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Friday, July 3, 2009

Hoggenikal Falls

Hoggenikaal is in Tamil Nadau, a southern state of India. About 3 to 4 hours from Bangalore, it's located on state border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Hoggenikal is not just another water falls on the Kaveri river, it's set of about 9 bursts of water that falls from as much as 20m ht at some places. The staring Gorge of Hoggenikals attracts the most of attention, and a unique experience in itself. Roads are motorable and good.

Funtertainment
Coracles!! boating in narrow gorge close to waterfalls where water almost splashes in the boat.

The experience
Be preapred for number of entry fees charged as you enter the jungle. Forest, gram panchayat and what not, everyone out there have some fee to charge. Overcharging is by law, charging more than what is prescribed is common. Entry fee, fresh room usage (don’t use, avoid if you can), boating etc.. it's truly a jungle raaj.

To reach so called "Niagara of India" use must boat in Coracles. You can go as close as about 20mts from the falls. The place is worst kept tourist spots I have ever been to. It stings, is dirty with zero hygen factor. Food is not something to talk about, carry your Tiffin or parcel.


Plan your day
Try n reach as early as possible. Carry your water and food from home. Be prepared with good sum of change (in 10s & 20s). As soon as you reach, hire a boot / coracle, usually they will overcharge by about 30 to 50 %. Prefer a longer version of ride that takes in deep in close to falls. Plan a stay of not more than 3 to 4 hours.

Closing thought
I would suggest that one should plan a 3 day trip to Yerkaud and drop for few hours (while going or coming back) at Hoggenikal.


Budget
If you take a homemade meal as I suggest than for a family of 2 + 2, this will cost less than 1,000 INR. Travel excluding.






Overall rating based on my experience: 2.5 out of 5