Post monsoon is the best time to get
away and enjoy a ‘green’ holiday. The rivers and streams are at their
gurgling best and waterfalls cascade in full force. Experience the
natural environment and bring back the culture and heritage of local
people as well as an enduring respect for nature. Make tracks to the
enchanting world of Hogenakkal, in Tamil Nadu, which has emerged as a
flagship eco-tourism centre, because of the majestic Hogenakkal
Waterfalls and the incredible beauty and tranquility of its
surroundings.
Located in the western part of Dharmapuri district,
Hogenakkal is surrounded by a chain of undulating hills with an average
elevation of about 914m above mean sea level. The River Cauvery, which
gives rise to Hogenakkal Waterfalls, serves as a natural Inter-State
boundary between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Cauvery enters Tamil Nadu
at Hogenakkal and is considered particularly sacred at this spot. The
pool into which it falls is called ‘Vagnakundam” or sacrificial pit. The
carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its
kind in South India and one of the oldest in the world.
Often
referred to as the ‘Niagara of India,’ Hogenakkal Falls are reputed for
their medicinal properties and therefore have tourists coming in droves
to take a dip in its waters. The 15-km descent from Pennagaram to
Hogenakkal snakes through interesting terrain, comprising villages with
lush fields of mulberry and the broad-leaved castor. On the outskirts of
the rural settlements are fascinating guardian deities, called
Aiyanars, which are brightly coloured giant figures made of terracotta,
depicting fearsome, mustachioed warriors.
The vegetation around the
eco-tourism site is predominated by southern tropical mixed deciduous
forests and tropical riverine forests. There are about 484 species of
flora, while valuable species like Sandal, Anogeissus latifolia, etc,
abound here.
The main falls are an enchanting vertical drop that form
part of the River Cauvery, and are situated at the juncture of the
Cauvery and Chinnar. After this confluence, the river changes into a
series of waterfalls, which cascade from a height of about 20m (66 ft)
with a misty smoke and a thunderous sound. The nomenclature of
Hogenakkal comes from two Kannada words, namely, ‘Hoge,’ meaning ‘smoke’
and ‘Kal,’ meaning ‘Rocks,’ – hence the term ‘Smoky Rocks.’ It is also
known as ‘Marikottayam’ by the people of Tamil Nadu.
For the
visitor, Hogenakkal throws up many attractions. The Crocodile
Rehabilitation Centre, located opposite the Forest Cottage, houses about
113 crocodiles which are being maintained in 22 enclosures. The
bilingual and pictorial interpretation of the crocodiles, plus the calm
and green ambience of the place make it a memorable visit for the whole
family.
A charming
Children’s Park, located within the Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre, is a
fun place for kids. The soothing lush green surroundings are peaceful
and rejuvenating, making the park one of the most popular attractions
for tourists.
The
Medicinal Garden showcases about 108 species of medicinal plants which
represents the native species. The main aim of the garden is to educate
tourists about the local diversity and to encourage them into conserving
and using these valuable species for their health and well-being.
For
a stunning bird’s eye view of the falls, Hogenakkal Forest Department,
along with the Hogenakkal Eco-tourism society, have built a watch tower,
from where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the falls.
The
Hanging Bridge in Hogenakkal leads to the rock-head overlooking the
five falls. Apart from its tourism value, the Hanging Bridge connects
the people living along the banks of River Cauvery to the nearest towns,
thus bringing social and cultural harmony between the people across the
states.
For accommodation, you could book rooms near Hogenakkal
Falls. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has many heritage buildings
under its control, chief among them being the Chinnar Rest House,
located in Bevanurmalai Reserved Forest, along the banks of River
Cauvery. The Hogenakkal Cauvery Guest House, also located amidst the
thick jungles of the Bevanurmalai Reserve Forest, offers meticulously
maintained fully-furnished two air-conditioned suites with attached bath
facilities.
Don’t
miss out on the round boat ride which commences with a 20-minute ride,
after which a 15-minute walk gets you to the next course. From there,
you are taken to one of the small waterfalls in the area. A total of
four persons can be seated in the boat and it takes about an hour to
complete the round trip.
