Hogenakkal Eco Tourism

Hogenakkal[1] are waterfalls located in Dharmapuri district of the state Tamil Nadu, India. Hogenakkal Eco Tourism seeks to protect wilderness and ecological integrity of Hogenakkal.

Hogenakkal Eco Tourism
CountryIndia
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictDharmapuri District
Languages
 • OfficialTamil
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Governing bodyTamil Nadu Forest Dept
Websitewww.hogenakkalecotourism.com

Main Objective

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Forest Development Agency (FDA) constitutes a committee named as Eco-Development Committee[2] (EDC) which comprises members from local villages. The Eco- Development Committee aims to provide the employment opportunities to the local communities hence improving their standard of living.

Eco Tourism Activities

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Hogenakkal Ecotourism with EDC carrying out various eco-tourism activities such as a coracle ride, oil massage and eco-trekking. Hogenakkal Eco-Tourism[3] gives an opportunity to book these eco-tourism activities online. The revenue generated through these eco-tourism activities are shared among the village people around hogenakkal.

Accommodation

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Hogenakkal Eco Tourism offers accommodation rooms[4] near Hogenakkal Falls for the tourists. One can check the room availability and book the rooms online. The revenues are used for the enhancement of the local communities.

Attractions

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Main Falls

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Hogenakkal main falls have an elevation of about 66 ft. River Kaveri is the main source of this falls. As the Kaveri flows through the dense medicinal forest of Western Ghats, the water from this fall has many medicinal properties. The carbonate rocks found near this falls are considered as the oldest one in the world. One can use the watchtower to see the full view of the falls and the Kaveri River. A motion sensor alarm had installed as a precaution, to prevent the tourist crossing the safety area of the Hogenakkal falls.

Coracle Rides

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Coracle ride is considered as the main attraction in Hogenakkal, which attracts many tourists to this spot. Coracles are used to view the waterfalls closer and it was not allowed during monsoon seasons. Only four plus one person including the driver is allowed in a single coracle and children are not allowed to take the coracle ride.[5]

Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre

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To preserve and protect the crocodiles from being hunted, the Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre[6] was established in Hogenakkal in the year 1975. There are almost 113 crocodiles and visitors are allowed to visit the park throughout the year except Tuesday of every week.

Children’s Park

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A children's park[7] is located within the Crocodile Rehabilitation centre Hogenakkal. The park is open to the visitors throughout the year. Minimum charge is collected from visitors as the entrance fee, which is used for the maintenance of the park.

Medicinal Garden

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The garden comprises more than 108 native species of medicinal herbs.[8] The medicinal herbs are displayed with their names which helps to educate the tourists about the biodiversity in hogenakkal. Visitors are allowed in this garden throughout the year.

References

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  1. ^ "Plan to promote tourism at Hogenakkal falls". The Hindu. 7 March 2008. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  2. ^ "Eco- Development Committees Hogenakkal | Forest Development Agency". Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Hogenakkal Eco Tourism Online Room Booking - Tamilnadu Forest Dept". www.hogenakkalecotourism.com. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  4. ^ "Online Hogenakkal Rooms Booking | Book Forest Guest House Online". Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  5. ^ Srividya, P. v (15 October 2015). "Children not to be permitted for coracle rides in Hogenakkal". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  6. ^ "Hogenakkal: All Falls Down - Outlook Traveller". Outlook Traveller. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  7. ^ "Tourists throng Hogenakkal". The Hindu. 17 January 2017. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  8. ^ Ani (11 May 2010). "Summer heat pushes tourists to Hogenakkal falls". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 June 2018.