Hogenakal Waterfalls: The Niagara of India

Hogenakal Waterfalls is often referred to as Cauvery or Kavery or Kaveri by locals and the people of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts in Tamil Nadu. Hogenakal is located 140 km from Bangalore and is also described as the Niagara of India – offers an exciting holiday destination for Indians and foreigners alike. Hogenakal is a riverside small , busy and noisy village, with plenty of vegetation and little habitation in Tamil Nadu.The village is located about 750 feet above sea level amidst the Melagiri Hills.The route to Hogenakal Falls is scenic, with lush mulberry fields and giant terracotta guardian deities (Aiyanars). As you approach Hogenakal, the roar of the Cauvery river and the abundance of vegetation in the area is sure to catch your attention. Hogenakal is a beautiful place with picturesque scenes.The broad stream of the river Cauvery gets forked, forming an island from where one stream continues on while the other plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfall that gives these rocks the name Hogenakal which means “smoking rock”.This riverside spa is famous for coracles, masseurs and roaring waters.The sound of the Cauvery river, roaring between rocky banks, is a constant presence in most places in Hogenakal. It is a great sight when Cauvery river enters the plains and the river dash against the rocks. The river, here flows through a wooded valley, splitting and merging and splitting again around rocks, and little islands with towering trees, and boulderstrewn out crops, which are covered only when the river is in spate with the rains of the monsoon is a breathtaking sight.Once in Hogenakal, one can take a coracle ride across the river. The coracles or circular basket boats are covered with black plastic sheets and carry the ferry tourists across the shimmering, rippling river. The ride will take to the foot of the majestic waterfalls – an exhilarating yet intimidating experience.The water here surges under the coracle, tossing it around, raging and hissing as though it might flood and capsize the boat any moment. The sight of Hogenakal up close is as spellbinding, imposing and even a bit frightening. This white waterfall is particularly impressive soon after the monsoon months when the river is brimming.One can try getting a massage from the famed Hogenakal masseurs. The local malishkarans or the mystic masseurs are armed with oils, powders and esoteric knowledge about the different massage points in the human body. The massage offered here is sought after by many tourists and visitors.Hogenakal offers long treks in the surrounding Melagiri Hills and one can explore the lush, rugged, landscape. The place is unique as it is the only natural, traditional river spa in the land. It also offers a thrilling experience, and as an added bonus, one can visit the giant terra-cotta village guardians, the Aiyanars, on the way to Hogenakal.  How to reachBy road: The best way to reach Hogenakkal from Bangalore is by road. The taxi charges are between `2,000 and `2,500. There are ksrtc buses from Bangalore. One could take private buses to Dharmapuri.By rail: The nearest rail head is at Dharmapuri located 42 km from Hogenakkal