"Perfect Spot to Enjoy a Bike Ride and then Teppa Ride"
Written on : 22-February-2016
Visted During : March 2012 and July 2013
Some more Information
Do check for the water level in Hogenakkal because only perfect water level makes it an enjoyable spot. A bike ride / car drive to Hogenakkal is preferred because the route is a pleasure to ride/drive. Lot of fresh water fish dishes are served there for fish lovers. Also, local oil massage guys are available for people who are interested in getting massaged. (No first hand information on fish and massage though.)
My Experience and Opinion
Some places are such that they don’t let you get satisfied. Hogenakkal is one such to me. Unfortunately both my visits to Hogenakkal were not that great since the timing of the visit were wrong. My first visit was during summer and hence it was too bright and water level was low. The second visit was again an epic failure since we had been there during rainy season and water level was dangerously high and flood alarms were rung. However, in spite of all that, I have enjoyed the nature in Hogenakkal too.
The Waterfalls
Hogenakkal waterfalls which was once infamous as an "adda" of notorious killer Veerappan became free from those clutches post his Encounter. Once it started becoming known amongst travellers, in flow of people to the place has increased in great pace. Not only regular travellers with responsibility towards the place they visit but also people who least bother to keep the place as is has also increased. Unfortunately we Indians are not taught the usage of Dustbins and we find each beautiful as the best dustbin in the world. Due to fish fry being sold everywhere, the bones of fishes are thrown all around, plastic covers lie everywhere as if they are permanent residents of the place.
To speak about the waterfalls, it is undoubtedly one of the best waterfalls I have seen. Mainly for the widespread cliff from where the water falls. Boat ride here is considered to be a thrilling one and enjoyable ride. There are numerous round boats available and they charge you ~INR 200 as of 2014.
Public transport is available to Hogenakkal from different places. Buses ply from Dharampuri. However, frequency of buses is low and also the buses are not comfortable ones.
The Perfect Season for Waterfalls
Knowing the water level in the river is very important when you visit. You might end up screwing your plan by thinking that rainy season is the best since water flow will be high. But, if the water level is high, you may not even be able to go near the falls and you might have to return without any luck. Also, during summer, the falls looks dried up. So, plan post monsoon and before summer kicks in.
The Crocodile Park
Crocodile park is just 1km away from the main entrance of the waterfall and after riding/driving all the way till there, I would say it is ok to visit the crocodile park. There are more than 20 crocodiles in the park and most of them are wounded once. The park is not well maintained though. Not a must visit place :)
Photos
Some try in water fall photography :)
Waterfalls near hanging bridge
This is how it looks in summer!
This is how it looks in summer - 2...!
Over flowing River Kaveri
Hogenakkal during flood.
Crocodiles in Crocodile park
The wounded Crocodiles
The Most Important asset while travelling - Google Maps
