TRAVEL FEATURE

For a one-day fun outing, head to Hogenakkal Falls

BY SMITI JAIN NARAYAN

On the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu lie the enchanting Hogenakkal Falls produced by the Kaveri River in the Dharmapuri district, perfect for a day trip for a scenic outing from Bangalore.

The name Hogenakkal is derived from Kannada meaning ‘Smoky Rocks’. That’s because when the river falls on the rocks below from the great height, the gushing force of water at the crash produces a spray of mist that rises up and surrounds the air looking like smoke emanating from the rocks.

Water cruising on country made dinghies called Coracles are the main attraction here for tourists. It’s an enthralling boating experience in these unique round dinghies surrounded by the waterfalls and the hills. As the river water surges, the coracle tosses and turns, making you feel like you could topple over at any moment, yet the coracles hold firm. It’s an invigorating and exhilarating experience, sending an adrenaline rush through your entire body.

Apart from Coracle boat ride, at Hogenakkal Falls there are other activities to make your trip adventurous. You can go swimming in the waters of the Kaveri and have a great time splashing around. But be warned, the waters can be quite cold, so get in prepared. Hogenakkal Falls is one of the best places for swimmers as the depth of the water is just about perfect and the surrounding scenery adds to the charm. Non-swimmers can also enjoy in the placid river and life jackets are also provided.

Trekking enthusiasts will find this place a funfilled trekking experience like none other. Admiring the scenic beauty of the place with the dense forests all around and marvelling at the series of 14 waterfalls, the Hogenakkal falls trek is truly a treat to the eyes. The 2-km long trek through rocky terrains is fairly easy so even beginners can enjoy the experience. The mighty fall of the gigantic waterfall and the maze of smoking rocks through which you need to navigate to reach the top is a thrilling experience.

At Hogenakkal Falls, you can also enjoy a nice and soothing oil massage if you are so inclined. There are various masseurs present at the site who offer you short oil massages for a few minutes that can instantly relieve you from all the exhaustion and stress of daily life. These masseurs are quite skilled in their work and are familiarised with the 14 notable pressure points in the body, giving you a rejuvenating experience of a lifetime.

There is also a Crocodile Park in the vicinity of Hogenakkal Falls where these reptiles are bred and managed by a wildlife body. You can see the crocodiles lazing around, basking in the sun, and make for good photo ops to post on social media.

Head to Hogenakkal Falls for a one-day fun outing with adventure and scenic delights.

How to get to Hogenakkal: By road:

It is 138 km from Bangalore. Drive down via NH48.

By train:

Board a train to Dharmapuri Railway Station which is 3 hours from Bangalore. Timings for coracle ride: 8am to 5pm Closed on Tuesdays