| Hogenakkal - Mistry Enchantment Hogenakkal, situated on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border with
 waterfalls as the central attraction is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the state. The broad stream of River Kaveri gets forked at this point forming an island from where one stream continues while the main stream is channelled into a narrow path from where it plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfalls in the country. The fine spray that rises as the water hits the rocks below have given these rocks the name Hogenakkal, which means "Smoking Rock" in the Kannada language. The water from the falls is said to have medical properties, an added incentive to bathe under one of Nature's most glorious showers. Since the waters of the Kaveri flow through a forest of herbs on their journey to Hogenakkal, bathing in these falls is considered to be good for health. A massage with mineral oils, available from scores of local masseurs, is an invigorating part of the free bathing ritual.
 It is quite an impressive sight as the waterfall plummets to a small pool and down again, cascading down the lush green walls of the rocks. The surroundings create an architectural beauty with the sheer elegance of the misty waterfall.
 The sleepy old school town is only being rejuvenated as a holiday destination, and the visitor has a choice of wandering through tree-shaded estates, trekking along mountain trails, strolling around the lake or fishing in the local streams. The several apiaries around supply delightful fresh honey. The magnificent, rugged mountainous scenery around the falls can be enjoyed by long walks and trekking. Another exhilarating experience is boating in the "rapids" at the foot of the falls. The boats, frail coracles made of wooden texture, known as "parisal" ensure a water bobbing experience, swirling in the rushing waters, especially as the boatman maneuvers the "parisal" at the foot of the cascading water with fine spray all over.
 Several movies in Tamil ranging from "Adimai Penn" to "Senthoora Poove" to "Desiya Geetham" and many more have captured the spectacular view of these photogenic falls. Hogenakkal is connected by road to Dharmapuri, Salem and Bangalore from where there are bus services to other parts of Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is Dharmapuri, which has trains to Bangalore and Salem and the nearest airport is Bangalore. A weekend getaway for the entire family during the right season!
published on 10th May
2002
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