Courtallam - Waterfalls

Courtallam is 22 km from Kadayanallur, 6 km from Tenkasi, 160 km from Madurai, 137 km from Kanniyakumari and 112 km from Thiruvananthapuram, 64 km from Rajapalayam. The nearest airport to Coutrallam is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) approximately 86 km away. The nearest railway station to Courtallam is Tenkasi which is just 5 km from here. Either private auto, bus or share van can be taken from Tenkasi to reach Courtallam.

Courtallam, the 'Spa of the south', is a panchayat town situated at an elevation of about 167 m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Numerous rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate here. It is famous for its waterfalls and has a number of health resorts.

June 15th to August 15th will be the Peak Season at Courtallam.

The Season starts from June, and lasts till September, and the water falls will be crowded in these times.

November to January is usually the "off season" for the area due to Winter.

The falls are located 160 kilometers from Madurai and 59 kilometers from Tirunelveli at an elevation of about 167 meters on the Western Ghat in Tirunelveli District.

1) Peraruvi (Main Falls) - It is very reachable and it is right inside Courtallam Town. It is near Kutralanathar Temple. It is supposed to be the biggest waterfall among the others and also is one of the falls that is visited in the off-season(Nov.-Jan.).

2) Chitraruvi, (Small Falls) - It is just above the Main Falls. There are steps to reach Chitraruvi falls. Here, boys and girls have a separate covered area for taking bath in the falls. A ticket is required.

3) Shenbagadevi Falls, - (The place is filled with Senbhaga Trees) - This requires trekking a while, as it is about one hour to reach the falls. It is one mile from the Main Falls. On the way the Main falls are viewable.

4) Thenaruvi (Honey Falls) - The area is known for the honey - This is above Shenbaga Aruvi and is supposed to be the origin. People cannot take a bath in the falls. There are many beehives here.

5) Aintharuvi (Five Falls) - You need to take a van or bus to reach the falls. It is quite far from the Main Falls if you walk (3 miles). The waterfall is divided into five sections. There is the Swami Ayyappa Temple and Vinayaka Temple near the waterfalls.

6) Pazhathotta Aruvi (Fruit Garden Falls or Orchid Falls).

7) Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls) - It is quite far from the Main falls (6 furlongs). Buses and various vehicles are available to get there. The waterfall falls from stone-carved claws of the tiger.,

8) Pazhaya Courtallam (Old Falls) - The Old Falls are not too popular, and are about 4 miles from the Main Falls

9) Puthu Aruvi (New Falls) or Palaruvi (Milk Falls) - The falls look like white milk.