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At Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district, the Kaveri enters Tamil Nadu through a gorge of dark rock and breaks into dozens of channels and falls. The name comes from Kannada and means “smoking rocks”, after the spray that rises as the river crashes onto the stones. The best way to see it is from the water, in a coracle.
Coracles, called parisal in Tamil, are round, bowl-shaped boats woven from bamboo and made waterproof with a covering, traditionally animal hide. A boatman spins and steers them with a single paddle, and they can slip through shallow channels and spin close to the falls in a way no ordinary boat could.
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How the ride works
Rides start from the official coracle jetty and counters on the Tamil Nadu side. On the Tamil Nadu side the coracle service is managed through the forest department’s eco-development committee, which shares the income with local villagers. At the time of writing, each coracle takes four passengers plus the boatman, and children below a minimum age are not allowed. Everyone must wear a life jacket for the whole ride.
A typical ride takes you along the gorge, close to some of the main falls, and around rocky islands in the river. Longer rides cost more; agree the route and duration at the counter, not with touts on the bank, and pay only at the official counter.
When rides stop: river levels
Coracle rides depend entirely on how much water the Kaveri is carrying, which in turn depends on rain in Karnataka and releases from the dams upstream. When the inflow rises sharply, the Dharmapuri district administration suspends coracle rides and bathing, and police and fire service staff keep people away from the river. These bans can last a few days or several weeks in a heavy monsoon.
In August 2026, for example, rides were stopped during a flood, resumed on 8 August once the inflow dropped, and were likely to pause again later that month when the inflow rose to around 14,000 cusecs. Check the latest news, or ask us, before you set off, especially between June and September.
Best season
The falls are most dramatic during and just after the monsoon, but that is also when rides are most often suspended. For a reliable coracle ride, the calmer months from about October to May are usually better, although in a very dry summer the river can be low and some falls thin. Mornings are cooler and quieter, and weekends and holidays get crowded.
Safety tips
- Keep your life jacket fastened for the whole ride.
- Sit still in the middle and do not stand up or lean out, especially when the boatman spins the coracle.
- Protect your phone in a waterproof pouch; spray is heavy near the falls.
- Bathe only in marked areas on the bank; never swim in the open river, where currents are strong and the rock is slippery.
- Follow official instructions on closures; rides stop for good reason.
More at Hogenakkal
After the ride, the watch tower near the main falls gives a full view over the gorge and the river. The forest department’s crocodile rehabilitation centre, set up in 1975, is also nearby. The rocks here are among the oldest in the world: carbonatites at Hogenakkal have been dated to around 2,000 million years.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Hogenakkal is about 270 km from Pondicherry, around 6 hours by road via Krishnagiri or Dharmapuri. It pairs well with Yelagiri, and our Hogenakkal and Yelagiri weekend includes time for a coracle ride with a car and driver. See also our boating and cruises and waterfalls pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hogenakkal coracle ride open now?
It depends on the river inflow. Rides are suspended when the Kaveri rises after heavy rain or dam releases, sometimes for weeks. Check the latest district announcements or ask us before you travel.
How many people can sit in a Hogenakkal coracle?
At the time of writing, four passengers plus the boatman per coracle, and young children are not allowed. Everyone must wear a life jacket.
Is the coracle ride safe?
It is run under official supervision with life jackets, and rides stop when the water is high. Sit still, keep your jacket on and follow the boatman’s instructions.
What is the best time for a coracle ride at Hogenakkal?
Usually October to May, when the river is calmer and rides run more reliably. Mornings on weekdays are least crowded.