HERBAL FALLS
AT
COURTALLAM
An
enjoyable holiday spot in South India, Courtallam is famous for its Courtallam
Falls in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu in Tirunelveli District. Though the
falls are located in Tamil Nadu, it also shares the boundary of Kollam district
of Kerala State.
Also
known as Kuttralam Falls, it has gained an extreme popularity, since the water
here is believed to have great curative properties for a number of skin
problems and even nerve disorders, as they run through a forest of herbs.
The
town is famous for its pleasant climate and abundant natural beauty. There are
nine places at Courtallam where the River Chittar cascades over 92 m., at
varying volumes. The falls are at its best during the rainy season (July to
late August) and one can see heavy flow in all the places during this time.
Besides
the water falls, the town is famous for its two temples, Thirukuttralanathar
dedicated to Lord Shiva and the another one dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is
refreshing to take a bath in the waters of the falls and there are facilities
for oil massages near the falls as well as in and around the town. Courtallam
is essentially a place for rest and relaxation. But during season, the place
could get crowded.
Main
Falls (Peraruvi)
As
its name suggests, the Main Falls or Peraruvi is the most popular and the
biggest among the nine falls. Falling from a height of 60 m, it is located
right inside Courtallam town. Here one can find water not only during the
season but also in off season (November to January). During the peak season,
this area becomes too crowded and one might have to queue up for a bath.
Near
this fall, is the Thirukootachalanathar Temple, dedicated to Sri
Thirukutralanathar (Shiva) or Thirukootachalapathi and Kuzhalvaimozhi Amman
(Goddess). The temple has inscriptions about Chola and Pandya
Kings. Chitra Sabhai nearby exhibits paintings from the Puranas and is
believed to be one among the five Sabhas where Lord Nataraja is said to have
presented his cosmic dance.
Small Falls (Chittaruvi )
Situated just above the Main Falls, is
Chittaruvi or the Small Falls. There are steps which provides easy access to
the Falls. Also, there are facilities for men and women to bathe separately
here. A ticket is required to enter the area.
Shenbaga (Chembakadevi) Falls
Situated on the way to Honey Falls and
about an hours ( 3km) uphill trek from the Main falls is the Chembakadevi
Falls. It got its name because of its location near the small temple of
Shenbagadevi. During full moon days numerous pilgrims visit this
temple. Vendors sell the fragrant Shenbaga flowers on the way to the
temple, which is an offering here.
Honey Falls (Thenaruvi)
It is situated 4kms from the Main falls
and is named after the beehives that form on the face of the rock during dry
season. The picturesque horseshoe shaped waterfall which falls vertically from
three sides to join into a small lake, is worth seeing. But though the place is
gifted with panoramic views of rainforests and huge rock formations, the
waterfall is not easily accessible and is a risky trek. The trek will takes
almost 2 hours and people are not allowed to bathe in the falls as it is very
dangerous.
Tiger Falls (Puli Aruvi)
Situated 2 kms from Courtallam bus
stand, it is a small waterfall with a Sastha Temple and a bathing ghat for
pilgrims, nearby. It is a perfect and safe place for children to enjoy. Nearby is a old palace, now a private
property.
Five Falls (Aintharuvi)
Situated 4 kms away from
Courtallam, Five falls is the most beautiful waterfall at Courtallam. As the
name suggests, these falls separate into five sections before cascading down
close to the Aravankadu Pass.
Among the five falls, three are open to men
and two for women. People have compared the cascade spread in five
sections with that of the five heads of a hooded cobra. The hitch is that the
place echoes with loud speakers blasting songs and advertisements continuously.
There is a Swami Ayyappa Temple and Vinayaka Temple near the
waterfall. There is a fruit stall nearby selling fruits like lichees,
eggfruit, mangosteen, abundant in the area.
Old Falls (Pazhaya Courtallam)
Situated 10 km from the center of the town, along the road to Tenkasi, is the
Old Falls (200 ft). Here steps are cut out into the rocks to break the water's
free fall. It is comparatively less crowded here, especially late at night.
There are facilities for oil massages, and men and women have areas to bathe
separately.
The other important falls at Courtallam are
Fruit Garden or Orchard Falls (Pazhathotta Aruvi); and New Falls (Puthu Aruvi),
situated amidst forests gives beautiful views of Courtallam town and is very
attractive. Then there is the Agasthiyar falls, more than half an hour away,
the first waterfall on the way to Courtallam by road, and the scenic Papanasham
or Tambiraparani river dam with its serene lake and surrounding mountains,
45kms or one hour drive from Courtallam.
By Air
Nearest Domestic
Airport is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) well connected with Chennai.
Spice jet Airlines operating two flights daily. Madurai is the
another nearest airport, which has flights connecting to Chennai. You can reach
Courtallam by bus, train or by hiring a taxi from Madurai. The journey takes
about 3 hours and the Nearest International Airport is
Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance of 110 km from
Courtallam. Trivandrum airport is well connected with many major cities in
India and abroad. Direct flights from many gulf countries are available from
Trivandrum.
By Train
Nearest railhead is Tenkasi, 6km from
Courtallam. From here one can take a private auto, bus or share van to
Courtallam. Tirunelveli junction has many trains coming in from Chennai, and
Shengottai is another railhead on the Kollam- Madurai route.
By Road
Many national highways links Courtallam by
road to surrounding towns. Government run Transport buses and private buses are
available from Tenkasi (6km), Tirunelveli (58km), Tuticorin (86 km), Sivakasi
(105 km), Madurai (160 km) to reach Courtallam.
