Beautifying Hogenakkal
The Tamil Nadu government has undertaken a Rs 1.5 crore beautification
project at Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district, known for its waterfalls.
The project, which was launched recently, includes laying of
roads, provision of civic amenities and beautification of the whole area in
and around the waterfalls.
Accoring to R Perumalsamy, assistant director of the Department
of Tourism, Tamil Nadu, the plan also includes upgradation of the state-run
hotels in the area,.
The entire beautification project is expected to be completed within six months,
according to tourist officer A Ismail.
The government expects the tourist arrival to go up from the
present 2,500 to about 5,000 per day once the project is completed.
River Cauvery enters the plains at Dharmapuri and it roars
down the rocks so loudly in a spray of water that it was called Hogenakkal -
the smoke that thunders.
It is about 250 metres above sea level and the water falls vertically from a
height of 20 metres. A sacred bathing place, Hogenakkal is well known for its
power of healing. It is 114 km from Salem and 133 km from Bangalore.
A ride in one of the 'parisals', the circular basket boats
made of bamboo frames and covered in either black plastic or buffalo hide, is
a must.
The best time to visit the riverine spa is February.
