Hogenakkal Facts - B

Unknown Taxes

Before entering Hogenakkal forest area there is checkpoint where the forest starts. The Forest Authority give you permission to get in after checking the vehicle This is a very good practice, but after the checking is over you meet a group of non-official people who charge you Rs. 25/- (Indian Rupees). What for I do not know! You are not made aware of this because the tax is not for the Forest Department! As you enter Hogenakkal, again another group of people charge another Rs30/- to allow the vehicle in. As you walk through the water to the hanging bridge, there is a collection box where the TTDC taxes tourists and every piece of equipment (such as cameras) carried by the visitor. The tax may vary according to the size and value.

Illicit liquor shops (bars) and immoral behavior

There are many liquor shops attached with a bar (permitted or not permitted). Men lying unconscious on the ground is a common sight. People get drunk in the wine shops and get thrown out by the shop owners. Even the TTDC has a bar! The common shops sell the local liquor in polythene bags. There are even young and middle aged women of lesser integrality attracting the visitors publicly by offering "their services". Even before you finish parking the car they will rush to you. Hogenakkal is a place where there are no rules and morality. Why are college students and school children allowed to visit Hogenakkal - to corrupt their morals?