Tourists rejoice as monsoon casts a spell on Courtallam

Ever since north-east monsoon set in the state on Sunday, southern districts have been witnessing continuous downpour and owing to it, the water bodies here have swelled. Heavy rains lashed the Western Ghats region in Tirunelveli district which led to increase in the flow at Courtallam waterfalls. 

It may be noted that Tenkasi, located near Courtallam, has received the highest rainfall in the district so far at 46.8 mm followed by Sengottai at 29mm. The water flow at the main falls, which was normal till Monday, was falling near the safety rails to the much delight of tourists. Similarly, at Five Falls, water flow was uniform in all the falls.

Puliaruvi, Thenaruvi, Shengabadevi aruvi and other falls in the region too witnessed heavy water flow. Policemen were stationed at the waterfalls to monitor the crowd and caution the tourists not to cross the safety railings.

Courtallam has two seasons every year. The first season would commence during the south-west monsoon season and the second season would being during the north-east monsoon. Though second season is not as famous as the first season, tourists however visit the waterfalls in large numbers. 

Meanwhile, plastics and use of soap and oil have been banned near waterfalls. Officials have strictly imposed the rule as the use of oil and soaps have been polluting the tourist destination. Even the oil massage which was carried out near the waterfalls have been banned, though it is being done illegally at private hotels.