Plan your weekend: Courtallam, the land of majestic waterfalls

This waterfall zone is the source of perennial rivers like Chittar, Manimutharu, Pachaiyar and Tamirabarani. The season begins in June and carries on till September. It is when the area experiences substantial rainfall it is a treat to watch and enjoy. Senkottai and Tenkasi are few important and closest towns of Courtallam.

Courtallam is known for its nine waterfalls. Three of the main waterfalls, New and Old Courtallam Falls and the Five Falls, are accessible by road. The other lesser known falls, Shenbagadevi Falls and Thenaruvi, can be reached by trekking.

New Courtallamfalls: Also known as Peraruvi it is the biggest falls in Courtallam. The waterfall is known to possess ayurvedic healing properties as its feeding streams and rivers pass through medicinal herbs.

Old Courtallam falls: Regionally known as Pazhaya Courtallam, it offers a much quieter experience compared to other Courtallam waterfalls. This fall is rarely frequented by visitors and has separate bathing areas for men and women.

Five falls: It is one of the nine falls in the Courtallam town. The falls got its name from the fact that the water flows down in five different cascades.

Shenbagadevi falls: It is one of the revered falls in the region. This location can be accessed from the Main Falls, which is also a popular trekking route.

Other tourist attractions in the region include Thiru Kutrala Nathar Temple, Children’s Park and Snake Park.

Location: Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu

Distance From Chennai: 630 km

Interesting Fact: Historical manuscripts at the Thiru Kutrala Nathar Temple state that a team of medical experts was appointed by the East India Company in the year 1811. The team published the findings of their study on the medical properties and other special features of these waterfalls.