Do you love to visit the place of waterfalls?
If you are
looking for the location that is famous for natural spa, then reach Courtallam
the spa town of Tamil Nadu, also known as Kutralam. Courtallam is basically a
Panchayat town at good altitude of 160 meters. Tirunelveli Ghats are closer to
this town and that are amazing tourism spots as well. However, most of the
rivers in this area are seasonal so you will enjoy more if you visit the spot
in monsoon. Among other seasonal rivers Chittar, Pachaiyar River, Manimuthar
River and Tambaraparani River are main originate from such region.
The interesting part of Courtallam is there are countless
small, big waterfalls and springs with amazing health resorts. Because of
quality service the place is also recognized as South Indian Spa Town. Though
this is seasonal town so best time to visit is from June till September. At
such duration the temperature of city is cool with some breeze mild wind flow.
You can visit the spot from October - December as the weather conditions are
cool and you might see heavy rainfall as well.
It is the small town with natural beauties and the
population strength is less too. Population for male and female is almost same
and the literacy is nearly 80 %. Frankly speaking the town is closer to several
other best tourist destinations like the border of Courtallam is touched to
Kerala.
Location:
The place is full of Ghats and covered with charming scenic
surroundings. The hilly area Agasthiarmalai is another best place to visit in
the region. Some of the nearby towns to Courtallam are Tenkasi and Sengottai at
equal distance of 5 km.
Waterfalls in Courtallam:
As discussed town is famous for waterfalls and natural spa
areas, there are nearly 9 big and small waterfalls. We will try to cover
maximum falls in this note but you might not get complete info related to such
areas due to lack of information:
Palaruvi: This is one of the main falls of the town falls
from good height of 60 meter. There are several ponds at this spot as the water
flow is interrupted by 19 meter deep crater at Pongumakadal. Area is safe for
bath, though experts suggest not to use in heavy rain fall conditions.
Chitraruvi: Small but very impressive fall of the town
covered with beautiful surrounding scenic beauties. Finest feature of this
tourist place is you will find the separate areas for women and men both to
bathe.
Shenbagadevi falls: Next waterfall, special for Shenbaga trees
(Shenbaga means Michaelia champak). A temple of Shenbagadevi Amman is special
too in this place.
Thenaruvi: Located at 3 km distance from central town area.
Famous as honey falls, having good height of 40 meters. Water flows from the
two big stones and the empty areas of waterfall are covered with big
honeycombs. This waterfall is listed as most dangerous area and public is not
allowed to enter the pond spots at this place. However, some small ponds are
available too to take bath and public is visiting those area to enjoy the
natural spa.
Aintharuvi: There is a place famous for small and attractive
five falls known as Aintharuvi.
Pazhathottam Aruvi (VIP falls): This is something different
that I never heard for. This place is especially for VIP's only and normal
public is not allowed to visit the waterfall area. As per local rule the area
require more attention and that’s the reason it is protected for special people
only.
Pazhaya Aruvi: One of the oldest falls of the town,
falls in a valley from two rocks. However, the tourism department did some
changes in the valley and they closed the area for some time. They broke the
rocks and changed the course to make the bath easier for visitors.
Puli Aruvi: Also known as Tiger Falls, though it is
artificial waterfall having moderate water flow. The structure is designed by
collecting the water from different rivers and diverted to this area. The top
feature of Puli Aruvi is visits of tigers at pond area for drinking water. You
need to be very careful in this region because it is the tiger reserve area of
Courtallam town.
There are several other small and big waterfalls such as
Horticulture Park, etc. Trekkers are also getting some portion to trek so we
can say this place is completely tourism and adventure spot for the travelers.
Some more attractions of Courtallam:
Therkumalai Estate at 2000 feet altitude located at 1 hour
distance from central town, Boat Houses closer to Five Falls, Boat Houses at
Old Courtallam Falls, Snake Park closer to Main Falls, Aquarium closer to Main
Falls and Children's Park.
Courtallam is bordered with Kerala India, which means there
are many more tourism places users will get once they reach the town. Few of
the nearby tourist locations are:
Tenkasi: located closer to Western Ghats foothills near
Courtallam Waterfalls. This town includes best accommodation areas so travelers
prefer to attain to Tenkasi town if they are reaching to Courtallam town.
Temple town: South India people are having huge religious
values. You will find the finest structured temples at almost every portion of
towns in Tamil Nadu. Chitra Sabha, Rathna Sabha (at Thiruvalangadu), Kanaka
Sabha (Chidambaram), Velli Sabha (Madurai) and Thamira Sabha (Tirunelveli) are
some wonder temples to visit in this region.
Thirukutraalanaadhar Kovil, Kumaran Kovil, Thirumalai Kovil,
Kasivishuwanathar Kovil, Papanasam Ulagaambihai, Dhakshinamoorthy Kovil, Sivan
Kovil and Ariyankavu Iyappan Kovil are few amazing temples located at nearby
areas of Courtallam.
How to reach Courtallam?
By Air: The closest airport is Madurai connected to Chennai,
Delhi and many more cities. Private taxi and buses are available from outer
part of Airport to Courtallam. Distance between Courtallam and Madurai can be
covered in 3 hours. The closest international airport is Thiruvananthapuram
located at 3 hour distance too.
By Rail: Closest railway station is Tenkasi connected
directly to Chennai, Tirunelveli and many big cities of India.
By Road: Tamil Nadu Roadways is having direct buses for
Courtallam. However, for frequent services you can reach to Kuttralam at 200 km
distance from Madurai. Buses for Tenkasi are available from almost every corner
of the state.