Green Oasis Tours and Travels: Hogenakkal Falls

The beautiful Hogenakkal Falls in the state of Tamil Nadu are a part of the River Cauvery. A perfect picnic spot, the falls are known for its curative and healing powers. Ranging in height from 50 feet to 150 feet, Hogenakkal Falls are sometimes referred to as the “Niagara Falls of India” given the similar U-shaped configuration that they both share. The word "Hogenakal" is derived from two Kannada words which together mean ("smoking rocks")...a reflection of the spray that is created by the waters crashing on to the solid rock base below. In Tamil Nadu, Hogenakkal Falls is referred to a "Marikottayam" .

The roaring and the gushing Hogenakkal Falls are spread over half a km and in the second section the river flows calmly down through a narrow and steep gorge. The carbonate rocks around the innumerable falls are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and also the oldest in the world. At Hogenakkal, the Cauvery River slows down and spreads out to create sandy beaches of either side making for excellent picnic spots.

Set in a lush green setting, Hogenakkal Fall are also considered sacred bathing grounds place and a healthy / curative resort cum destination.

Things to Do in Hogenakkal Falls:

Close to the Falls is View Point tower from where entire topography of the area and the gushing waterfalls can be best viewed.

Boating in Hogenakkal Falls: Coracles are circular boats called as Parisal in the local language. The boatman can take you close to the falls where ou are completely drenched with spray and mist. The boatman often tends to swirl the boat, a dizzying but exhilarating experience.

Another famous feature of the Hogenakkal Falls are the Malishkarans or masseurs, who treat tourists to oil massages, followed by a bath in the curative powers of the waterfall. On wide slabs of rocks the malishkarans treat customers with oil massages to the 14 points of the human body followed by a bath in the curative waters of the falls.

Picnics on the beaches below Hogenakkal Falls with fresh fish caught from the river cooked up for you.

While technically a destination in Tamil Nadu, Hogenakkal Falls shares borders with Karnataka. It is possible to experience the falls, and take boat / coracle rides, from both sides.

How to Reach Hogenakkal

By Air: Nearest airport is Bangalore, 150 km away

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Bangalore, 150 km away

By Road: Several taxis and buses ply from Bangalore to Hogenakkal. It is a two and a half hour drive to the falls.

About Hogenakkal: Hogenakkal Information & Fact File