Hogenakkal Falls: A Guide to the Niagara of India

Hogenakkal Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in India, located in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The name Hogenakkal means “smoking rocks” in Kannada, as the water gushes down the rocks creating a misty effect. The waterfall is also known as the Niagara of India, as it resembles the famous Niagara Falls in North America.

If you are looking for a refreshing and adventurous getaway, Hogenakkal Falls is the perfect destination for you. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about this natural wonder, including its information, best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, attractions near it, tips and reviews.

Photo of Hogenakkal Falls 1/2 by — (C) LBB

Hogenakkal Falls Information

Hogenakkal Falls is formed by the Kaveri river, which splits into multiple channels and drops down from a height of about 20 meters. The waterfall has a total length of about 1.5 kilometers and consists of several smaller falls. The rock formation around the waterfall is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the Carboniferous period, about 300 million years ago.

The water of Hogenakkal Falls is believed to have medicinal properties, as it flows through the herbs and plants in the forest. Many people come here to take a bath in the healing waters and rejuvenate their body and mind. The waterfall is also considered sacred by the locals, as it is associated with the legend of Shiva and Parvati.

Best Time to Visit Hogenakkal Falls

The best time to visit Hogenakkal Falls is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is moderate. You can enjoy the beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding nature, as well as indulge in various activities. The average temperature during this period ranges from 15°C to 30°C.

The peak season to visit Hogenakkal Falls is from December to January, when the waterfall is at its full glory and attracts many tourists. However, you may also face some crowd and traffic issues during this time. The average temperature during this period ranges from 10°C to 25°C.

The monsoon season, from June to September, is not a good time to visit Hogenakkal Falls, as the water level is very high and the boating is not allowed. The waterfall may also become muddy and dangerous due to the heavy rainfall. The average temperature during this period ranges from 20°C to 35°C.

The summer season, from April to May, is also not a good time to visit Hogenakkal Falls, as the weather is very hot and humid and the water level is very low. The waterfall may lose its charm and appeal due to the scorching heat. The average temperature during this period ranges from 25°C to 40°C.

How to Reach Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls is well-connected by road, rail, and air from various cities in India. Here are some of the ways to reach Hogenakkal Falls:

By Air: The nearest airport to Hogenakkal Falls is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, which is about 150 kilometers away. You can take a flight from any major city in India to Bangalore and then hire a taxi or a bus to reach Hogenakkal Falls. The journey may take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Hogenakkal Falls is the Dharmapuri Railway Station, which is about 50 kilometers away. You can take a train from any major city in India to Dharmapuri and then hire a taxi or a bus to reach Hogenakkal Falls. The journey may take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

By Road: Hogenakkal Falls is easily accessible by road from various cities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. You can drive your own vehicle or take a state-run or private bus to reach Hogenakkal Falls. The road is well-maintained and scenic, passing through the forests and hills.

Things to Do at Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls offers a lot of fun and exciting things to do for the visitors, ranging from sightseeing to adventure. Here are some of the things to do at Hogenakkal Falls:

Boating: One of the most popular and thrilling activities at Hogenakkal Falls is boating. You can take a ride on a traditional round-shaped basket boat, called coracle, and enjoy the views of the waterfall and the rocks. The boatmen will also take you to some of the hidden falls and caves that are not accessible by foot. The boating is available from 9 am to 5 pm and costs about 150 rupees per person for a 30-minute ride.

Trekking: Another adventurous activity at Hogenakkal Falls is trekking. You can explore the forest trails and the rocky terrain around the waterfall and witness the rich flora and fauna. You can also climb up to the viewpoint and get a panoramic view of the waterfall and the river. The trekking is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers and can be done in a few hours.

Photography: Hogenakkal Falls is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, as it offers stunning views of the waterfall, the rocks, the river, and the nature. You can capture the beauty and the essence of the waterfall in your camera and create some memorable pictures. You can also take some selfies and group photos with the waterfall as the backdrop and share them with your friends and family.

Shopping: If you are looking for some souvenirs and local products, you can do some shopping at Hogenakkal Falls. You can find some shops and stalls near the waterfall that sell handicrafts, pottery, paintings, jewelry, and other items. You can also buy some fresh fish from the fishermen and enjoy a delicious fish fry at the nearby restaurants.

Oil Massage: If you want to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind, you can opt for an oil massage at Hogenakkal Falls. You can find some masseurs near the waterfall who offer a traditional oil massage using herbal oils and powders. The massage can help you relieve your stress and pain and improve your blood circulation and skin health. The massage costs about 100 rupees for a 15-minute session.

Photo of Hogenakkal Falls 2/2 by — (C) Google

Attractions near Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to some other attractions nearby. Here are some of the attractions near Hogenakkal Falls that you can visit:

Hanging Bridge: Hanging Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects the two banks of the Kaveri river near Hogenakkal Falls. The bridge is about 200 meters long and offers a thrilling experience of walking over the river. You can also get a beautiful view of the waterfall and the rocks from the bridge. The bridge is open from 6 am to 6 pm and has no entry fee.

Children’s Park: Children’s Park is a recreational park that is located near Hogenakkal Falls. The park has a playground, a garden, a fountain, and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The park is a good place to spend some quality time with your family and kids. You can also enjoy some snacks and refreshments at the park. The park is open from 9 am to 6 pm and has no entry fee.

Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre: Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre is a conservation center that is located near Hogenakkal Falls. The center is home to some endangered species of crocodiles, such as mugger crocodiles and gharials. You can see the crocodiles in their natural habitat and learn more about their behavior and ecology. The center is open from 9 am to 5 pm and has an entry fee of 10 rupees per person.

Mettur Dam: Mettur Dam is a large dam that is located about 40 kilometers from Hogenakkal Falls. The dam is built across the Kaveri river and is one of the oldest and largest dams in India. The dam has a reservoir, a hydroelectric power station, and a park. You can see the dam and the reservoir and enjoy the scenic views. You can also visit the park and enjoy some boating and fishing. The dam is open from 9 am to 6 pm and has no entry fee.

Melagiri Hills: Melagiri Hills is a range of hills that is located about 50 kilometers from Hogenakkal Falls. The hills are part of the Eastern Ghats and are known for their biodiversity and beauty. You can trek or drive through the hills and witness the lush green forests, waterfalls, streams, and wildlife. You can also visit some of the tribal villages and experience their culture and lifestyle. The hills are open throughout the year and have no entry fee.

Pennagram Village: Pennagram Village is a historical village that is located about 10 kilometers from Hogenakkal Falls. The village is famous for its ancient rock paintings that date back to the Mesolithic period, about 10,000 years ago years ago. The paintings depict the life and activities of the prehistoric people, such as hunting, fishing, dancing, and worshiping. You can see the paintings on the rocks and caves and admire the art and history of the village. You can also interact with the local people and learn more about their culture and traditions. The village is open throughout the year and has no entry fee.

Tips and Reviews for Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls is a wonderful place to visit, but you need to be prepared and careful to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips and reviews for Hogenakkal Falls that can help you plan your visit:

- Carry enough water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes and shoes for your trip.

- Avoid visiting the waterfall during the monsoon and summer seasons, as the water level and weather may be unfavorable.

- Negotiate the price and duration of the boating and massage before you avail them, as they may vary depending on the demand and season.

- Do not litter or pollute the waterfall and the surrounding area, and respect the nature and the local culture.

- Be careful while walking on the rocks and the bridge, as they may be slippery and uneven.

-Do not swim or dive in the waterfall, as it may be dangerous and prohibited.

- Book your accommodation and transportation in advance, as they may be limited and expensive during the peak season.

- Carry some cash, as there may not be many ATMs or card facilities near the waterfall.

Question and Answer Section for Hogenakkal Falls:

Q: How much time do I need to visit Hogenakkal Falls?

A: You need at least a full day to visit Hogenakkal Falls and enjoy its attractions and activities. You can also extend your stay for a night or two if you want to explore the nearby places and relax.

Q: Is Hogenakkal Falls suitable for kids and elderly people?

A: Hogenakkal Falls is suitable for kids and elderly people, as long as they are physically fit and comfortable. However, they may need some assistance and supervision while boating, trekking, and walking on the rocks and the bridge.

Q: Is Hogenakkal Falls open throughout the year?

A: Hogenakkal Falls is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is moderate. The monsoon and summer seasons are not advisable, as the water level and weather may be unfavorable.

Conclusion

Hogenakkal Falls is a magnificent waterfall that offers a unique and memorable experience for the visitors. You can witness the beauty and the power of the waterfall, enjoy the scenic and adventurous activities, and explore the nearby attractions. You can also relax and rejuvenate your body and mind with the healing waters and the oil massage.

Hogenakkal Falls is a place that you should not miss if you are in Tamil Nadu or nearby.

Hogenakkal Falls Reviews

Craftee Monk

86 Followers

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A break from the old job and a festive mood at the end of the year, and there you go - Plans for a road trip. This trip took a lot of effort to plan since half my set of friends had gone back home and the rest were vegetating here in Bangalore. Also the fact that, on the D Day we had more people than what my car could carry. So the 6 of us decided to take a bigger car, which belonged to one of the friends and started off. Hogenakkal Falls is approximately 130 kms away from Bangalore. You can choose to go through the MDR 588 route or the NH 44 (This is a slightly longer route). Starting off at 9:30 am, the ETA was 12:30 PM. Our need for adventure, food and much more led us to reach by 4 PM. Yes, 4 PM! Nevertheless, excited to enjoy whatever time we could, we found a few boatmen who could ferry us in the river ( More like they found us and followed us for 3 kms, helped us park our car and then offer to ferry us). The Boat or Vanji as is it is called is a round circular floating object, which can hold upto 4 people excluding the boatman. The charge was Rs 750 per boat. We took 2 and split into groups of 3. After waiting in a queue for the boat to be floated, we all took seats. Everybody had to sit at the periphery of the boat and equally spaced to balance the boat. It was going to be an hour long ride, and from the time we got in, we did not want to get out. Glad we had reached late and did not have to bear the hot sun in the afternoon, we captured the falls and rocks in their natural glory. I was really excited to see “Business in a boat”, where men and women had made stalls on their Vanji and floating around the river to offer food and drinks to the tourists. There were fishermen (and women!) who were fishing and served hot fried fish across the boats. Who could say no to that? Anyway, the highlight would have to be the waterfall, or small waterfalls since this time of the year is way beyond the rainy season. The boatman rotated the boats so that we could get under the waterfall. It was refreshing, a mini shower under the waterfall :P We spent some more time rotating on the boats and moving around the river. While getting back to the edge, there was a queue for a good 15 minutes. Again, a peaceful time to spend as the boat passed through a gorge. Needless to say, we required a change of clothes, which we fortunately had planned and carried. We started off to go the Crocodile Park, but it was a little past their closing time and hence decided to return home. At the speed we had reached that place, it was better starting off then :B. Our quest for food did not end with the fishes, but we found out a Punjabi Dhaba called Balle Balle on our way home and ordered the Punjabi-est dishes possible - Grilled Chicken, Butter Chicken, some more chicken and Butter Naan. Oh yes, one of those vegetarian friends had Dal Makhani. Can’t review the Dal Makhani though! Finally we reached home tired but happy and slept off (no I am not that boring, just don't remember the details :B) Strongly recommended for a one day road trip/excursion/break. Oh and you can stand in a queue and pay 750 Rs for the boat or pay the boatmen 100rs extra along with boat fees and get on ahead of the line.

Ram P

26 Followers

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It was a one day trip from Bangalore to Hogenakkal. We started at around 5.30 am on 23rd November,2019. There are two different routes from Bangalore to Hogenakkal. We took Bangalore-Rayakottai-Palacode-Hogenakjal route. It is around 155km from Bangalore. The other route is around 120kms from Bangalore. But this is a ghat road so we choose the other one. It took us around 4 hours (we stopped for breakfast in small village). Just after reaching there we were approached by some people who do massage. Massage was around Rs 500 each. It was okay not very good though. We took coracle ride which costs Rs 750 per coracle. Only 4 people are allowed per coracle. So if you are 5 people then you'll have to take 2 coracles. They provide life jackets also. Coracle ride was good. They will take to certain distance only and ask for extra money to go to the main area of the falls. We bargained to Rs 1000 to go to the main area of the falls. The view here is spectacular. The massage guy did massage here on the rocks and we took bath near one of the falls. After taking bath we came back to the starting point on the coracle. You can find people selling fish fry near the falls and you must try it. It tastes awesome. We ate food in a small hotel and started back to Bangalore at around 6.30 pm. Overall it was a very good one day trip from Bangalore. During monsoons if the water flow is high, boating is not allowed. Best time to visit is just after monsoon.

Subhrajyoti Parida

409 Followers

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Hogenakkal Fallsis located about 150 -160 kms from Bangalore in South East direction, on the borders of two South Indian states - Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It took us about 4 hours to reach their by cab booked through a prominent can service provider who charged us @ Rs.2700 for 300 kms with Rs.8.50/km extra if we exceed 300 kms. Since we left bit late from Bangalore (a delay of about 1 hour or so i.e, at 9:15 am), we could reach at the destination only during lunch time i.e, at about 1:30 pm. Well, this is our first trip that started with a hefty lunch (a delicious Tamilian lunch having rice, tasty sambhar which I craved for more & more, two types of vegetable curries, pickle and pappad).Then we set off straight to the jetty where tourists hire Coracle Rides on Cauvery River who quite gracefully and sometimes ferociously flows through the deep (10 to 30 feet depth) canyons flanked by high rising black, white and greyish rocky features on either side.The Coracle Ride was for approx. 1- 1 1/2 hours which was undoubtedly an experience to cherish, especially when you are a day's break from the hectic chores of city life.After Coracle Ride, we moved around the nearby falls taking snaps and feasting our eyes on some of the unique landscapes in South India (images of which I am surely going to put on sale through my Stock Photography Agency !).

deepak agarwal

78 Followers

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It is the best waterfall one can visit near bangalore.just 120 km away from Bangalore in dharmapuri district,this waterfall gives a pleasant eye-catching view. The falls lies on the kaveri river,and at this point,the falls divide the river( one side is Karnataka and other side is Tamil Nadu). The temperature was quite high for December, so it made it perfect for taking a dip in the Cauvery river . We should take a boat to go near the waterfall. Their charges are fixed by the Tamil Nadu govt, ie 800 per boat, and the coracle boatsman take you around the river for some boating and then move towards the waterfall.they took us very close to the falls where we could get drenched in the mist, twirled us round in the wake and even participated in splashing contests between people in different boats. There are no food stalls near the waterfall except few local who sell fish. Easy availabilty of coldrinks and snackitems. Non-tamilians, should be careful as the guides and the coracle boatmen there,try to fool us. The best time to visit the place is after rainy season since the water level will be high and the falls are more And in summers,this place is horrible due to hot and humid weather. Some tips: Pack your own food Carry waterbottles,caps,wet wipes as the weather will be too hot. Carry a change of clothes. Wear sandals instead of shoes.

Anoop Sarma

70 Followers

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1 Day trip to Hogenakkal falls Hogenakkal falls(1 day trip) Hogenakkal is a waterfall in South India on the Kaveri river in the Dharmapuri district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 127 km from Bangalore. We started from Bangalore around 08:00 AM in the morning with my colleagues in car. The journey took around 4.5 hours including stops for breakfast and restrooms. In the last 50 to 60km, its tough to find any restaurants and hence we had breakfast just as we came out of Bangalore city. There are 2 ways reach there, one is through Dharmapuri highway which is the better road but it comes around 200km. The other is through Denkanikottai which is the shorter route but it goes through forest and since it is a single lane, it might slow you down. The view in the forest route is a plus if you take this road and also you can avoid 3 tolls which saves you around Rs.400. Once you reach the location, you will be swamped by boat drivers. You can choose anyone as there is govt. restriction on the rates. It costed us 600 per person and on average they take 4-6 people per boat.