Hogenekal, located 180 km from Bangalore, this paradise originates as a small stream in the highlands of Karnataka and gathers momentum as the land drops in elevation. It becomes larger as various tributaries feed into it on the way down.
At Hogenakal, the Cauvery, now a large river, drops into the low elevation of Tamil Nadu and creates numerous waterfalls as the water cuts through the rocky terrain. The river then spreads out over a wide area of sandy beaches and flows through a straight but narrow ravine near Salem where the Mettur Dam creates a 60 sq km lake called Stanley Reservoir.
The river is perfect for a boating trip on the coracle. Unlike regular boats, the coracle is round in shape and made of bamboos. The bottom is covered with a plastic sheet cemented by tar.
The boat rides cost around Rs 300 to 600, though this can be negotiated.
Watching the sun setting against the wonderful backdrop is truly a sight to behold. One can experience the magnificent sight from a hanging bridge (Rs 3 per head). It's the ultimate experience of tranquility to watch the stream of white water against the waning, yellowish dusk at the main waterfall.
How to get there?
- By road: Hogenakal is around 150km from Bangalore. To get there, you need to take the Hosur road (NH-7 (36 kms)and drive through Hosur and Krishnagiri. Take a left after Krishnagiri to reach Dharmapuri. Drive into Dharmapuri and ask for directions to the fall. Another 30km drive takes you to Hogenakal. Roads are pretty good till Dharmapuri and then will slow you down a bit.
- By train: Coimbatore Express (No 2677) leaves from Bangalore at 6.15 am and reaches Dharmapuri at 8.38 am. From there one can then take a bus to Hogenakal.
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