Trip to Hogenakkal and Kodaikanal

On May 1st I have planned to visit the chill places Hogenakkal and Kodaikanal to beat the heat. It was a wonderful trip to refresh myself and escape in the Chennai's summer hot. Me along with my friend's family went up to Mecheri Road ( Mecheri Road is situated next to Salem on the way to Mettur Dam) by Train and from there we catch a bus to reach Hogenakkal. (Mecheri Road to Hogenekkal   around 63 km - 2hours approx) We reached there by 12 pm in the noon and first taken oil massage. (Rs.100 per person) Then we went to the other side of the falls and taken bath in the falls. There was lot of small fishes biting our legs when we take bath in the falls also the rocks are very skiddy surface. So be careful on these. When we are taking bath suddenly a big rain came. It was great feeling to take bath in rain at waterfalls. After few minutes rain was stopped and we had lunch. Then in the evening we went to take a ride in coracle(parisal). There are mediators asking us for a big amount Rs.900-1200 for 4 persons. Finally we negotiated for Rs.600 and had a fun and adventurous ride. 

Hogenakkal 

Hogenakkal Falls is a waterfall in South India on the river Kaveri. It is located in the Dharmapuri District of Tamilnadu about 180km from Bangalore and 46 km from Dharmapuri. Hogenakkal Falls is a quiet and beautiful waterfall and is a good picnic spot. Its water is believed to have curative powers as the Kaveri flows through a forest of herbs on its journey to Hogenakkal. 

Hogenakkal Waterfalls, known as the 'Niagara' falls of India, are not a single waterfall but a series of falls and they offer a promising holiday destination for nature lovers from within and outside the country. 

Hogenakkal is considered as one of the most beautiful places in the state. The broad stream of the River Kaveri gets forked at this point, forming an island from where one stream continues on while the other plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfalls, giving these rocks the name Hogenakkal which means "smoking rock". 

This riverside spa is famous for coracles, masseurs and roaring waters. The sound of the Kaveri river, roaring between rocky banks, is a constant presence in most places in Hogenakkal. At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri river enters the plains and the river dashing against the rocks is a great sight. 

Another attraction is the diving skills of local kids, who can show their diving skills for a fee. They can dive for you from a height of around 30 feet into the water and climb straight up back on the rocks in no time, all for mere Rs 5/- from the spectator. 

Once in Hogenakkal, one can take a coracle (Parisal -  பரிசல்) ride across the river. The coracles or circular basket boats are covered with black plastic sheets and carry the ferry tourists across the shimmering, rippling river. The ride will take to the foot the majestic waterfalls – an exhilarating yet intimidating experience. The water here surges under the coracle, tossing it around, raging and hissing as though it might flood and capsize the boat any moment. These can be taken up for rates ranging around Rs 600 to 900.You can bargain them up to 400 also. Take the coracle in the Starting point and in the middle get down near at some small falls to take bath. For this they will charge extra for waiting. The sight of Hogenakkal up close is as spellbinding, imposing and even a bit frightening. This white waterfall is particularly impressive soon after the monsoon months when the river is brimming. Here fried fish is available   (Rs.20 a slice and for single fish Rs.100) but if you saw the frying pan, you will definitely forget the habit of eating fish and vomit immediately at that point.  

One can try getting a massage from the famed Hogenakkal masseurs. The local malishkarans or the mystic masseurs are armed with oils, powders and esoteric knowledge about the different massage points in the human body. There are also a few women masseurs. The massage offered here is a nice experience for the visitors. 

Moving Shop on River

Hogenakkal offers long treks in the surrounding Melagiri Hills and one can explore the lush, rugged, landscape. Hogenakkal is unique as it is the only natural, traditional river spa in the land. It also offers a thrilling experience, and as an added bonus, one can visit the giant terra-cotta village guardians, the Aiyanars, on the way to Hogenakkal. 

Best Season to Visit Hogenakkal is October - March.

After that we travelled some bus from Hogenakkal to Dharmapuri (46km - 1.5 hrs approx) and from there we catched a Train to Kodai Road by night 00.50hrs. We reached Kodai road by 6.30am on next day. 

From Kodai Road that time no buses are there so we travelled by van(They charges Rs.200 per person - Cab Charging Rs.1200 for Indica) to reach Kodaikanal. By the time we reached Kodaikanal, rain started and huge traffic in the city. We found some private room for rent per day Rs.2000/- (because of  Season time). After refreshment we arranged car for sight seeing (Rs.1500) paid for two 1/2 days. We saw Bryant Park, Coakers walk and lake in the evening and on next day we saw Kurinji Andavar Temple, Pillar Rock, Devil's Kitchen, Pine Forest, Green Valley view and Guna Cave. There was so crowd everywhere due to Summer season. 

Kodaikanal

Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares.

• Berijam Lake - perhaps the most pristine of the three lakes in Kodai. This is a plastic free zone and it is beautiful and serene. The lake lies within a reserved forest region. You need to get permission to visit this lake. Permissions need to be obtained on the morning of the intended day of visit from the forest office. Usually the person who arranges the vehicle will arrange the permit. Moreover, in peak season, a limited number of vehicles are allowed in per day.
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• Coakers Walk- If you wish to catch the scenic valleys, the best time to visit the place would be before 2PM. But if you want to watch snow-like clouds (only in winter) beneath you form an ocean, reach the place between 3PM and 6PM. Try and catch the sunrise here or in the nearby Greenlands Hostel. A marvel. Also try out the telescope near the main gate. This place is very near the bus stand. Entry fee. Rs.5

• Bryant park - A must see. Its main entrance is on the road surrounding the lake and is a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the boat club. Nicely maintained and a huge park. Their flower shows during summer are very famous. Entry fee. Rs.5
• Kodai Lake- If you are going in winter, go boating in the evening, as it's an amazing experience to boat through fog settling on the lake. The lake is very near the bus stand. This is a star shaped lake and walking around it during the night is one of the best walking experience you can have in your life. Be cautious that there are lot of dogs around this lake and some places are extremely dark. Walk between 6 and 7 pm, then head back to your room.

• Kurinjiandavar Temple - about 4 km from the lake is a temple whose presiding God is Lord Muruga. The flowers inside the temple bloom once in 12 years. One can get a view of the Palani Hills and the Kodaikanal Town from this temple. During the winter, the view of Kodai city and Palani from the two ends of the temple is blocked. However, in summer, the visibility is good and hence the experience, too.

Flowers of the Kurinji plant that bloom once every twelve years

• Green Valley View/Suicide Point- has a more than 5000 ft steep drop from this point. The monkeys are a good attraction at this point. Renamed Green Valley View, apparently to prevent people from being lured to commit suicide.

• Pillar Rocks - huge steep cliffs. Watch out for the cross at the top of the mountain hoisted by an English adventure enthusiast.

• Silent Valley View
• Devil's Kitchen - a cave known more to the locals, First being "Green Valley View" and "Pillar Rocks" and then finally "Guna Cave". Watch out for the deep hidden ravines. What would appear like mere dark gutters are actually a deep fall. Many unsuspecting people have fallen prey to the "devil's trap". So, watch your step!

• Guna Caves - a cave which became very famous after the movie GUNA. Very steep and risky to get in. The public may not be allowed to enter this cave nowadays, though it's a very good place to take pics. But if you are not a professional spelunker, a trip to this cave may be your last. Getting back will be problem as it's very dark and there could be about a 90% chance of suffering a free fall.  Entry fee. Rs.2

• Pine Forest - it's a really very good forest of pine trees. You can ride horses there. It's on the way to the guna cave.

• Shanthi Valley - another pine forest nice place.

• Silver Cascade - it's a nice waterfall on the road side from kodai road to kodai kanal, just before 4-5 kms from kodai kanal. The cold water flows and it's really super to bathe in the cold water and travel in between the eucalyptus trees. If you are going to kodai kanal by private vehicle on the way, you can visit the place. Buy fresh carrots and some exotic veggies around here.

Do in Kodaikanal

• Cycle around the lake - and watch the clouds while they slowly descend onto the water; cycles are available for hire at the lake on an hourly basis. It is possible to cycle to other places although cycling one way will be difficult due to the hilly terrain. Do check the cycles before setting out.
• Boating at the Kodai lake - paddle and row boats are available at the lake. Entrance is via the Kodaikanal Boat Club.

• Trekking - Kodai offers several scenic trekking spots, including one which is to walk along the stream which goes to dolphin nose. Kodai tourist office has a trekking guide which is available for free there, which lists all the possible trekking routes and difficulty levels. The tourist office advises people to take guides and offers to provide them, although this is not necessary. An easy trek is the Perumalmalai trek which is the tallest mountain that area.
• Wander About - Kodai has numerous waterfalls and beautiful views not mentioned in the tourist guides, so wandering about can bring you to some spectacular place.

• Horse Riding - Right near the front of the entrance to the boat club, you can rent a horse (with the trainer) to take you around the lake. For Horse Riding Rs.80 per person and can be negotiable.
• Fun park, near fairy falls 

And in the evening we started to get down from Kodaikanal to reach palani. It took 3 hours (65kms) and the curvy hair pin bend roads, scenes are heart freezing views.

Palani Winch 

Winch Track

In the next day morning we take darshan at temple and left Palani to reach Udumalpet. (Palani - Udumalaipet about 37km - 40min approx) From Udumalpet we arranged one car to see the nearby places. We saw Aliyar Dam, Monkey Falls, Thirumoorthy falls and Vedathri Maharishi's Place. 

Palani Temple Elephant

Aliyar Dam

Aliyar Dam 

Aliyar (ஆழியாறு) Reservoir is a 6.48 sqkm reservoir located near Pollachi. The dam is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats. It is about 65 kilometres from Coimbatore. The dam offers some ideal getaways including a park, garden, aquarium, play area and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Corporation for visitors enjoyment. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains surrounding three quarters of the reservoir. Boating is also available at Rs.25 per person.

Aliyar park is a leisure place to enjoy the natural scenery  of Aliyar dam and chain mountains of western Ghats. Kids can have a pleasant time in the park. Entry Fee is Rs.4 per person.

ThiruMoorthy Falls

Thirumoorthy falls is situated at the foot of the Thirumoorthy hills adjoining the Thirumoorthy dam. The scenic beauty of the Anamalai hill range of Western Ghats, includes the cascading water to the Thirumoorthy reservoir from the Panchalingam Falls. A perennial stream flows by the side of the Sri Amanalingeswarar temple. 

Here you can see the three moorthys Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar at combined stage. It's a only temple like this in South India. The best times for travelling here are from September to December. The waterfalls called PANJALINGA falls which is situated about One kilometer climbing over the hills.Thirumoorthy hill is the major cine shooting spot in the Coimbatore District where most of the Malayalam and Tamil Movies are taken here due to the pleasant climate and the elegant view of the nature. This is about 20 km from Udumalaipettai  and Local buses fly from Udumalpet to this place.

ThiruMoorthy Temple

Monkey Falls

Monkey Falls

Nearby Aliyar park is monkey falls. Its known as "Chinna Kuttralam". Enjoy the water showered by mother nature. But by the time we went there is not much water in that falls. You have to cross the Check post to reach the falls and you have to pay Rs.15 per head to visit Monkey Falls. 

Aliyar Vedhathri Maharishi Place

Arivu Thirukoil

Located at a distance of 25 km from Pollachi, nearby Aliyar Dam about 1km, there is an ashram called Arivu Thirukoil or " Temple of Consciousness". This ashram was established by Vedhathri Maharishi. entry Fees Rs.5

After that we return to Udumalipet in the evening and had dinner. Finally we return to Chennai by Train from Tiruppur. (Udumalaipet to Thiruppur 65km - 2hours approx) The four day journey ended with a cool memories.