Hoggenakkal Trip

Date : 10-Sep-2006

Trip from Blr-Hoggenakkal We had booked a Qualis for a group of 7 members. It costs Rs6/- per km in Bangalore. We started in the early morning(7 am) from bangalore. Ofcourse, its kinda night only for me. Initially our plan was to go via Hosur, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri. Once we entered our Tamilnadu Border, we need to pay the state tax since the vehicle didnt have permit. So better get a vehicle with tamilnadu permit too. As no exception, here also bribe for getting the permit quickly. It cost around 200 +(200). Then we had breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan near the bus-stand.

There when we enquired about the route, we came to know that there is another route via Royakottai. The road is not that good but good enough for a qualis to go. Here you can have the snapshot of the road. We have reached there around 11 am. The boat drivers immediately after checking the Karnataka Registration approached us, once we got down. They started speaking in Kannada. We have enquired about the boat riding (Parisal) cost. They have told if its for a round and come back, it costs 400 per boat. If its for a full day( they stay along with us whereever we go), it cost 750. They drop us at some places and we can play in water over there. Now you might be thinking about the lunch. Nothing to worry, there are people who cooks over there veg and non-veg(only fish) as soon as we order. They will get the food wherever we go.

After enquiring outside in the shops nearby (luckily I know tamil in the whole group), we came to know that they charges 300 per boat on regular days and on sundays 500. Since we were seven people, 2 boats are required. Finally after negotiation it came around 1200 per 2 boats. Oh, we were ready for our ride. Along with driver, we started 4 per boat. One more important thing, we should go only during the season. This is the right time to go over there. If too much of rain, then boat ride is not allowed and also it no water is there, boat cant go. Plan accordingly.

In between they stopped at 5 falls. There we took some photos over there. Then we proceeded through the place where "Chinna Chinna Aasai" song was shot. There are some kids over there, who jumps from the hill top into the water for a money of Rs.5 as gift for them. We captured that too in our camera. Then we went to another place where we ordered for food. Full meals -20 and mini-meals 15. Each fish costs around 10 but its really damn good. They make both fish curry and sambar, rasam. Everything is worth for the money. We were playing in the water for around 1 hour and then we had lunch. Travel between different places is via boat. Boat shops are available. People are carrying cool drinks, chips etc. in the parisal itself. Finally we went to the main falls. It is really awesome. Since danger lies within the beauty (everyone knows), be careful.

After that, its all over we were on our way back to the shore. We had a nice time. In between, the driver does a swirling effect for the whole boat. Then he showed where all people got drowned. While coming back to Bangalore, we came through Anjetti, Thenkanikottai that is little short and road is good. for initial 5 kms, not that great. Afterwards, its via hills. We had snacks at hosur in the evening around 7pm. Then we entered our Bangalore again at 7.30pm.
It was really for a one-day trip from Bangalore.

Next Jog Falls- Kemmengundi trip is postponed to October first week. Next travellogue will be about Wayanad Trip which is being planned.