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
