Hogenakkal Falls Dharmapuri | Attractions | Best time to visit

Hogenakkal Falls Dharmapuri

Introduction

Hogenakkal falls are located in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu and Chamrajnagar district of Karnataka. It is the major tourist spot in Tamilnadu. This is a personal favorite place for many peoples. It attracts all the age group peoples, especially children, and youngsters will come here often. Hogenakkal falls are famous for the parisal ride and bathing areas. It is also known for the carbonatite rocks present in this site. It is considered as the oldest rocks in the world.

About hogenakkal falls

These falls are found out at an elevation of 700 m cuddled abreast of the river Kaveri within the Dharmapuri District of the state and lies on the border of Tamilnadu and Karnataka. The encompassing environs exude tranquillity and make it up for a pleasant experience for the travelers coming here to enjoy a while alone.

In Hogenakal the river Cauvery enters Tamil Nadu as an enormous river with gushing water presentably as a natural falls. The name Hogenakal springs from Kannada means ‘Smoky Rocks’. When the river falls on the rock, it produces a gushing force of water that resembles like smoke emanating from the rocks.

The Kaveri river shapes up at Talakaveri in Brahmagiri and gains its flow because the land dips to a particular elevation. On its thanks to Hogenakkal, a variety of rivers intermingle with Kaveri River, turning it into an outsized one. The water is then diverted by rocky terrain which reminds its visitors of Niagara Falls and hence is popularly referred to as the “Niagara Falls of India”.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Hogenakkal falls is after the monsoon season. That time the river will be spate, but some people visit during the off-season to avoid the crowd.

During summer, the water temperature will vary from 23 to 34 degrees Celsius and during winter it varies from 13 to 27 degrees celsius.

Major attraction

Hogennakkal boating

Hogenakkal boating is allowed only during the dry season because the falls aren't strong enough to disrupt the passage of the boats. This is often the most source of income for boat operators. The coracles are about 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in) in diameter and may carry eight people at a time. Coracle is a small round boat.

These coracles are made from bamboo, and with all materials available takes a few days to create. rock bottom of the boats are made waterproof by the utilization of hides, but sometimes with sheets of plastic. The use of plastics within the Hogenakkal vicinity, not only for boats, has been criticized thanks to problems with pollution. These boats are steered and propelled employing a single paddle, making them unique. In Tamil, they call these small boats as parisal and in Kannada, it is called as harigolu or teppa.

These freshly caught fish are sold by the various vendors, they are selling fish, water and snacks up and down the gorge rowing their coracles isn't uncommon. The fish caught include Katla, Keluthi, Valai, Robu, Kendai, Jilaby, Aranjan and Mirgal. 

After leaving the gorge, on the left shore, one can find improvised stalls found out on the sand. There, one can let the fresh fishes be prepared in one of the various kitchens. Also, many of us are often found swimming or bathing around there.

Other attractions

Parisal ride will give an enthralling experience. Surrounding by hills at various heights Hogenakal offers the visitors a special ambiance and refreshing relaxations. One could also take a bath within the falls. Oil massaging by local people may be a different experience.

Transportation

• By rail

The nearest railway station is Dharmapuri, it is 47 km from Hogenakal. It is connected by many rails such as

Coimbatore, Salem, Tuticorin, Bangalore, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Tirunelveli, and Pondicherry.

• By bus

The nearest bus stand is Dharmapuri. It has many buses from Salem, Coimbatore, Ooty, Chennai, Madurai, Hyderabad and Trivandrum.

• By airplane

From 215 km away from Hogenakkal falls, the nearest airport is Bangalore international airport.

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