HOGENAKKAL / HOGENAKKAL FALLS / CORACLE RIDE / NAYAGARA FALLS OF INDIA / SMOKING ROCK-TAMILNADU

       Hogenakkal is a riverside, busy and noisy village, with plenty of vegetation and little habitation in Tamil Nadu. This place is famous for waterfalls. Hogenakkal Falls is a quiet and beautiful waterfall and is a good picnic spot. Its water is supposed to have curative powers as the Kaveri flows through a forest of herbs on its journey to Hogenakkal.

Hogenakkal Waterfalls, known as the 'Niagara' falls of India, are not a single waterfall but a series of falls and they offer a promising holiday destination for nature lovers from within and outside the country.
Hogenakkal is considered as one of the most beautiful places in the state. The broad stream of the River Kaveri gets forked at this point, forming an island from where one stream continues on while the other plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfall giving these rocks the name Hogenakkal which means "smoking rock".

          This riverside spa is famous for coracles, masseurs and roaring waters. The sound of the Kaveri river, roaring between rocky banks, is a constant presence in most places in Hogenakkal. At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri river enters the plains and the river dashing against the rocks is a great sight. The river, here flows through a wooded valley, splitting and merging and splitting again around rocks, and little islands with towering trees, and boulder-strewn out crops, which are covered only when the river is in spate with the rains of the monsoon.

Another attraction is the diving skills of local kids, who can show their diving skills for a fee. They can dive for you from a height of around 30 feet into the water and climb straight up back on the rocks in no time, all for mere Rs 5/- from the spectator.
Once in Hogenakkal, one can take a coracle ride ( kottathoni) across the river. The coracles or circular basket boats are covered with black plastic sheets and carry the ferry tourists across the shimmering, rippling river. The ride will take to the foot the majestic waterfalls – an exhilarating yet intimidating experience. The water here surges under the coracle, tossing it around, raging and hissing as though it might flood and capsize the boat any moment. The sight of Hogenakkal up close is as spellbinding, imposing and even a bit frightening. This white waterfall is particularly impressive soon after the monsoon months when the river is brimming.
hogenakkal is famous for film shooting.
coracle ride ticket- 250 Rupees/ head

One can try getting a massage from the famed Hogenakkal masseurs. The local malishkarans or the mystic masseurs are armed with oils, powders and esoteric knowledge about the different massage points in the human body. There are also a few women masseurs. The massage offered here is a nice experience for the visitors.
     Hogenakkal offers long treks in the surrounding Melagiri Hills and one can explore the lush, rugged, landscape.
Hogenakkal is unique as it is the only natural, traditional river spa in the land. It also offers a thrilling experience, and as an added bonus, one can visit the giant terra-cotta village guardians, the Aiyanars, on the way to Hogenakkal.

HOW TO REACH THERE

BY AIR
         Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport, which is at distance of about 133 km from Hogenakkal. Taxi charges about Rs 2000 from Bangalore to Hogenakkal. Bangalore is well connected to most of the major airports in India and abroad

Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)
Peelamedu Airport, Coimbatore (CJB) ----119KM
Tiruchirappalli Airport (TRZ)----146 KM
Chennai International Airport (MAA)----285 KM BY RAIL             Nearest major railway junction is Salem, which is about 114 km from Hogenakkal. Salem to Hogenakkal taxi charge is about Rs 1500. Other two railheads nearby are Dharmapuri to go to Bangalore and Morappur to go to ChennaI. Dharmapuri (DPJ)---42 KM Salem Junction (SA)---64 KM Morappur (MAP)-----69 KM BY BUS            Hogenakkal is well connected to all major cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Hogenakkal (133 km) and Salem to Hogenakkal (114 km). Bus charge is about Rs 3 per kilometer.

FAMOUS TEMPELS IN KANNUR / RELIGIOUS PLACES IN KANNUR

Sreekrishna Temple Trichambaram

This temple is situated 2 kms away towards south-east of Taliparamba town. The deity was consecrated by Sambara Maharshi. In the right hand of the deity, is a wheel with a stick and in the left hand is a conch touching the waist. This is the basic form of a deity. Taking in to consideration the consecration specialties of the deity there is a change in pooja also. ’Nivedyam’ is offered to the deity before abhishekam with a slight deviation from ordinary rituals .It is believed that Villwamangalam Swamiyar adorned the deity with a particular wedlock which with its magical influence, changed the minds of thousands of people considering that ‘Gopalakrishna’ is their only protector .The only annual festival without fireworks and elephant is celebrated in the late hours of midnight in the Pookkoth Nada (the national highway), from 6th march (Kumbham 22) to 16th March .On these colorful days thousands of devotees dance, run and enjoy with their lords Balarama and Krishna with the torchbearers and drummers which recalls the playful younger days of their favorite lords. The sights on 6th March and 20th March which represents the joyful union of the loving brothers and their sorrowful separation really pierce down deep into the heart. On festival days a Swamiji is invited to play with the lords who are very rare in other festivals. Even though there are many offerings to lord Krishna, the most important offerings is “Karayila Appam” (unni appam). This is prepared in Agrasala and dedicated to God on the Mandapam by the women from Namboothiri families.

There are four Madhams known as Swamiyar Madams near the temple chira.The ‘Kalasam’ comes in the month of November or December. The distance here to Vaidyanatha Temple, Kanhirangad is 6kms and to Rajarajeswara Temple, is 3kms. 

Darshan time: 5 am to 12 noon and 5.30 pm to 8pm.

Sree Vaidyanatha Temple, Kanhirangad

     Sree Vaidyanatha temple is situated 6kms away from Taliparamba town, towards north-east. It is firmly believed that the Sivalingam, Temple Chira, Sacrifical Altar, Sopanam, the Well inside, and the Original Deity are all completely filled with valuable medicines. Therefore, a bath in the Chira, Circumambulation of the temple. And the holy water used for ‘Abhishekam’ are all considered to be strong medicines for various diseases. Since the deity was consecrated on a Sunday, special significance is attached to prayers and offerings made on Sunday.

This temple originally belonged to the Rigvedis of Taliparamba Gramam. It is also believed that Adivasi Kings (Ooru Moopan) known as Vythakkonmar denoted this temple to the Brahmins of this village. There is another legend also. Brahmin ladies were not allowed to enter the Rajarajeswara Temple. To solve this problem, a king named Sreekandan who belonged to Mooshika Vamsam constructed this temple. There is another story that ‘Dwadasadithya’ called Vishnu was suffering from a severe skin disease and that he recovered completely because of his constant prayer to the Lord. The important offerings of this temple are same as those of other Siva Temples in Kerala. Most of the married women from various places reach here on ‘Thiruvathira’ in the month of Dhanu to pray for the well being of their husbands and old-aged women come here on 18th of Dhanu to offer prayers for the safety of their families .The Anguradi Kalassam in this temple is observed from Vrischikam 26 to Dhanu 2. Various ‘Theyyams’ are also performed near the temple entrance in the night of Dhanu 10 as they are considered to be the ‘Guards of outside temple’.

Sree Rajarajeswara Temple

   The famous Sree Rajarajeswara temple is situated in Kannur district, 2 kms North of Taliparamba town. Lord Siva here, is known in different names such as SADASIVA, PERINCHELLOORAPPA, LAKSHMEEPURESA, RAJADHIRAJA etc. In venerable prayer, though it seems to be pertaining to Siva, the method of worship is distinct in many ways. Ages before, the deity was consecrated by the great sage, Agasthya Muni on a Wednesday. Hence ‘darsan’ on Wednesday is considered very auspicious even today. In ‘Threda Yuga’ Lord Sreeramachandra paid obeisance to Lord Siva on the Namaskara Mandapam. Hence entry to the mandapam is restricted. To fill pots made of gold silver and copper with ghee and dedicate them to Lord are the main offerings here. They are called ‘Ponninkudam’, ‘Vellikudam’ and ‘Neyyamruthu’ respectively. ‘Pattam’, Wedlock for goddess Sree Parvathi and Pushpanjali are the other important offerings. Only ghee is used inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. Women are allowed to enter inside the temple only after the ‘ATTAZHA PUJA’. Children below 4 years are not allowed to enter inside. There is no well inside the temple.

To the west of sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Sree Parvathi is situated and the presence of Mahalakshmi is also attributed here. The entrance to the temple from the west remains always closed. Presence of Dakshinamurthi in the south and Parasurama in the north is also identified. Another specialty of the temple is that there is no flag-staff (kodimaram) in the temple. The deity of Rishabha remains close to the main sacrificial altar. No separate shrine for Ganapathi is located here as can be seen in almost all other temples. Four pujas and navakam are performed here everyday. The ‘Athazha Puja’ is conducted in an entirely different way. The grandeur of the temple and the decorated deity, which can only be experienced through darsan are beyond words.

Madayikavu - Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathy Temple

    Madayi Kavu, also known as Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Kali Amma in Kerala, India. The temple, now under the administration of Devaswom Board, was originally under the control of the Kolathiri Kings. The temple, situated in Madayi near Payangadi, is an important site of worship in the Kannur District and Kerala region. The temple is also associated with Mannanpurathu Kavu (Nileshwaram) dedicated to Kali, and Vadukunnu Temple dedicated to Shiva.

The origin of the temple is ancient, possibly preexisting Vedic times. The main deity worshipped here is Madayi Kavu Amma or Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi who is Bhagavathi in the form of Kali. The Bhagavathi is worshipped as the daughter of Shiva. Other deities are also present. The temple also contains a Shiva shrine. The Shiva shrine faces East, while the Mata Kali shrine faces towards the West. The Brahmin priests at the temple, known as Podavar Brahmins, belong to a particular sect associated with Kali worship, and are not barred from consumption of meat. A particular aspect of the temple is Kozhi Kalasham, which is the sacrifice of poultry for the goddess which is held in high regard. The main offerings in the temple are Raktha Pushpanjali, Sathrupooja, Aalroopam, and Valiyavattalam Payasam.

Hanumarambalam

   Sree Raghavapuram Temple widely known as ‘Hanumarambalam’ is situated at Cheruthazham, a nearby village of Payyanur. Even though the main deity worshipped is Lord Sreerama, the temple is known by the name of Lord Anjaneya. It is believed that the temple was being constructed in the 8th Century A.D. by the ruler Udaya Varman Kolathiri and was given to the 237 scholarly Brahmin families who were invited from the Tulunadu of present Karnataka. Lord Sri Rama, Lord Anjaneya, Lord Parameswara and Sri Durga Devi are the main deities worshipped in this temple. Moreover the “Thidambu Nritham” (holy dance performed by the Brahmins with the Idols of Gods on their head) with four idols at a time is performed only here. Sree Raghavapuram Temple has many special features. Lord Sri Rama with Sita Devi and Lakshmana on the same pedestal can be seen only in this temple. The "Avil prasadam" of Anjaneya Swami & the "Sarkara Paayasam" of Srirama is famous throughout Kerala. The main offerings of the temple are Nei Vilakku, Avil Nivedhyam, Gada Oppikkal, Pushpanjali, Ganapathi Homam etc.

Annapporneshwari Temple

     Annapoorneshwari Temple located at Cherukunnu, is a famous temple of North Malabar. At this temple, Lord Krishna is co-located with Sree Annapoorneswari. It is believed that Sree Annapoorneswari has visited the shrine which was under the sea. It is also believed that this temple have been constructed by Lord Parashurama - mythological architect of Kerala. The temple is near Cherukunnu Town, around 14 km from Kannur, 16 km from Taliparamba and 18 km from Payyannur. A large Chira (Swimming pool) is also located near the temple which is very beautiful and mindglowing.This is one of the 108 Durga Temples. ‘Annadhanam’ is held everyday to all the devotees coming from far and near places.

Grand celebrations featuring special rituals and cultural programmes are the highlights of the vishu vilakkulsavam at Cherukunnu Sri Annapoorneswary temple. The festivities begin with the hoisting of the festival flag. Purathezunnallippu, a ceremonial procession with the idol of the deity is held on all days on the temple premises. The Kazchavaravu, a festival ritual, and fire works held on the third, fourth and fifth days are another attraction. Thidampu nritham, a ritualistic dance, in which the performer carries the idol on his head, is held on all days.

Sree Velam Mahaganapathy Temple

There are two sanctum sanctorums in the enclosed inner ambulatory. Siva is enshrined as Rajarajeswara in the bigger sanctum sanctorum and as Vaidyanatha in the smaller sanctum sanctorum. In the southern corridor of the Rajarajeswara temple, Maha Ganapati is enshrined facing south. Close to Maha Ganapati is ascribed the presence of Dakshinamurti. In the western corridor of the Rajarajeswara temple facing west is Sri Parvati. Outside the enclosed inner ambulatory, in the north-west corner is Sri Krishna temple. The Velam Sri Maha Ganapati temple complex consists of these.

This is the one and only temple in Kerala where two Siva temples (Rajarajeswara and Vaidyanatha) occur inside a single inner ambulatory. This temple is special that even though the important deity appears to be Rajarajeswara, the upadeva Ganapati has more importance and the whole temple complex is known in the name of Ganapati. It is estimated that the Vaidyanatha temple is about 2000 years old and the Rarajeswara temple is about 1000 years old. The main offerings in the temple are Payasam, Ganapathi Homam, Swarna Kompu, Pushpanjali, Neyyamruthu, Neivilakku etc.

Mamanikkunnu Sree Mahadevi Temple

This temple is situated on the eastern bank of Irikkur river, about 22 kms away from Parassinikadavu. The presiding deity of the temple is ‘Sree Mahadevi’ who is also called ‘Parashakthi’. All the other gods are subserviant to Mahadevi. She is the embodiment of love. The present priests are the descendents of Pidarar (Moosad) community who were bought from Badagara 75 years ago, to do the ‘Aradhanas’ which were changed to Saktheya type in accordance with Devi’s wishes.

. The Sreekovil will be open in the morning from 5.45 am to 10.45 am, in the noon 12.15 pm to 2 pm, in the evening from 5.45 pm to 6.45 pm, after 6.45 pm Saktipooja and Sathru Samhara Pooja are performed and Sreekovil opens at 7.35 pm. The Nada is closed after distribution of prasadam to the devotees present. The main offerings of the temple are Maristhambanam Neekkal, Kalasa Pooja, Sathru Samhara Pooja, Raktha Pushpanjali, Nei Vilakku etc.

Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple

       Kottiyoor or Kottiyur is a famous Hindu pilgrim center devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The proper name of the temple here is Sri Kottiyoor Mahadeva Kshetram. Kottiyoor temple is located near Kelakam in Kannur district of the southern state Kerala. Sri Kottiyoor temple is also known as the "Dakshina Kashi" or "Varanasi of the South" and attracts lakhs of devotees every year during the "Vaisakha Maholsavam" celebrations. Kottiyoor is totally different from any other temple. Set amidst the jungle, nourished by a flowing river in serene surroundings, you will feel the divine energy the moment you step on this mythical land.

The temple is situated on the beautiful Sahya mountain range valley and is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The Bavali River with her medicinal waters flow from the Wayanad ghats on the banks of the temple. On the northern side of the river bank, there is a small lake known as 'Thiruvanchira' and here in the midst of this lake is this temple sans temple. The temple has a Shiva linga believed to be a 'Swayambhu'. Swayambhu means born on his own or not man made. The small heap where this Shiva linga is worshipped is known as 'Manithara'. The abhishekam for the Shiva linga is with milk, ghee (clarified butter) and karikku (tender coconut water). In the same lake, there is another heap 'Ammarakallu' where Sree Parvati Devi is worshipped. This way, at Kottiyoor you get the blessings of both Shiva and Shakthi. At Kottiyoor, there are two temples - Akkare Kottiyur and Ikkare Kottiyur, located on the opposite banks of Bavali river. Akkare Kottiyur is open during the Kottiyoor Vaisakha Maholsavam festival only.

Peralassery Sri Subramanya Temple

  

Peralassery Sri Subrahmanya Temple is located at Mundallur, on the Kannur – Koothuparambu road. It is about 15 km from Kannur. A popular shrine in Malabar region, the presiding deity is Lord Muruga. The temple is believed to be associated with the great epic, Ramayana. The annual festival of the temple lasts for eight days. Many cultural events and art-forms such as Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu, Ottanthullal, Parayan Thullal and Seethankan Thullal are performed by eminent artists as part of the festivities. Another striking feature is a highly religious dance, Thidampunritham done by the priest. Temple is closely associated with Naga (Sepants). Naga is considered as vehicle of Lord Muruga. This temple speciality is large number of devotees comes to get rid of Naga Kopa.

THEYYAM-KERALA

Theyyam or Theyattam is an ancient and still popular ritual dance of Malabar viz North Kerala. It’s a unique combination of dance, music and also reflects the main features of a tribal culture. The Theyyam performance has an aura of divine splendor as its accompanied by rituals & other devotional hymns. It’s indeed an unprecedented experience to watch this dance symbolising the ultimate power. Theyyam is generally performed in front of the village shrines. Performance of a particular deity according to its significance and hierarchy in the shrine continues for 12 to 24 hours in the intervals. There are a large number of temples in Kannur where Theyyam is performed.The various theyyams performed is Muchilot Bhagavathy, Thondachan, Narambil Bhagavathy, Khanda Karnan Theyyam, Pottan Theyyam, Chamundi, Vasoori Mala, Vishnu Moorthy Theyyam, Urpazhassi Theyyam, Puthiya Bhagavathy Theyyam, Vettakkoru Magan Theyyam etc.

The Theyyam perfromance can be observed from Oct to March at various Kavu (small temples) spread over the district. Watching theyyam in the midnights invoke the inner feelings of our mind.

BHAJAVATHI THEYYAM

KUNNATHUR PADI / KUNNATHOOR PADI / AROODAM OF SRI MUTHAPPAN / KUNNATHOOR PADI FESTVAL / THIRUVAPPANA / VELLATTAM / KUNNATHOORPADI -KANNUR-KERALA / SOUTH INDIA TOURISM / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH INDIA

    Kunnathur Padi, the Aroodam of Sri Muthappan in located near Srikandapuram in Payyavur Village of Taliparamba taluk in Kannur District. Kunnathurpadi festival which starts in Malayalam month of Dhanu 2nd and ends in Makaram 2nd is conducted in a natural settings because Sree Muthappan said that "fallen leaves, a spring, a large mountain, a round stone, forest and palm trees are enough for me." There are no temples for Muthappan in Kunnathur padi . This area is beautiful with its greenery and is 3000 feet above sea level atop Udumbamala of Sahyadri Mountains. The divinity and the purity of this place is been maintained for centuries, with its breath taking beauty. Any visitor, coming to this area will feel the blessing hand of Sri muthappan and will be able to cross the thin line that separates the spiritual existence and the miseries of the material world. There is an open place and a cave in the middle of the forest. During the festival season, a temporary madappura is erected here, which is called Sreekovil. On the west side of this madappura, there is a stone, a rock stand and a mud platform. On each side of the cave there is a palm tree. On the north side, there is a spring called Thiruvankadavu. Beyond that is Aadipadi.
Thanthries do the purifying rituals (Sudhi, Pasudanam, Punyaham, Ganapati homam and Bhagavathiseva). The Malayirakkal (invoking) of Sri Muthappan is done by Puralimala. In all other madappuras, this is done by Kunnathurpadi.

               At Kunnathurpadi, invoking of Sri Muthappan (malayirakkal) is from Puralimala whereas at Puralimala, it is from Kunnathurpadi. In all other madappuras, this is done from Kunnathurpadi. 
On the first day of the festival, four theyyams appear at Padi Puthiya Sri Muthappan, Puramkala Sri Muthappan, Naduvazhissan Daivam and Thiruavappana. The concept of Vannan about Sri Muthappan is that of Eiver Muthappan (five Muthappans) - Puramkala Sri Muthappan, Puralimala Sri Muthappan (Thiruvappana), Nambala Sri Muthappan (Nambala is ant hill) Sri Muthappan (Vellattam), Thoovakkally Sri Muthappan and Andu Muthappan.
There are very interesting scenes in the rituals of Padi. Muthppan does Pallivetta and accepts veethu (madhu) One of the acts depicts the Lord’s writing on the granite stone with His arrow. He is writing moola mantras.Perhaps, with this act, the Lord may be writing the customs ad traditions the generations should observe for all times!
One special thing at Padi is that Thiruvappana and Vellattam do not appear simultaneously as in many other Sri Muthappan centres. He comes in the night and goes in the night . After the divine dance is over, He sits on the platform and asks Nayanar also to sit in front. Sri Muthappan recites the pattola. It is the history of the Lord and His relationship with the Vanavar. Bhandaram (coffer) is brought. Devotees do not put anything directly to the coffer. Offerings are given to the Lord in hand, and Bhagvan places it in the coffer. Then begins the most important aspect of the festival. Sri Muthappan starts His arulapadu. The long wait of the devetees is over and He hears their grievances, consoles them and blesses them. Vellattam appears after that.

HOW TO REACH

KANNUR-TALIPPARAMBA-SREEKANDAPURAM-PAYYAVOOR-KUNNATHURPADI.
OR
THALASSERI-IRITTY- PAYYAVOOR-KUNNATHURPADI. 

from payyavoor 5 km to kunnathurpadi
jeep services available and also
there is a bus service from sreekandapuram ( kokkadan bus)
at 8.30 am
nearest railway station is kannur
and airport calicut.