Hogenakkal waterfalls are a scenic amalgamation of rocks, water and mist located on Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. ‘Hoge’ means smoke and ‘Kallu’ means rock in Kannada. Hogenakkal essentially means smoke over the rocks, which is how it looks when there’s ample water falling over the rocks as river Kaveri enters Tamil Nadu from Karnataka.
Why visit Hogenakkal:
Hogenakkal gives a different experience during different seasons.
- Visual Treat: Hogenakkal Waterfalls is a treat to the eye post monsoon season due to maximum water levels. Multiple viewing decks are available to enjoy amazing views and gust of water through the rocks.
- Coracle Ride: Post monsoon season it is possible to enjoy a coracle ride on the river in between two giant rocks with waterfalls on both sides. However, water sports and coracle ride activities might be suspended during this time due to safety concerns.
- Fishing and Fish based dishes: Visitors to Hogenakkal can enjoy freshly caught fish based dishes
- Oil massage: Local men offer oil massage to visitors on the banks of the river.
- Swimming and taking baths are possible but not advisable except in designated areas due to strong currents and sharp rocks underwater.
Reaching Hogenakkal:
Hogenakkal makes an ideal day trip destination from Bengaluru. There are two major route options to reach Hogenakkal from Bengaluru. The shorter one is via Electronic City, Attibele, Denkanikottai-about 130 kms from Bengaluru. This route is narrower but has fewer tolls.
The other popular route is via Hosur, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri which is a wider national highway. This route takes about 150 kms.
While one’s own vehicle or a cab is the best way to reach Hogenakkal, it is also possible to reach Hogenakkal using state run buses.
Basic accommodation, food and restroom facilities are available in Hogenakkal.