meters
|
|||||
Temp
|
|
|||||
Best time to Go
|
October – March
|
|||||
Monsoon
|
June - September
|
|||||
Summer
|
April - June
|
|||||
Winter
|
December - February
|
|||||
Clothes
|
Cottons all year round
|
|||||
Nearest Airport
|
Bangalore, 150 km
|
|||||
Nearest Railway Station
|
Bangalore, 150km
|
|||||
Bus Station
|
Hogenakkal (Direct buses from
Bangalore)
|
|||||
Hospital & Doctor
|
Hospitals
equipped to handle emergencies are located in Bangalore (150 km)
|
|||||
Places to see
|
Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Pennagaram
village, Theerthmalai…
|
Useful Information:
Toilet Facilities : Govt. run facilities available which are decent.
Food : Not much available. Just fish and rice or lays et al from the sailing vendor on Cauvery river ;)
Guesthouses : One VTS Lodge and a Tamilnadu Govt. Guesthouse next to the falls
Coracle : is it possible to avoid the coracles and see the falls? No!
Best Time to Visit: If you want a nice dip in the water - before monsoon
See the falls in its full glory - definitely after monsoon