An interesting 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. There is a parking fee of 10/- Rs at every waterfall.
The nine waterfalls at Courtallam are - Main Falls (Peraruvi),
Small Falls (Chittaruvi), Chembakadevi (Shenbaga) Falls, Honey Falls (Thenaruvi),
Five Falls (Aintharuvi), Tiger Falls (Puliaruvi), Old Courtallam Falls
(Pazhaya Courtallam), New Falls (Puthu Aruvi), Fruit Garden Falls
or Orchard Falls (Pazhathotta Arvui). 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 and less cleanly.
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.
Contact Address :
The Executive Officer
Arulmigu Courtralanathar Swamy Temple,
Courtrallam
Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 04633-283138.
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.
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Waterfalls 
