HOGENAKKAL

WATERFALLS AND MELAGIRI HILLS

Hogenakkal Falls is often known as the 'Niagara of India'. Located in the Dharmapuri District of Tamil Nadu, it lies at a distance of about 180 kilometres from Bangalore and 46 kilometres from Dharmapuri. Importance of the site can be assessed by the fact that the destination derived its name from the water cascades that fall from a great height, creating an aura of smoke.A waterfall in South India on the Kaveri River, it has gained immense fame for its medicinal baths and hide boat rides. Considered as one of the oldest in the world and the oldest of its kind in South Asia, carbonatite rocks adorn the site. Owing to its water that is supposed to be having curative power, the site is a beautiful picnic spot.Comprising a series of falls, these are resulted by the forking of the broad stream of the Kaveri River forming an island. One of the forked streams plunges into a deep chasm to create the falls. Set in thick, green woods, it is often considered to be a sacred bathing place and a spa-like health resort. Hogenakkal is located about 750 feet above sea level amidst the Melagiri Hills. The route to Hogenakkal Falls is scenic, with lush mulberry fields and giant terracotta guardian deities (Aiyanars), as you approach Hogenakkal, the roar of the Cauvery river and the abundance of vegetation in the area is sure to catch your attention. Hogenakkal is a beautiful place with picturesque scenes.

Melagiri Hills on the Eastern Ghats contain an expanse of 1,295 square kilometres of dry deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. Bound by the Kaveri River on the west, the hills act as the meeting point of the Western and Eastern Ghats. Located between the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri Districts of Tamil Nadu, the hill ranges are covered with forests that are largely dry deciduous with some stretches of shola vegetation. The highest peak of Gutherayan rises up to 1,390 metres above sea level.Forest in the Melagiri Hills are home to mixed vegetation types, including dry tropical riverine, dry deciduous, thorn scrub, mixed deciduous, dry evergreen, and semi evergreen. Home to Shorea roxburghii, and elephant, the hills offer tourists an opportunity to enjoy trekking. Apart from game watching, the hills being home to grey junglefowl, pompadour green pigeon, honey buzzard, Egyptian vulture, and others, also enable nature enthusiasts to enjoy bird watching.

Prof. John Kurakar