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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.
The southwest monsoon, vigorous in Kerala get reduced when arrested by the
towering peaks, escape through the Aryankavu Pass and when they reach
Courtallam becomes mild. It does not pour in torrents but is a drizzle
called "Saral" in Tamil.
Throughout the day, the overcast clouds sprinkle water over the region
and the temperature drops considerably. It is a rare and a pleasant
experience to stroll in the "Saral" becoming neither wet nor
dry. Courtallam is visited annually by
thousands of visitors for the several falls, which clot the town.
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.
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 CourtallamChennai
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 in Courtallam.
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