Hogenakkal falls and Yercaud: weekend break from Bangalore, Chennai

Previous blog~ Madurai, Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi pilgrimage tour

After a 3 hour return train journey from Rameshwaram to Madurai, we had another 8 hours to go before reaching Bangalore. Sadly we had only 2S seater tickets. "why didn't you get SL (sleeper berths) screamed dad. "Because there weren't any," I explained 3 times already.

And so we had to make do with seaters, which despite separate window seats was rather uncomfortable. After only 2 hrs into the journey and a backache, we decided to hop-off mid-way at Salem.

YERCAUD's rose paths and  coffee trails 

Salem is located in the Dharmapuri district 30 kms from Yercaud, a one-horse town like hillstation in TamilNadu. It's a convenient idyllic weekend destination for folks from Bangalore as well as Chennai.

Find the perfect viewpoint and relax, Yercaud Tamilnadu 

Getting to Yercaud :

From the foothills Ie. Salem, Yercaud is a 1 hour slow uphill drive with many hairpin bends along the way. State-run buses leave at specific timings from Salem bus stand.

Salem Tamil Nadu bus stand

Where to stay in Yercaud :

There are many hotels and resorts in all ranges. A budget option can start from 700rs onward.

What to do in Yercaud

"Relax, all that can wait!" said my brain; ready to shut down anytime now. With a severe headache and hardly any sleep for over 24 hrs, all I could think of is a comfortable bed to lie on. After checking with some locals we found this cute cottage right opposite the boathouse. Our host, a kind elderly couple provided us breakfast of upma, idli sambar and hot coffee which is all I needed for now.

A cottage stay at Yercaud hillstation, T.N.

Yercaud's rose pathways and botanical gardens are great for leisurely walks. Not far away are viewpoints with names such as Lady's seat, Gents seat etc, so find a nice spot and spend a few moments amidst its pleasant environs and natural landscape. The boathouse is abuzz during the evening hours with families and tourists generally having a good time boating in the lake or munching near food stalls.

Next morning after a hearty breakfast we headed for our next destination enroute Bangalore.

Hogenakkal falls : as wild as it gets! 

Located at the border of TamilNadu and Karnataka and about 3½ hours from Yercaud, it is one of the most uninhibited and wild waterfalls in South India.

Hogenekkal waterfalls lies on the border of Dharmapuri district, T.N. & Bangalore, Karnataka and thus an easy getaway from both Bangalore and Chennai 

The river Kaveri having coursed its way through thick forests and rare medicinal plants finally reaches Hogenakkal taking on the form of raw wild nature. I was completely taken aback at how scary the canyon looked below. There is a ghat section from where adventure seekers can get to experience Coracle rides that go bobbing down in the wild canyon below. We were completely drenched with the force of roaring waterfalls even from a distance. Even Jog falls, located within the western ghats of Karnataka, falls short of this spectacle.

At the sight of gingelly oil pouches being sold in the vicinity; my back and head that had been aching for some time now began screaming, "body massage, body massage please",  so I requested a masseuse who for just 500bucks rattled my bones like anything. After that I bathed under the waterfalls.

Tip~ You can bathe under the waterfalls. The administration has provided separate enclosure bathing areas for men & women. However, if you are drenched in oil make sure you get a firm grip while bathing. Do not use soap at the waterfalls.

And lastly don't forget to try the fish fry from the numerous local vendors. 

Where to stay at Hogenakkal falls

Most folks do a day-trip, but staying overnight for a relaxing weekend is not a bad idea either. Apparently the Tamilnadu tourism guest house seemed the only reasonable place to stay. Rooms are spacious and comfy. Do check online, call before booking.

Thanks for reading. Your comments will be appreciated. Bye for now!