Hogenakkal Falls: A visual treat

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Hogenakkal Falls a Visual Treat

• www.ticketgoose.com

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• Monsoon is my favourite season. It is that time
  of the year when the arid landscape gives way to
  lush green meadows and the rivers and streams are
  brimming.
• Escaping from the din of the city even for a day
  is simply bliss. There were options galore from
  Bangalore but the panoramic Hogenakkal Falls,
  which is about 151 km away, beckoned.
• A popular picnic spot among day trippers,
  Hogenakkal Falls lies on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu
  border in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.

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• Interestingly, hoge and kal comes from two
  Kannada words, meaning smoke and rock.

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• The water from Cauvery river hits the rocks with
  such great force that it seems like smoke
  emanating from them therefore it has earned the
  name of smoking rocks. It is also known as
  Marikottayam by the Tamils.
• We hit the road early because we wanted to be
  there before the place got crowded. We took the
  Bangalore-Hosur route via Rayakottai, Palakkodu
  and Pennagaram.
• The rain-soaked landscape was a treat for the
  weary eyes. After breakfast at Rayakottai, we
  headed straight to the town of Hogenakkal.
• As we drew close to the town, the sound of the
  gushing river welcomed us. We drove through a
  4-km stretch road that ran parallel to the river.
  It was a peaceful sight.

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What to do

• Boat ride, anyone?

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• The coracle boat (made of bamboo and hides) ride
  here is a must. Tourists haggling with boatmen is
  a normal sight. So, you can also go ahead and
  bargain for your ride. It comes to around Rs Rs.
  1500 for the entire boat, which can accommodate
  around five people. 
• The boat ride is exhilarating if you go
  underneath a few falls. As you go downstream, you
  will get to see the five falls, including the
  Tamil Nadu falls. It is known by that name
  because it falls under the purview of the state. 
• There is water here all through the year, but it
  is a spectacle during the monsoon. However, if
  the river is flooded, boating is not allowed
  during this season.

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• While the Karnataka falls lies in the deeper part
  of the gorge and it is only during the rainy
  season will you find water, but in terms of
  beauty it is matchless.
• As you cruise along the bank, you can get to
  taste some really good fish fry and fish curry
  with rice at the several stalls put up by the
  villagers.
• You can sit on your boat and enjoy your lunch.
  If you are not up for lunch, there are several
  vendors selling buttermilk and other snacks.

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Game for a swim?

• There are some really nice diving spots from
  where you can enjoy a swim in the river. But in
  the monsoon it is best avoided as the current can
  be strong. You will find many local children who
  are game to show off their diving skills for a
  fee, which will be a mere Rs. 5-10.

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Mystic masseurs

• People getting oil massages before heading to the
  river for a dip and a bath are plenty.
• The water of this falls is considered to be
  medicinal. If you want to rejuvenate yourself and
  relax your nerves, getting a massage done is one
  of the best options.

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Enjoy picnicking

• A little downstream, on the banks of the river
  you will find picnickers enjoying a day out with
  family and friends. If you complete your boat
  ride early, you can sit back and enjoy your lunch
  amidst the serene setting.

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Trekking

• This is for those of you who wish to stay beyond
  a day. Long treks in the Melagiri Hills will take
  you along rocky terrain and some lush green
  landscape. Apart from trekking, there is also a
  crocodile park in the town, which you can explore.

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Getting There

• If you are travelling by bus, you will have to
  change two buses before you reach your
  destination. There are buses from Kalasipalayam an
  d Madiwala in Bangalore to Hosur. From Hosur you
  will get direct buses. You can check out for bus
  tickets to Hogenakkal at Ticket Goose.com.
• Hiring a car for the entire day is also another
  option.The ideal time to visit this falls would
  be post-monsoon. But if you need a break from
  your hectic routine, then heading to Hogenakkal
  over the weekend whether it is monsoon or
  winter will rejuvenate your visual senses.