Hogenakkal Waterfalls

The Hogenakkal Waterfalls is located on the borders of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts in the state of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, the falls is often referred to as Kaveri. The Hogenakkal Waterfalls cascades from an average altitude of around 750 feet above sea level from the Melagiri Hills. The falls are located at a place where river Kaveri enters into Tamil Nadu as a big stream.

The name of the falls is derived from the Kannada dialect, and translates to ‘smoky rocks’. The falls have been called so as it appears like smoke emanating from the rocks due to the force of the deep cascade. The carbonatite rocks dotted naturally at this site are among the oldest of its type in South Asia. Often called a Niagara of India, the site is renowned among tourists and natives for medicinal baths, oil massages and hide boat ride.

Surrounded by lush green forests and green wooded hills, the site is famous for the plantation of various traditional herbs that are widely used in preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. The site is also a location for the Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water project proposed by the Tamil Nadu government for providing safe drinking water to residents of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts.