Hi,
High lights of the Trip to Hogenekal.
Date: 7th September 2005
Team: Jordan, Goldie, Raja, Habib, Somu, Satya, Rajesh, Anand, Krishna, Leela and Sarma.
Route: Bangalore->Hosur->Krishnagiri->Dharmapuri->Hogenakkal
0335: Missed the alarm in Habib's phone which he switched off and slept and luckily woke up by the backup alarm. Packed the food and bags.
0405: The cab came. It was showering form the time we got up.
0430: At the Anand's room to check the status. Satya helped in waking up people. Krishna busy in packing food. Some of them waiting for their turn to take bath.
0450: All set to go, boarded the Van and started the journey. Few of the guys slept and others with their own enjoyment, chatting, playing cards.
0530: At Hosur paying up the tax in the Check Post.
0720: At Dharmapuri. Had a nice break fast. Sheik (along with his camel) was sleeping in the cab while every one had their breakfast as Mr. Sun didn't come upto the Tamarind Tree.
0830: Almost near the Hogenakal. Everyone is up in their spirits after having the breakfast and recharging themselves at Dharmapuri, doing all the nonsense possible and also enjoying the Ghat road which was beginning for the exciting landscapes by the nature.
0840: Stepped down at Hogenekal. Its been showering all the way. With those showers looking perfect for the outing. We hoped that it won't increase. Mr. Sun didn't turned up yet. While every one was busy in deciding what needs to be taken out, a large crowd gathered outside. As we stepped outside the all started asking to take the boat and oil message. Though we said no to them they didn't leave us. They followed us all the way to the boating point asking for the same in spite of all our 'No's. We came to know that a few paths one of which is towards the hanging bridge where you get a perfect straight view of the falls are blocked and no one is allowed as the water levels was raised due to the recent rains and also the because of the water from the dam.
0900: After long negotiations regarding the boats with some of the men (later came to know that they are middle men) in all the languages we could, made the deal for the boats. Took 3 boats for all of us. Splited into the follwing teams:
Jordan, Raja, Anand, Krishna.
Somu, Rajesh, Leela Sarma.
Goldie, Habib, Satya (The Heavy Weight Champions).
Lucky enough to get some nice experienced boat riders. These people also carry an identity card given by the Govt. of TN. They said all differently from what we head regarding the place which was termed as a dangerous place. After a ride for some time we reached a place where we need to walk.
1030: After walking around 250 meters, again the water way appeared. The boat men carried their boats all the way. Ordered for some fish there and continued towards the water fall. All the boats stopped at a few meters to the falls and from there we have to walk on the rocks in water. The boat men showed us the exact steps to be taken and asked not to take any other path as that is very dangerous. They even helped us in crossing the rocks where it was difficult. None other than me fell :(. Got a side view of the falls. That's an amazing view. A few feet from the edge hardly 3 feet. Every one enjoyed a lot. We spent some time there watching it. Couldn't take much photos there as the water after hitting the rocks went up in the air and the wind brought the mist all on us. Everybody's clothes got wet.1115: One of the important things forgot to mention up to now is the new pair of eyes which Somu got ( The Binoculars of course mine). He never left them. Not sure what all he watched with his new pair of eyes. Sometimes he used to watch it even without removing caps of the lenses ;). Got the fish ordered fried and its time for the Oil massage which the boatwala did. A very nice massage. Few of us took it and the others got afraid after seeing that and didn't take even after the guys who took it said it was good. The so called Kumar Raja (Anand) didn't even step into water for his own reasons. He too didn't remove his new skin which he brought recently (as usual someone paid) his new jerkin.
1330: Time went so fast no one noticed. All felt hungry. So finished playing in water and came out. Again after a short walk on land the final boat ride started.
1345: End of our Boat ride. Worth going the ride. Paid an excess amount for the boat men for the delay (Less than what they asked for before beginning if a delay occurs). The boat men gave their visiting card with a photo and also a mobile no. Only BSNL mobile works there.
1400: Reached the Cab and started the journey to Krishnagiri Dam.
1420: Stopped the vehicle for the lunch at "The Road (Under a tree)". Finished the lunch and continued. For a change Leela, Dabba, KuReddy and I got on top of the vehicle after getting permission from the driver. Enjoyed on the top of the cloudy day with the tamarind trees and wires coming on the way. Leela lost his glasses (Which was caught by me when they are flying off and hidden), so almost went off his moods.
1515: Went into the vehicle as we are approaching the Highway.
1540: Stopped the vehicle for a tea break after which I slept in the last seat and not sure what happened in between until we reached Krishnagiri Dam. Of course no one told me also. Hope they also don't know :)
1630: Reached Krishnagiri Dam. Its full with its water level reaching a few inches below to the gates. Right time for a visit. Went on top of the Dam and spent some time in a park adjacent to it. Took a shortcut (for a difference also) while returning in a way that was across the knee deep flowing waters from the dam.
1800: Back in cab for returning to Bangalore. On the way back Krishna entertained the people by his actions which he called as dance :)
2000: By God's grace reached Bangalore safe and almost exhausted. Had some rotis and took rest for the day.
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