Hogenakkal Falls - Tamilnadu

 Hokenagal is one of the famous waterfalls in the Dharmapuri district of Tamilnadu. It means smoke and kali in Kannada. Hokenakal literally means smoke over the rocks as the mist appears over the waterfalls at large. Hokenagal is at the confluence of the two rivers Kauveri and Chinnaru and is located in the Tamilnadu (Dharmapuri district) Karnataka (Chamrajnagar district) border though the major part is in Tamilnadu. The waterfall comes inside the Woddapatti reserve forest  too in the Eastern Ghats. Hokenagal is located at a distance of 200km from Coimbatore and 344 km from Chennai. It is called as the Niagara falls of India. Hogenakkal falls are a series of waterfalls in the river. Hokenakkal is located in a scenic landscape surrounded by forests and rocky hills. The water in the falls is said to have medicinal properties and there are spots for those to take such theraupatic baths. There are two seperate are for bathing one for men and the other for women.

Pic Courteousy Outlook India

The earlier name of Hogenakal was Uguneer Kal and the name Hogenakkal was given during the Mysore Kingdom rule. There is a mention of the falls in Sangam Literature asThalaineer Aruvi. The areas around this waterfalls are called Thalaineer nadu and was ruled by the king named Adhiyamaan Nedumaan Anji. Thus said this area is very oldest one. The carbonatite rocks in this area are said to be the oldest in the world too. 

The river Cauvery drops in elevation in Dharmapuri. It becomes larger as lots of tributaries feed into the river and the waterfall is almost 66 ft and the waterfalls sounds like thunder. The soil that the river and waterfall brings in makes the area fertile. The river then flows towards mettur. The river surroundings are fertile and are home for various fauna and flora and people go for trekking and nature walks. The nearby forest area is the home to lepords, deer and hyneas. 

During the rainy season the river is in full spate and it is not good to venture into it but it is best to visit Hokenakal after the monsoon season. During the dry season boating is allowed as there is no strong wall fall and it will not distrupt the passage. The boats are parisal and they are made using bamboo and are made using waterproof materials like plastic sheets. There are a few single paddled boats  too that are bought in during the recent times. These coracles - parisals takes the visitors through the various network of streams and river tributaries and to the edge of the waterfalls. The view via this trip is definitely a thrilling experience and one can witness small rainbows being formed when they cross the waterfalls. 
There are not much eateries in and around Hogenakkal but the road side stands catch fresh fish and fry them. The TTDC hotel (Tamil nadu Tourism Development Corporation) have decent well maintained  basic rooms to stay which can be booked through TTDC website. The hotel area have ample parking and play area for kids. There is a decent restaunt too where one can have meals during thier stay. 

There are a few nature trails and trekkers use these trails for thier trekking experience. The villages in and around serve the beauty of the local culture. The trek overlooking the waterfalls is very beautiful sight and one cannot miss the charms that this place throws over to the visitors. One have to hike through rocks and greenery all along the route which makes the trekking a very fun filled experience for both the beginners and experienced trekkers.  The hanging bridge on top of the waterfalls gives a spectacular view of the falls and the surroundings. 

The Tamilnadu government have started an integrated drinking water project to provide safe drinking water to the districts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri. 

How to reach:
The nearest airport is in Salem and the travel from Chennai is one hour and from salem one need to travel by road for 2.5 hours

The nearest railway station is Dharmapuri and from there one can take a bus or rent a vehicle to Hogenakkal falls

Can rent a car or take a bus from any part of Tamilnadu

Necklace Falls, Bhandardara, Maharashtra

Location-  Bhandardara

District - Ahmednagar

State - Maharashtra

As the name suggests, looking from a distance this waterfall appears like a necklace because the water flows down  from two places and meets at a lower point thus giving it a shape like a Deep U like a necklace. 

Situated at a distance of 1 km from Ratangad and 11 km from Bhandardara, the falls lie on the same route to Nani falls and Koltembhe falls.

There is a man-made bridge as well where the visitors can stand and enjoy the scenic view.

However the waterfall can only be visited during the monsoons when there is enough rain water.

As with all other attractions in Bhandardara, it is quite enjoyable and a must-visit tourist point.

Picture credit - maayboli

.

Secret Waterfall in Maharashtra

There are only a handful of perennial waterfalls in the state of Maharashtra. One such wonder of nature, lying in the lap of the natural beauty of the Sahyadri ranges is the waterfall commonly referred to as 'Secret Waterfall', ,the Bedgaon Waterfall. It is a plunge waterfall falling from a height of 262 ft ( 80 m ) and is a confluence of three streams. It forms a pond between the rocky terrain that attracts trekkers and nature lovers from far and wide. The best season to visit would be the monsoon, due to lush greenery all around on the way through the forest over winding trails, riverbeds, streams, lakes and valleys. The trail is risky at places due to elevations, rocky terrain and slippery pathways. 

Reaching the waterfall would take roughly 2 hours at a moderate pace. The sight that awaits the visitor is awe inspiring to say the least.  

Name - Bedgaon Waterfall

Type - Plunge Waterfall

Altitude - 80m

Rivers - Kanadi ( कांनदी ) and Shivganga

Village - Patnus ( पाटणूस )

Nearby Towns - Roha Ashtami, Mahad

Taluka - Mangaon

District - Raigad

State - Maharashtra

Region - Konkan

Trekking Distance - 6.5 kns, From Bhira to Devkund it will take about 2 hours 

Distance from some of the major cities -

Lonavala - 52 kms

Pune - 71 kms

Mangaon - 30 kms

Alibag - 68 kms

Mumbai - 98 kms

How to reach -

From Mumbai and Pune - Karjat - Pali - Bhira

Via Roadways - 

NH965DD  and NH66        

Via Railways - 

From Mumbai - CST to Karjat / Khopoli 

From Pune - Pune to Khopoli

Via Bus / Cab / Private vehicle  - Khopoli to Pali, Pali to Bhira 

This region is replete with many more places to visit such as the Tamhini Ghat, Kundalini river, Andarbhan, Mulshi lake, Bhira dam which are again very popular for trekking, nature walks and water sports. The locals refer to the waterfall as the Bathing pond of Gods due to its mythological importance. 

Points to remember 

1. Swimming is strictly prohibited.

2. Taking along a local guide ( at a charge of ₹ 100 / head ) is mandatory after a few accidental deaths.

3. It's advisable not to take any eatables due to the presence of wild animals that may be attracted by the smell of food.

4. Be considerate so as not to litter and spoil the clean and beautiful surroundings.

5. There are three streams on the way that have to be crossed. It is advisable to avoid during peak monsoon season as they swell up considerably so as to become risky.

6. Go in groups and stick together to avoid getting lost in the dense forest

7.  Take all caution for a safe trip.

8. Check with the local authorities before planning as sometimes the place is closed to the public to avoid unfortunate accidents.

9. Novice / Beginners should go with trained trek members and groups 

Images - Wikipedia

Umbrella Falls, Bhandardara, Maharashtra

Location - Bhandardara

District - Ahmednagar

State - Maharashtra

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bhandardara.

Umbrella waterfall is so named due to the peculiar umbrella shape the falling water makes.

At a distance of about 500 metres from the Bhandardara bus-stop, the waterfall can easily be reached by foot or vehicle.

Close to Arthur lake, located under the Wilson Dam, the water falls down from a height of 500 feet on a semi circular rock that makes the falling water look like an open umbrella. 

This can be seen only in the monsoon months from July to October when the Wilson Dam overflows and the excess water gushes out from an opening on the northern end of the dam.

There is a bridge built right under the waterfall on which the tourists can stand and enjoy the spectacular view.

Needless to say, it is a very scenic tourist spot that is enjoyed by all nature lovers.

 A hydro-electric power plant is also located here.

( Picture from wikipedia )

Jog Waterfalls, Karnataka

Jog Falls in the state of Karnataka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The river Sharavati rises at Ambuthirtha in the Thirthahalli taluk and on its way to the Arabian Sea meets Haridravati and Yenne Hole before falling down the Jog Falls in 4 different segments. The Waterfall is surrounded by the hills and dense greenery of the Western Ghats. The water falling from a height of 830 ft is mesmerizing and majestic to say the least. The Tourism Department has built a staircase to reach the bottom of the hill and it consists of1400 steps. The average time to climb down is 1 hour while climbing back up takes almost double the time. There are a couple of viewing decks as well. Number of eateries, restaurants and both paid and free  parking is available in the vicinity. 

River - Sharavati

Taluka - Sagara

District - Shimoga

State - Karnataka

Names - Gerusoppa Falls, Gersoppa Falls, Jogada Gundi

Elevation - 1601 ft / 488 m

Height - 830 ft / 253 m

Number of Drops - 4

Names of the Drops - Raja, Rani, Rocket, Roarer

Longest Drop - 1559 ft / 472 m

Flow Rate - 5,400 cu.ft / s

Ranking

1. Second Largest Plunge Waterfall in India 

2. 36 th Free Falling Waterfalls in the World

3. 128 th in Single Drop Waterfalls of the World

4. 490 th in the World with respect to height 

Dam Built on the River - Linganamakki, which is one of the largest hydroelectric power station in the country 

How to Reach

1. Nearest Railway Station - Talaguppa Railway Station (20 Kms )

2. By Road - Bangalore to Jog Falls ( 411 Kms )

3. By Air - Mangalore International Airport

 ( 219 Kms ) 

Timing - 8.a.m. to 4.45 p.m.

Where to Stay 

Home Stays 

Sharavathi Adventure Camp, operated by Jungle Lodges & Resorts 

Mandaara Comforts, 170 m

Prakruthi Yatri Nivas, 470 m 

Sri Ranga Residency, 550 m

Jog Sharadha Homestay, 580 m

Hills View Stay, 640 m

Best Time to Visit - June to September ( Monsoon ) 

What to Do 

Nature Walks, Bird Watching, Water Sports, Hiking

Viewing Points - 2 

Total Steps - 1400  

Nearby Attractions

Honnemaradu, 20 Kms

Keladi, 35 Kms

Images - wikipedia

Waterfalls of Uttar Pradesh/Uttar Pradesh Paradise of Pristine waters

 One of the biggest states in the country is actually blessed with some pretty, free-flowing waterfalls such as the Vindham Waterfall, Lakhaniya Dari Falls and Sidhnath Dari Falls, among others.

 Uttar Pradesh, as a state, is mostly recognised for its religious places, agricultural land, political hub and River Ganga.Now, how about we connect the marvellous Uttar Pradesh with the sensational waterfalls! 

Let the glistening white waters take you away on a pleasure trip of ecstasy while you are in Uttar Pradesh and rejuvenate your soul to such an extent that you keep planning to visit around here and amaze yourself to the fullest!

Let us begin our soul-soothing session together by venturing into the showers of pure happiness.

1) Lakhaniya Hills and Waterfalls-Lakhaniya Dari is a breathtaking waterfall situated near Ahraura in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh.Lakhaniya Dari waterfalls cascades down from a height of about 150 m into a pool.

2) Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls-Rajdari Waterfalls is situated in Chandauli, 60 kms from Varanasi. The beautiful waterfalls are a popular picnic spot among the city dwellers. The huge waterfalls gushing down the cliffs are a visual delight to the eyes. The top spot of the falls also offer beautiful views of the valley below.

3) Mukkha Falls-This gorgeous fall lies on the Robertsganj-Ghorawal-Mukha Dari Road which is around 55 km in the west of Robertsganj and 15 km from Shivdwar, in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. It is in close proximity to a Devi Mandir and the lake on the Belan River. Make note of the best time to visit this breathtaking waterfall i.e. the wonderful monsoons.

4) Tanda Falls-Tanda Falls in Mirzapur is one of the most scenic picnic spots in the region. The natural water stream and water reservoir are major tourist attractions because of their peaceful atmosphere and abundant beauty.The falls offer a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

5) Wyndham Falls.-Wyndham Falls is one such beauty that is located in the vicinity of Mirzapur which is well known as one of the most beautiful excursion venues. Located at a distance of about 15 km from Mirzapur, the Wyndham waterfall always has a plethora of viewers around. The Wyndham waterfall also has a zoo on the side which although small in size, is a great entertaining place.

 

6) Chunadari Falls-Chunadari's location is in close proximity to the Lakhiyana Dari falls but mind you the approach is not very smooth via road. The height of the pristine waters is about 165 ft and it allows its water to gush into the Lakhania Dari. 

Image credits-google

Iruppu Falls - Coorg

From the top of the Bramhagiri Hills

Don't forget to visit Iruppu Falls, which form an important tourist destination when you are in Coorg, Karnataka. Iruppu Falls are known for its majestic splash from a great height. You can also thinks oftrekking from the bottom of the falls to the top portion from where the falls generate.

zigzag route

  
Its wonderful to watch the zigzag route which brings the water up to the top og the slope on Brahmagiri Hills from where it splashes out to form a majestic waterfall. The route is overall rocky, zigzag and really splashy. Tune into those chirpy birds who adds variety to the existing sound of water.

The fall

 As per the legends of India, Laxmana is the creator of this falls, which also gives it an additional name, Laxmanatirth Waterfalls. The river where the waterfall splashes out is called Laxmanatirth River and also is considered to be holy by the locals and other visitors.

Location: Near Nagarhole National Park, Coorg

Best Time to Go: Monsoons