Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls is a waterfall located on the Kaveri River. It is situated in the Dharmapuri district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, approximately 46 km from the town of Dharmapuri and 130 km from the city of Bangalore. It is sometimes referred to as the “Niagara of India.” Known for its medicinal baths and coracle rides, it is a major tourist attraction. The carbonatite rocks at this site are considered to be the oldest of their kind in South Asia and among the oldest in the world.

The Kaveri is believed to originate at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri Hills of the Western Ghats in southern India and gains momentum as the land descends in elevation. It increases in volume as various tributaries merge with it downstream. At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri-by then a large river-plunges and forms numerous waterfalls as it cuts through the rocky terrain. In some places, the water falls as much as 20 meters (66 feet), producing a sound often likened to continuous thunder. Shortly after the falls, the river takes a southerly course and enters the Mettur Stanley Reservoir. The river carries sediment that enriches the downstream land. At Hogenakkal, it spreads out across a wide area of sandy beaches before flowing onward to the Mettur Dam.

Boating at Hogenakkal is permitted during the dry season, as the waterfalls are not strong enough to hinder the passage of boats. The locally made boats are called coracles. These coracles measure approximately 2.24 meters (7 feet 4 inches) in diameter and can carry up to eight people at a time. They are made of bamboo and, using locally available materials, can typically be constructed in a single day. The bottoms of the boats are made waterproof with the use of animal hides. These boats are steered and propelled with a single paddle, which contributes to their uniqueness. Visitors can also bathe in the falls.