|
|
In the far south, in Tirunelveli district,
in a deep recess of the Western Ghats lies Courtallam,
The Spa in the South. 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' (drizzle) becoming neither
wet nor dry. Courtallam is visited annually by thousands of tourists, for
the several falls, which clot the town.
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.
As one approaches the falls, the meandering river comes into view first
to be followed by a rumbling noise, which develops into a roar on a closer
look. It is not straight and steep but of three folds with a height of
only 10 ft on the last lap. Iron bars have been provided for the safety of
bathers and when one dips oneself into the rushing water, a shock precedes
a pleasantest experience.
The water falls first into a deep trough aptly called "Pongumam
Kadal", and then falls out in a beautiful cascade under which the
visitors bathe. Innumerable Shivalingas have been carved on the rock
surface, and hence it is believed that the water acquires special sanctity
and is deemed to be the water after ablutions. The force of the water over
the body tones up the muscles and nerves and is invigorating.
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.
The falls are the exact opposite of the neighbourhood. The stillness is
broken by the violence of the spray that dash because of the swirling
waters. The gushing water makes a somersault when dashing making a
deafening noise.
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 1,000 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 the place is also famous for the Shiva shrine,
"Thirukootachala Nathar", meaning- Lord of three peaks.
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 economy class and small budgeted hotels in Courtallam.