Hogenakkal Tourism

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 180 km (110 mi) from Bangalore and 46 km (29 mi) from Dharmapuri. Sometimes referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India," it is known for bathing areas and hide boat rides, projecting itself as a major tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. The Government of Tamil Nadu made a proposal to convert the falls into providing drinking water for the state.

Hogenakkal is also one of the best waterfalls and one of the wonderful tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Chennai. When the River Kaveri enters the Tamil Nadu border after winding its way through the state of Karnataka, it descends down the lofty landscape forming the Hogenakkal Waterfalls. The Carbonatite rocks found near the waterfall are one of the oldest in the world. The two Kannada words 'Hoge' means 'Smoke' and 'Kal' means 'Rocks' give meaning to the word Hogenakkal as Smoky Rocks. It is also called as Marikottayam by the people of Tamil Nadu.

The falls has about 14 channels with drops varying between 15 & 65 ft. To reach the surroundings of waterfalls one needs to take a boat-ride (there is no land access). Coracle riding is one of the main attractions here which is allowed during the monsoon and winter season. Boating is usually stopped in peak monsoons. Hogenakkal is also the good place to try out your swimming skills. The water is quite challenging. Tourists can also go for trekking on the nearby surrounding hills. The water from the fall flows towards the Mettur Dam which is also known as the Stanley Reservoir.

The falls are less than 1 km from Hogenakkal Bus Station. There are no good food points near the falls, except simple snacks, soft drinks & fish fry. If possible, try to pack your food near Hogenakkal Bus Station or Dharmapuri. There are many lodges and mid-range options of accommodation in Dharmapuri. The Nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport about 216 km from Hogenakal Falls. Dharmapuri is the nearest railway station, which is about 47 km from Hogenakal. It is connected by rail with Bangalore, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Tuticorin, Coimbatore, Salem, Nagarcoil, Mysore, Pondicherry, Tirunelveli and Ernakulum. Dharmapuri is the nearest major Bus station to Hogenakkal. It has buses from Bangalore, Mysore, Salem, Coimbatore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Kochi, Ooty, Madurai and Hyderabad.