Hogenakkal is a small village on the Cauvery river in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. It gets its name from the Kannada word, 'Hoge' meaning 'Smoke' and 'kal' meaning 'rocks' and hence the term Hogenakkal meaning 'Smoky Rocks'. A smoky appearance on the rock is created by the water plummeting forcefully. This riverside village is located approximately 150 kilometers from the busy metropolitan city, Bengaluru and is on the borders of the two states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It is a popular weekend destination for domestic and foreign tourists. The sound of the gushing Cauvery, freshly caught fish, which can be fried in one of the many kitchens by the river, the expert masseuse's rejuvenating oil massage using local herbs, special oils and ancient knowledge of massage pints handed from generation to generation, all make Hogenakkal an interesting experience. There's more that Hogenakkal has to offer the tourists. For those who like a little adventure, can opt for swimming in the stream near the waterfalls, it is not as easy as it seems and should only be tried by expert swimmers. Or one can go for long treks along the Melagiri Hills, which will not only be an exciting experience in the fresh forest air but also offers breathtaking views of the lush greenery and beauty of the place. It is not for nothing that many filmmakers choose Hogenakkal as the set for many romantic songs.