'Hogenakkal' means smoking rocks - as the water spray hits the rocks, it gives a smoky feeling. Created by river Kaveri, is located in the Dharmapuri district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, along the borders with Karnataka state. It is located about 130 kms from Bangalore and 46 kms from Dharmapuri. It is a good Picnic spot and also its water is supposed to have curative powers.
The Kaveri River is considered to form at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills in Kodagu district in Karnataka and gathers momentum as the land drops in elevation. It becomes larger as various tributaries feed into it on the way down. At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri, now a large river, drops and creates numerous waterfalls as the water cuts through the rocky terrain. In places the water falls as much as 20 m and is said to sound like continual thunder. Soon after the falls the river takes a Southerly course and enters the Mettur reservoir.
Boating is allowed during the dry-season as the water falls are not strong to disrupt the passage of the boats.
Getting there
Bangalore --> Hosur-->Krishnagiri-->Dharmapuri-->Hogenakkal
The best means of transportation is by Car. The route till Dharmapuri is very good. And you will have a peaceful and enjoyable drive from Bangalore to Krishnagiri, as the road is wide, clear and bump free. Start early in the morning from Bangalore, to make sure, you are not stuck in the Bangalore traffic itself on the Hosur road.
Expect a two and a half hour journey. No food or accommodation available at the location and it is good to pack your lunch before you start. Starting early from Bangalore helps, as it can get really sunny as the day goes.
Courtesy: Mr. Prasad S Kulkarni, Sangli