Things To Do Near Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls is a waterfall in South India, on the Kaveri River, abutting the Dharmapuri district of the state Tamil Nadu and Chamrajnagar district of Karnataka state. This place is about 46 km (29 mi) from Dharmapuri and 199 km (124 mi) from Chamrajnagar. Carbonatite rocks are found here, considered to be the oldest in South Asia and one of the oldest rocks around the earth. The Government of Tamil Nadu proposed to convert the falls into providing drinking water for the state. 

The pure Tamil name of Hogenakkal Falls is Uguneer Kal. It was under the rule of the Mysore Kingdom from 1652 to 1768, and during that period, many Kannadas were employed and settled here in large numbers for tax collection work. Hence , the many Tamil names there have their own Kannada names. Uguneer Kal is how became Hogenakkal. The name Hogenakal refers to 'Smoky Rocks'. The river when falls on the rock below, and the gushing force of water resembles smoke emanating from the stones. This also becomes known as Marikottayam in the motherland , Tamil Nadu. 

Also, this is one of the notable trekking places near bangalore, which can be visited during the day and at night. Undertaking a trek on the trail up the hill on a night of full moon is one of the adventurous things that you can do at Hogenakkal. At the top of the mountain, the display of natural beauty around you will be an enchantment to cherish!

HOGENAKKAL FALLS HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hogenakkal Falls is referred to as Thalaineer Aruvi in Sangam Literature. All the regions around these falls are called Thalaineer Naadu. A King named Adiyaman Neduman Anji ruled it. References to this King and the Falls are available in Sangam literature, such as Purananooru, Agananooru, Kurunthogai, etc. 

• The Kaveri is taken to form at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills of the Western Ghats in south India,  gathering  steam as the land slopes downhill. It is increased as more tributaries add to it on the downhill.  When it reaches  Hogenakkal, the Kaveri river becomes very big and tumbles, and  a series of  waterfalls  follow as water  chases  down the rocky hill. 

• It has places where the water drops to as much as 20 m (66 ft), and it is said that  the  sound  is always that of thunder. It carries sediments that fertilize the land downstream. Before reaching Hogenakkal, the river branches off over a wide sandy area of beaches and continues to flow south to create Mettur Dam and an  impressive 60 sq mi (160 km2). Lake called Stanley Reservoir. Built in 1934, it was an irrigation and hydropower  development. 

• Boating is available for the dry season because the falls are not fierce enough to bar their entry. That is the source of income for a boating operator. The coracles have a diameter of approximately 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in) and can take up to eight people at one time.

• These coracles are made of bamboo, and taking all materials available, it would take a day to put them together. The bottom of the boats is made waterproof by use of hides, but some use sheets of plastic.  Problems with pollution have led people to criticize the use of plastics in the Hogenakkal vicinity, not only for boats. These are steered and propelled through the water using a paddle, but this is used singly. The coracles are locally called parisal in Tamil and teppa or harigolu in Kannada. 

Check Out: One Day Trip From Bangalore | Trekking Near Bangalore | Two Day Trip From Bangalore

BEST TIME TO VISIT :

The best time to visit Hogenakkal Falls is between April and June and between November and March. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, and the atmosphere turns into a lovely display of ambient colours. From July to October, the hilltop witnesses the rainy season, which must be avoided when visiting Hogenakkal.

TIPS FOR VISITING HOGENAKKAL FALLS:

1. The monsoon season is not one of the best times to visit Hogenakkal falls. The wet roads and slippery trails make it very tiresome and difficult to stay afoot, and the terrain can be a major problem to traverse.

2. Always carry enough water with you to avoid incidents of dehydration.

3. Ensure you wear comfortable clothes and footwear to avoid unease.

4. Since the trail is long, ensure you are physically fit to undertake the trek. Exercising and stretching activities a few days before the trek might be helpful.

5. For a night trek, make sure that you are equipped with adequate torches and batteries, which will be very useful.

HOW TO REACH: 

The nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport, which is about 150 km from there. You may have to travel to a major bus stand nearby to get a direct bus to Hogenakkal. Or you can hire a taxi from outside the station. 

The nearest railway station to Hogenakkal is the Dharmapuri Railway Station. It is about 47 km away, and taxis are easy to find. 

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