Unexplored India

Hogenakkal

Hogenakkal is a riverside, busy and noisy village in Tamil Nadu, with plenty of vegetation and little habitation. This place is famous for waterfalls. Hogenakkal Falls is a quiet and beautiful waterfall and is a good picnic spot. Its water is believed to have curative powers as the Kaveri flows through a forest of herbs on its journey to Hogenakkal. 

Hogenakkal Waterfalls, known as the 'Niagara' falls of India, are not a single waterfall but a series of falls and they offer a promising holiday destination for nature lovers from within and outside the country. 

Hogenakkal is considered as one of the most beautiful places in the state. The broad stream of the River Kaveri gets forked at this point, forming an island from where one stream continues on while the other plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfalls, giving these rocks the name Hogenakkal which means "smoking rock". 

This riverside spa is famous for coracles, masseurs and roaring waters. The sound of the Kaveri river, roaring between rocky banks, is a constant presence in most places in Hogenakkal. At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri river enters the plains and the river dashing against the rocks is a great sight.

 

 

Another attraction is the diving skills of local kids, who can show their diving skills for a fee. They can dive for you from a height of around 30 feet into the water and climb straight up back on the rocks in no time, all for mere Rs 5/- from the spectator. 

Once in Hogenakkal, 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 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 Hogenakkal 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. 

How to reach

Nearest major railway junction is Salem, which is about 114 km from Hogenakkal. Salem to Hogenakkal taxi charge is about Rs 1500. Other two railheads nearby are Dharmapuri to go to Bangalore and Morappur to go to Chennai

Railway stations near Hogenakkal	Aerial Distance
Dharmapuri (DPJ)	42 km
Salem Junction (SA)	64 km
Morappur (MAP)	69 km

Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport, which is at distance of about 133 km from Hogenakkal. Taxi charges about Rs 2000 from Bangalore to Hogenakkal. Bangalore is well connected to most of the major airports in India and abroad.

Airports near Hogenakkal	Type	Aerial Distance
Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)	International	119 km
Peelamedu Airport, Coimbatore (CJB)	Domestic	146 km
Tiruchirappalli Airport (TRZ)	Domestic	184 km
Chennai International Airport (MAA)	International	285 km

Hotels

It is good to stay at salem.

Hotel vasantham

Lic Colony Road, Fairlands Salem 0427 3042005 Hotel Salem Castle Omalur Road, Swarnapuri Salem 0427 2448702