Courtallam Falls - Tourist attraction in Courtallam, Courtallam Slopes R.F. - Tenkasi, India

All of the falls were too crowded. The climate of the area made the experience pleasant. The surroundings and the views from the roads are great. Prefer weekdays in order to avoid a huge crowd.

Nestled in the scenic Western Ghats, Kutralam (kurrrraalm) is a popular tourist destination of South Tamil Nadu. Courtallam or Kutralam is a town situated at a height of 160 m (520 ft) above sea level in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India. The very name of the place has become synonymous with the thundering waterfalls that flow here. It is also home to centuries old ancient temples and other famous places of interest. Several seasonal and perennial rivers such as Thamirabarani, Manimuthar, Pachaiyar and Chittar originate in this lush region. It is the biggest waterfall in all of Kutralam and is about 60m in height. The flow of the water is interrupted by a natural crater, Pongumakadal which is 19m deep. This crater reduces the impact of the water flow and the speed of the water is reduced, thereby making it safe for bathing. It is advised to drink a few mouthfuls of the water while bathing as the water is believed to have medicinal properties. The water is said to heal all digestive and urinary problems if one bathes in this waterfall regularly for six months. It is a ritual to indulge in a soothing body massage with sesame oil after having a shower. The waterfall is so huge that nearly 200 to 300 people can bathe simultaneously. The water flows through rocks with sculptures of Shiva Lingams and other Gods, making a bath in the falls truly a divine experience. The title "Spa of South India" fits perfectly for Kutralam due to the numerous magnificent waterfalls and the healing and medicinal properties of the water that flows here. This has led to the rise of numerous health resorts in and around this quaint town. The falls do not flow throughout the year and are highly dependent on rainfall. They carry substantial amounts of water when the rivers feeding the falls receive heavy rain. The best time to visit Kutralam is from June to September, when the South West Monsoon kicks off in the nearby state of Kerala. People are not allowed to bathe when the falls are flooded due to heavy rainfall. Other Names of Kutralam over the Ages Kutralam is also known as "Ooty for the poor" due to its excellent climate that resembles the popular hill station Ooty throughout the year. This "Spa of South Tamil Nadu" is also known as Mukthiveli, Nannagaram, Pithur Kanda, Theerthapuram, Thirunagaram and Vasanthaperur. In Tamil the word, "Kuru aal (kurru aal)" denotes a dwarf banyan tree. Since the forests of this area were full of such dwarf banyan trees, the region came to be known as Kutralam.

The best water falls in South India. Everyone should try to take a bath in courttalam falls. The best experience assured.

At a distance of 7 km from Tenkasi, 160 km from Madurai, 62 km from Tirunelveli & 625 km from Chennai, Courtallam, or Kutralam is well known for Courtallam Falls which is one of the most famous waterfalls in Tamilnadu. Courtallam is famed as the 'Spa of South'. The main attraction of this summer resort is its waterfalls. The waters of Courtallam are believed to have medicinal qualities as it flows through forests of herbs. There are nine waterfalls at Courtallam where the River Chittar cascades over 92 meters at varying volumes. The Main falls or Peraruvi is the most popular and the biggest among the nine falls, at a distance of about 300 meters from Courtallam Bus Stand. Falling from a height of 60 m, it is located right inside Courtallam town. The flow of water is interrupted by the Pongumakadal rock and comes down gently making it a safe place to bath. One can find water not only during the season but also in off season (November to January). During the peak months, this place is frequented by travellers from around the country. The Kutralanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is located near this falls. Road access is available close to the falls. Chitraruvi or Small falls is situated just above the Main falls. There are steps which provide easy access to the small falls. The size of the falls is comparatively small and the people who are scared of Peraruvi can literally enjoy Chitraruvi. Separate sections are present both for men and women to take bath. Chitraruvi leads to other waterfalls like Shenbagadevi falls and Thenaruvi. Shenbagadevi Falls or Chembakkadevi Falls is situated above Chitraruvi falls / Small falls, at about 3 kms from Main falls. Visitors have to trek through Chitraruvi forest for about 45-60 minutes to reach Shenbagadevi falls, where the water flows from a height of 40 feet. The falls is surrounded by Shenbaga trees. Entry to this falls is restricted during peak season due to flash floods and not safe for bathing. There is also a temple dedicated to Shenbagadevi Amman near the falls. 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 or Thenaruvi is further 1 km from Shenbagadevi Falls and 4 kms from the Main falls. It cascades down from a height of 40 m between two large stones. This is the first cascade in the series of Courtallam Falls and considered the most pure. It 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 a wonderful sight. The waterfall is not easily accessible and is a risky trek. The trek will takes almost 30 minutes from Main falls and people are not allowed to bath in the falls as it is very dangerous. Entry to this falls is also restricted during peak season owing to flash floods. July to October is the best time.

Great place to spend an hour amongst the trees, monkeys and waterfalls. There is sufficient parking space for buses and cars. Toilet facilities are available at the entrance, though not very clean. There is a sort of a small pool that has formed a few meters away from the waterfall and good enough for kids to play in. good place to spend weekend. Small shops for buying things and also lots of shops for foods. Street foods are mainly served there. Fruits are available like mostly mangoes in cheaper rate at fresh quality. Place is awesome in rainy season but in summer only a small amount of water is there.

I've visited this place several times. I'm familiar in this area I visited every corner last year and this year. Very charming and crowded place. Tamil Nadu government and tourism department should pay little attention to long tail monkeys . When I last time visited many of them were ill. I would love to visit again and again. 24/July/2023

Dated : 26-06-2023This is the five falls located in Tenkasi. We could see less waterfall today but there is some queue where you could wait and enjoy the falls. The climate and drizzle is awesome as usual. PS - I definitely recommend this place to visit in Season and avoid this week as there might be less scope to take a heavy waterfall. They have separate spaces for Women and kids. Give it a try and let me know if this review helps you..!!

Located at an Distance of 4KM From The Main Falls, You Can Easily Get Autos from The Main Falls To and Fro. Since The Falls Flow into Five Seperate Falls, It is Said to Have the Name Five Falls/ Aintharuvi. Ayyanar Temple is Located Near The Falls and Grooming Area Available.