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Trip to Hogenakal falls and krishnagiri dam

This was sometime in the month of November 2006, again a Kstdc package tour. I just love this which lets me to be with myself. Morning I was there at Badami house office near coporation to board the bus. It was good untill we crossed Hosur. The quality of road has improved significantly and the road is a toll one. On the way you will find Reliance A1 plaza which is a combination of petrol station and food joint. I think that makes good business sense, as someone filling petrol on the highway might also want to eat something most of the time. The ambience was quite good and they have maintained it quite clean. Clean rest rooms along with shower facility available for a little fee. Dosa, Idly, puri, chappati, juice, etc are available.

The first stop was Krishnagiri dam – on river Cauvery. The rugged terrain around the dam could very well be transformed into a movie set of old days dacoit den. However, it has a charm of its own. The stagnant water did strike me which was almost green with formation of green algae. Krishnagiri, which is in Tamil Nadu – there are few other places to see like THALI THE LITTLE ENGLAND, GOVERNMENT MUSEUM – Krishnagiri Excellence, ARULMIGU MARAGATHAMBIGAI CHANDRA CHOODESWARA TEMPLE, KELEVARAPALLI RESERVOIR PROJECT(KPRP), Hanumanthathirtham. To know more about this places visit here.

The next and the last stop was Hogenakal falls. The approach road to that place is quite narrow and not in a good condition to say the least. The highlight of this spot is the Croacle ride(one type of round shaped boat made from bamboo) on river Cauvery. Kstdc has contracts with local boatmans and they charge around Rs 300 per person for Kstdc tourists. I was little apprehensive about the boat ride in the beginning as we get to hear many people dying there every year. But once on the boat, it was just joy ride. Our boatman, seems to be quite experienced and he was encouraging us to enjoy and said nothing to worry. It was mostly grade 1 rapids and maybe 2 or 3 grade 2. This falls on Cauvery river is the border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. After floating a few kilometers on the Karnataka side of Cauvery we reached with a group of my fellow tourists to the main spot where the falls is located. Its amazing the sound of gushing water in the mids of a river flowing from all side. The boatman told around 20 something falls are there – do not remember the exact number now. Here Cauvery falls into a gorge before flowing into Tamil nadu. From there we boarded the boat again and moved on to the Tamil Nadu side of the falls. This side is quite crowded and human habitation is there. One watch tower is here made of iron which you will be scared to climb at the first sight. the watch tower can be availed at Re 1. From here one can get the best view of the whole area, even a distant view of the Karnataka side of the falls. Also, the gorge behind can be viewed with much clarity. It is recommended to take pictures from here. We boarded the boat again and our boatman droped us on the Tamil Nadu side. On the way he gave a few rounds(got the boat move in circles) …. it was awesome as it was near the bank. Imagine you are in a whirlpool and moving circles!! I pray never happen to anyone. Our bus was awaiting nearby at the bus stand. Do not expect much about food, although cool drinks, biscuits will be available. However, one hotel is there which provided quite decent lunch, given the place it was. Do not remember exactly if the hotel was in the Karnataka or Tamil Nadu side – I think it was in the karnataka side.

Indeed fun guys but one should be carefull.

KSTDC contact info: click here

Relience A1 plaza

Krishnagiri dam

Boat on river Cauvery

River cauvery near Hogenakal falls

Cauvery running through a gorge

Hogenakal falls

Hogenakal falls

Hogenakal falls

From the watch tower at Hogenakal falls