People cross the current-rippled waters in circular coracles: basket boats covered in buffalo hide or plastic. These boats are not nearly as flimsy as they look and their design has remained unchanged for thousand of years, though the plastic covering is a recent development. If you want to experience a mild thrill, ask your boatman to spin your boat when you are out in the stream. You feel as if you are sitting on a top.
The highlight of any Hogenakkal trip, however, is a coracle ride through the turbulent waters of the river to the base of roaring falls. The water under your frail craft explodes with power, tossing you from side to side, threatening to swamp and capsize you. And all the while those beautiful falls hurl torrents of fury, bellowing, spraying you with their anger, overwhelming your senses, drowning all through. It is a spectacular, nerve-tingling experience which you are never likely to forget. The less adventurous can opt to stay on terra firma.