The word Hogenakkal 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. Hogenakkal Falls is a waterfall in South India on the Kaveri river on the border between Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu and Chamrajnagar district of Karnataka. It is sometimes referred to as the “Niagara Falls of India,” it is known for bathing areas and hired boat rides and as a major 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.
How is the weather in Hogenakkal Falls?
The best season to visit is soon after the monsoons, when the river is in full pace. But some tourists prefer to visit during off-season to skip the crowd. The water temperature in summer varies between 23–34 °C (73–93 °F) while the winter it ranges from 13–27 °C (55–81 °F).
How far is Hogenakkal Falls from Bangalore?
Hogenakkal falls distance from Bangalore is around 125 km. It is located in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. Some people refer it as “Niagara falls of India”. The name Hogenakkal came from two kannada words “Hoge” means Smoke and “Kal” means Rock which means the “Smoking Rock “.
How long does it take to visit Hogenakkal Falls?
Usually it takes one half day to visit Hogenakkal Falls. At a distance of 31 km from Salem, 193 km from Coimbatore, 114 km from Hogenakkal, 349 km from Chennai and 249 km from Bangalore, Yercaud is a beautiful hill station in Salem district of Tamil Nadu and also one of the popular places to visit as part of Tamilnadu tour packages.
When is the best time to visit Hogenakkal Falls?
The best time to visit Hogenakkal Falls is from July to October while the peak season is from August to October. Usually it takes one half day to visit Hogenakkal Falls.
Is Hogenakkal safe for tourists?
While adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies throng Hogenakkal in the monsoon, it is not recommended for tourists as the currents are too strong to swim in. Boating is not allowed either, and there is no standard means of transportation to reach the waterfalls. It is best to avoid the river, as the water flow may be too heavy.
Boating in Hogenakkal Falls
Boating in Hogenakkal is allowed during the dry-season as the falls are not strong enough to disrupt the passage of the boats. This is the main source of income for boat operators. The coracles are about 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in) in diameter and can carry eight people 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 is 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 criticized due to problems with pollution. These boats are steered and propelled using a single paddle, making them unique. The coracles are locally called parisal in Tamil and teppa or harigolu in Kanadda.
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.
Hogenakkal Falls – Weekend Trip Guide
Make your first stop at the Tamil Nadu RTO Office just before Hosur to get your permits. The permits defers based on the vehicle you are travelling in. Remember to set you first haul at the Tamil Nadu RTO Office or else you will miss the stop due to differences in the Google Map directions. Don’t end up missing the permit office.
After taking permit from the Tamil Nadu RTO Office take a turn and visit the roadside cafes or dhabas for an early morning breakfast. Have a healthy and heavy meal as per your convenience. You will find these roadside cafes and dhabas at a nearby place known as Denkanikottai. The drive through Denkanikottai is full of greenery and nature. Enjoy the view while passing your way through this place.
The roads towards Hogenakkal were narrow after Anchetty. The Kaveri river comes to view on our right as we neared Hogenakkal town. The Kaveri is considered to form at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills in the Western Ghats of south India 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 (66 ft) and is said to sound like continual thunder. The river carries sediment which makes the downriver land fertile. At Hogenakkal the river spreads out over a wide area of sandy beaches, then flows south to the Mettur Dam and creates a 60 sq mi (160 km2). lake called Stanley Reservoir. Built in 1934, this project improved irrigation and provided hydropower.
Hogenakkal Town
Now go towards Hogenakkal Town. The town is filled with a variant crowd of people. Here you can book a hotel for your weekend stay. Stay in Hotel Tamil Nadu if you want (Just a suggestion). Here you will find delicious native cuisine of the local people to experience.
Coracle ride is for 3 to 4 hours. It contains coracle ride in the Kaveri river, visit to island and visit to 2 falls. You car parking fee is around Rs. 30. You need to hire boats for the boat ride in the river. They charge Rs. 750 per boat with capacity of up to 3 people. The boat rider takes you to the Island and to the two falls Karnataka and Tamil Nadu falls. While boating you can also catch fishes in the Kaveri river and cook and eat fresh fishes. You will find eateries to eat after your tiresome but vivid ride. Eat your favourite food or ethnic food of the place and finally ride back to your hotel.
