Hoganakkal

01-02-2014: From Yercaud we came came back to Salem. After having lunch from a good hotel we took the bus to Dharmapuri where Hogenakkal falls is located. We reached Dharmapuri by 5 in the evening. After lodging we went out to see around. By 9 we returned back, had food which we purchased and went to bed as we have to wake up early to catch the bus to Hogenakkal.

02-02-2014: We woke up early in the morning, had tea from nearby tea stall. After refreshment we packed our baggage, had breakfast and set the journey to Hogenakkal.

The entire terrain changed after the check-post in Pennagaram (a village in Dharmapuri district- on the way to Hogenakkal). Both sides of the road was astonishing.

We reached Hogenakkal by 9.15am. First we roamed around, saw the river Cauvery flowing between rocks, many locals selling fried fish caught from the river etc. We searched to hire the circular vessels called Coracles (The oldest types of watercraft in the world). The rate seemed quite expensive. Rs 900/- for 6 persons (Rs 150/- each) but we were only 3. Then we found a couple who were in the same situation. We enquired whether they like to join us and they agreed. We talked to boat man and agreed to pay Rs 750/-. He agreed and we started our journey through the river.

It was an amazing experience traveling in a coracle boat through Cauvery. From the boatman we came to know that Hogenakkal means smoking rocks (In Kannada Hoge means smoke and Kal means rock). We saw many waterfalls on the way. We travelled for nearly an hour and reached a shore near to Karnataka border. The freshly served fried fish was very tasty an affordable, I had two pieces on our way back.

After reaching shore we went to the bridge to see the waterfall. It's a beautiful sight. One the way we saw many massaging centers.

After having lunch we caught the return bus to Dharmapuri and from there to Salem. Our train was at 7.00pm. I really had a good time there with my two friends.. Sunil chettan and Murali..

Yercaud

31-01-2014: After a long planning we (Sunil chettan, Murali and Me) managed to set a trip to Yercaud a hill station in Salem district in Tamilnadu. We board the train from Tvm Central railway station at 5.20pm. The journey was interesting. We got many details about Yercaud from a lady passenger near by who works in Govt. Press, Tvm. She was going to her native place in Erode district.

01-02-2014: By about 5 in the morning we reached Salem station. It was quite cold and we took a coffee. 

After refreshing we went to catch bus. A TNSTC bus was waiting in front of the station. We enquired the conductor about the bus service to Yercaud. He told that we can get the bus from the Central bus stand which is only 2kms from the railway station. We board the same bus and got down at Central stand. From there got the bus to Yercaud. The conductor told as to sit in the front seats to see the view. At 6am the bus started and we set our journey to Yercaud - The Jewel of South.

The journey was quite interesting. A typical crowded bus journey through a village with people sitting even on  the bonnet of the bus. There are 20 hairpin bends to Yercaud, all of them were deadly superb. By about 7.30am we reached Yercaud. We got down at the stop near to the lake. It was a chilly morning with freezing cold. The lake was a beaufitul sight in the mist.

After having breakfast we decided to go for sight seeing in an auto. Even thought the auto driver was not so pleasing he answered some of our questions. His name was Sasi. First he took us to Servaroyan temple which is situated in the Servaroyan hills, the highest point in Yercaud about 5000ft above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shervaroyan.


The view from the summit on all sides is magnificent. The Yercaud town and Nagalur is seen well from this hill.

We spend there for half and hour. From there we went to the Botanical garden. On the way we step down to another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. When we reached the Botanical garden it was found closed. We enquired the security and he told that the garden is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Then we went to view points. Lady's seat and Gents seat..

On the way to Lady's seat was the rose garden where we can see wide variety of Roses. Also there was small park for the children.

After spending some time in the garden we walked to the View point - Lady's seat. On the way we saw many structures.

The view from here was spectacular. 

By about 12.30 we reached the bus stop near to the lake where we got down in the morning. After paying the rent to the auto driver we waited for the bus. Soon the bus came and we started our journey back to Salem, from there to Hogenakkal..

The journey to Yercaud was a great experience, the only disappointment was that we were not able to see the Kiliyur water falls as there was no water in the river.