|
|
COURTALLAM - THE SPA IN THE SOUTH
In
the far south, in Tirunelveli district, in a deep recess of the Western
Ghats lies Courtallam (also spelt Kutralam, Kurtalam), The Spa in the
South. When the train enters this area, the landscape becomes alluring,
with rivulets, fields, groves and mountains with mist peaks from Kalladai
malai, Sivagiri and Kottaimalai rise up to pierce the sky to an elevation
of about 6,000 ft.
The Western Ghats beds, towers, undulates, folds and soars like a man of
whimsical moods, lowering itself in the Aryankavu Pass in the west, only
to rise in the south at Five Falls to a height of 5000 ft., crosses the
Courtallam and blends with Podigai where sage Agastya lived in the past.
The tallest peak here is called "Panchanthangi".
The mountain abounds with forests of precious trees like teak and exotic
fruit plants like Mangustan which are not only sweet but also of great
medicinal value. Wild beasts roam at will. Sambhars, elephants and boars
are in plenty.
It's Season
Courtallam is famous for its season, which lasts from June to September,
the hottest period of the plains. Thick clouds gather and streaks of
lighting flash across the sky. It is a rare and pleasant experience to
stroll in the 'Charal' (meaning drizzle, also spelt as Saral) becoming
neither wet nor dry. Courtallam is visited annually by thousands for the
several falls, which clot the town.
Courtallam - A Health Resort
Courtallam is not only a tourist spot but also a health resort.
Courtallam is a well-known bathing place and bathing in these waterfalls
is considered good for both mind and body as these waters are said to
possess medicinal properties.
The Waterfalls At Courtallam:
Main Falls
The most popular and frequented waterfalls are the Main falls. Not only
during the season, but also during the period November to January, the
crest receives the Northeastern monsoon emptying itself on the slopes to
swell the falls and the Chittar River. From a height of 300 ft., the
Chittar River makes its last descent to the plains.
Chittaruvi Or Small Falls
Adjacent to the Main falls is a small cascade called "Chittaruvi".
Women and timid persons resort these falls.
Shenbagadevi Falls
A mile away from the Main falls is the Shenbagadevi falls, so called
because of its location near to the temple of Shenbagadevi. During full
moon days large crowds visit this temple. 
Honey Falls
About 3 miles from the Main falls on the upper crusts of the rocks is the
Honey falls. It is so called because of beehives on the promontory. It is
a romantic place of solitude and those who seek seclusion come here to
meditate on reality.
Five Falls
Connected by a good road about 3 miles from the Main falls are the Five
falls, so named as the cascade spreads in five heads like a hooded cobra.
This spot is venerated highly as it presents an image of Adisesha with
several hoods.
Tiger Falls
About 6 furlongs from the Main falls is the Tiger falls with a temple for
Sastha nearby. Bathing ghats have been provided for pilgrims.
New Falls
Perched at an elevation of 1000 ft, and one and half miles from the Main
falls is the New falls amidst a sylvan landscape of wild forest. The
panoramic view from this ledge is beautiful affording a sight of the
entire town below.
Old Falls
About 4 miles from the Main falls is the Old falls, rarely frequented.
Apart from all these falls Courtallam is also famous for
Thirukootachalanathar Temple, meaning- Lord of three peaks.
Thirukootachalanathar Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Thirukootachalanathar (Shiva). This
temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Less than
a furlong from here is a small temple called "Chitra Sabha"
(Hall of Pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings
of rural deities and devotees, puranic stories and religious events. The
Sabha is one of the five Sabhas where Lord Nataraja performed the cosmic
dance.
Another interesting place is Thirumalai
- 15-km from Courtallam, where there is a beautiful temple dedicated to
Lord Muruga on the ranges of the Western Ghats.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Madurai, at a distance of
150-km.
Rail: Tenkasi and Sengottai are the nearby railway stations.
Several trains from Chennai
pull into Tirunelveli daily including the
Bombay-Nagercoil
Express. It is also possible to reach Courtallam from Quilon/Madurai via
Sengottai. Sengottai, from where it is possible to get fast buses to the
falls, is on the Quilon-Madurai train line. The Quilon Mail and the
Quilon-Nagore Express stop at Sengottai.
Road: The Courtallam falls is just 1 1/2 hours away from
Tirunelveli. By road, Courtallam is also easily accessible from
Trivandrum
(approximately 185-km away).
Accommodation is available at the hotels, cottages, lodges and tourist homes in Courtallam.
Saral
Festival
Courtallam is famous for its season, which lasts from June to September,
the hottest period of the plains. The monsoon brings happiness and at
Courtallam water falls on rocks and tiny droplets that are sprinkled into
the air, thus, giving a 'fog-like' appearance. The breeze carries this
'fog' far. The phenomenon is called ' Saral ' in Tamil.
The Saral festival makes a celebration out of a simple, daily ritual
bathing! And indeed, a bath at the picturesque Courtallam waterfalls is no
ordinary event. The healing waters of the roaring Courtallam are famed for
their medicinal properties. The festival is held in the month of July.
Cultural programs, competitions, fun and frolic make this festival
remarkable.
Madurai -160-km
Tenkasi - 6-km
Kanniyakumari -137-km
Tirunelveli -59-km
Thiruvananthapuram
-112-km