Courtallam, the "Spa of the South", is situated at an elevationof about 167 meters on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District. It is an excellent health resort.The waters of Courtallam is believedto have medicinal qualities as it flows through forests of herbs. Coutrallam is 59 Kms from Tirunelveli, and it roughly takes an hour to get into there. Courtallam is 160 Kms from Madurai, 137 Kms from Kanyakumari and 112 Kms from Trivandrum. The nearest airports are Madurai and Trivandrum. The nearest railway station is Tenkasi which is just 6 Kms from here. Season starts in the monthof July and ends in September.

Of the nine waterfalls, the only one in the village itself is the 60M high Main Falls. Its sheer rock face is carved with old Hindu insignia that is visible only during the dry months of January and February. Other falls, mostly accessed by shuttle buses, are at a distance of 8 kms

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History

It is said that Lord Siva sent saint Agastheya to the south to avoid imbalance due to over crowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding. Another notable feature of Courtallam is Chithra Sabha (in which a number of mural painting of rural deities and stories from epics are depicted in the central hall. This Sabha is one of the five Sabas where Lord Nataraja performed the Cosmic-dance. Chitra Sabha is made out of medicinal herbs. The wooden carved planks serve as doors.

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Temples In Courtallam

It is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). 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 is said to have performed the cosmic dance. (more...)

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Medicinal Herbs

This is not only a Tourist spot but also a health resort. Courtallam water has medicinal properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water has therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments. During the season (period June to September in every year) thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place.

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The Nine Falls

	Peraruvi (Main Falls).
	Chitraruvi (Small Falls).
	Shenbaga Devi Falls.
	Thenaruvi (Honey Falls).
	Aintharuvi (Five Falls).
	Pazhathotta Aruvi (Fruit Garden Falls or Orchid Falls).
	Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls).
	Pazhaya Courtallam (Old Falls).
	Puthu Aruvi (New Falls) or Palaruvi (Milk Falls) - The falls look like white..

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Main Falls

It is in Courtallam town itself. . .

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Then Aruvi ( Honey Falls )

The area is known for the honey. It cannot be reached by vehicles. You must be prepared to walk in the forestfor nearly 2 hours up in the hills. It is tedious to reach. People beyond middle age and women are not advised to go. On the way to this Then Aruvi, you may take bath in Shenbagadevi falls. ( It is not safe to take bathhere).

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Shenbaga Devi Falls

The area is filled with Senbhaga Trees.

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Tiger Falls

It is at a distance of 2 kms away from the bus stand.

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Chitharuvi ( Little Falls )

Chitharuvi is situated near the Main Falls. You have to buy a ticket to take bath here.

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Five Falls

It is 4 kms away from Courtallam. Buses and rental vans are available in plenty. ( It may cost Rs. 2.00 to Rs .3.00 per head).

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Old Courtallam

This falls is at a distance of 6 kms from Courtallam. Town bus or rental vans can be used.

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Among all these waterfalls, Five Falls is very good since it is lesscrowded than the main falls, and will be more pleasant than any other falls.

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