Top 10 Places to Visit in Courtallam, South Tamil Nadu
Monkeys are a common sight in Courtallam.
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Courtallam: Waterfalls and More
Courtallam is a small town nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats. It is a prominent tourist destination in South Tamil Nadu near Tirunelveli Town, which is blessed with many waterfalls. July to September are the best months to visit Courtallam, as the flow of the waterfalls is moderate enough during this period for tourists to bathe safely. One of India's oldest temples is located there, along with other attractions for visitors.
10 Best Places in Courtallam
- Main Falls
- Small Falls
- Five Falls
- Tiger Falls
- Old Courtallam
- Shenbaga Devi Falls
- Honey Falls
- Children's Park
- Boathouse
- Kutralanathar Temple
Continue scrolling to read about each of these places.
1. Main Falls
This is a majestic waterfall with a height of 60 meters. As the name suggests, Main Falls is the most famous and frequented waterfall in Courtallam. A crater known as Pongumakadal interrupts the flow of water, reducing its speed and impact. This reduced speed makes bathing safe here, though bathing is banned during heavy floods due to safety issues.
There are separate sections for men and women to bathe. Changing rooms are available at a nominal rent. If you wish to avoid heavy crowds, you should visit the waterfall in the evening or nighttime.
2. Small Falls
Small Falls is a pair of small falls located right next to each other in the main town. Two open rooms with high walls were built separating the two falls—one section is reserved for women and another one for men—so it feels more like an indoor waterfall.
A long sloping road after Main Falls leads to the Small Falls. Small Falls is a safe place for young children and the elderly to bathe because of its low height.
3. Five Falls
Five Falls is at a distance of 4 km from the main town and is the second most crowded place after Main Falls. It is rare to witness five waterfalls in one place. Two falls are reserved for women to bathe, and three are earmarked for men. Changing-room facilities are available.
There are many vendors selling fruits outside the falls. Guava, blackberry, mangosteen, and mangoes are the local delicacies. Monkeys are a big problem everywhere in Courtallam, as they snatch food away from unsuspecting tourists in a jiffy.
4. Tiger Falls
Tiger Falls is an artificial waterfall created on the river on the outskirts of Courtallam. It has a modest flow, and the height is low. This makes it safe bathing for kids and the elderly. Tigers used to frequent this river in olden days to drink water from the river.
The stream in front of the falls is another attraction where kids and adults can bathe or swim. Tiger Falls is unique and worth a visit.
5. Old Courtallam
Old Courtallam is 7 km from the main town. A scenic road takes one to this secluded falls. The flow is less compared to Main Falls or Five Falls, but unless the flow is down to trickles, bathing is still enjoyable. Old Courtallam is also less crowded compared to other falls.
The hill in Old Courtallam is barren and devoid of greenery, but there is a rustic charm to this place.
6. Shenbaga Devi Falls
A trek above the Main Falls takes one to Shenbaga Devi Falls and Honey Falls. Shenbaga Devi is the first waterfall to greet you during the trek. It is safe for bathing when the flow is moderate. One can take a bath in sections of the stream on the way up.
The trek is strenuous, and one needs to carry enough water and food. The elderly and people with health issues should not venture beyond Shenbaga Devi Falls.
7. Honey Falls
A strenuous trek of around two hours takes one to Honey Falls. It is a plunge waterfall with a height of 200 feet. It is advisable not to bathe in this waterfall, though one can swim in the pool in front of the waterfall.
The trek is a visual delight, with ample greenery and a gentle stream all along the way. One does need to navigate a few boulders blocking the way, and while such challenges make the trek more interesting, they also demand walkers be physically fit.
Beware of Leeches
Leeches are present in this route, and one should exercise caution during the trek. The leech bite might be painless when it happens, but the bleeding can continue long after the bite. The blood trail of leech bite victims is a common sight on this route. A leech stuck onto a victim can be made to leave by sprinkling salt on its body. Trying to pull off the leech is not advisable.
Tamil Names of Waterfalls in Courtallam
| S. No. | English Name | Tamil name |
|---|---|---|
1 | Main Falls | Peraruvi |
2 | Small Falls | Sitraruvi |
3 | Five Falls | Aintharuvi |
4 | Tiger Falls | Puli Aruvi |
5 | Old Courtallam | Palaya Courtallam |
6 | Shenbaga Devi Falls | Shenbaga Devi Aruvi |
7 | Honey Falls | Then Aruvi |
8. Children's Park
The Children's Park is near the Main Falls. The park has a large play zone for children. There is a small hillock at one end of the park where people sit and chat in groups during the evening hours. Unfortunately, the old movie hall is no longer operational.
9. Boathouse
There is a lake near Five Falls with a boathouse, part of the efforts undertaken to broaden the appeal of Courtallam, otherwise known primarily for its waterfalls.
10. Kutralanathar Temple
The famous Kutralanathar temple is near Main Falls. Constructed before the 5th century B.C., this ancient temple is one of the oldest in India. There is an ancient Jack Tree inside the temple that is several centuries old.
Travel and Stay
The nearest railway station is at Tenkasi, 5 km from Courtallam. Tuticorin is the nearest airport at a distance of 86 km. Residents of South Tamil Nadu can take a bus or car to reach Courtallam.
The town is known for its good (although non-vegetarian) food, and the aroma of hot coffee fills the streets dotted with many tea shops. The stay options worth considering are Orchard Valley Resort, Ezhilagam, and Hotel Kurinji.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Questions & Answers
Question: Can we add Chitra Sabhai (Art galley) near main falls to the list of places?
Answer: It has not been promoted as a major tourist attraction. I have never visited this gallery in my earlier visits. Hence I could not add Chitra Sabhai to the list of places.
