Courtallam Falls, Kanyakumari

Courtallam Falls, Kanyakumari | Timing, Photos & Best time to visit

The Courtallam falls, which are famous throughout Tamil Nadu for their size and ferocity, are located in the middle of a Panchayat town in the Tirunelveli district. The cascade rises to a height of 160 meters (520 feet) over its lush surrounds and stunning slope.

Since it was used for a sequence in the award-winning 1992 Hindi film “Roja” and a number of other South Indian films, the waterfall’s appeal as a tourist destination has only increased. A number of amenities, such as food vendors and locally-branded commercial goods, have been erected in the area to serve tourists.

The Courtallam Falls are a naturally occurring group of little waterfalls that unite as a single, enormous cascade near the base. According to legend, they are descended from a number of significant rivers that have their source in the mountains, including the Pachaiyar, Maninuthar, and Chittar Rivers.

According to local mythology, the waters of Courtallam are said to possess therapeutic qualities that could help those with disabilities. The worn rocks behind the falls have taken on distinctive shapes like honeycombs. Additionally, there are a few Shivalingas (little idols of Lord Shiva) carved into the rocks in the area.

The Courtallam Blend 

One of the largest waterfalls to be aware of is Courtallam, which combines nine distinct falls under its net as it approaches the ground. The only falls that are accessible by road are the three main ones—Main Falls, Old Courtallam Falls, and Five Falls. The others are either inaccessible to the general public for safety concerns or necessitate a mountain hike. The following is a synopsis of the different falls:

Peraruvi Falls (Main Falls): The most significant falls are Peraruvi Falls (Main Falls), where a 19-meter-wide crater called “Pongumakadal” higher up in the mountain slows down the water flow. People can safely bathe beneath it because the water’s force is decreased to a safe level.

Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi (Old Courtallam Falls): The original falls, known as Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi (Old Courtallam Falls), would emerge from the mountains and cascade freely into the valley. Later, some rocks were shattered and rearranged to collect the water and create a sizable pool where visitors could bathe. Later, this was demolished once more to let the water to flow freely.

Aintharuvi Falls (Five Falls): Aintharuvi Falls, also known as Five Falls, is a cascade that cascades into the ground and is divided into five streams.

Chitraruvi Falls (Small Falls): As the name implies, Chitraruvi Falls is a tiny cascade that serves as a subsidiary to the main falls.

Shenbagadevi Falls: Shenbagadevi Falls is named for the Shenbaga (Michealia Champak) trees that it flows through. Eventually, the Shenbagadevi Falls merge with the Chitraruvi Falls. Because Shenbagadevi is regarded as a strong goddess, a shrine dedicated to her has also been built next to the falls.

Thenaruvi Falls (Honey Falls): The Shenbagadevi Falls and the Thenaruvi Falls are three kilometers apart. It flows between two enormous stones and is 40 meters above sea level. According to the abundance of nature, there are large honeycombs around that make it dangerous for visitors to interact with the area.

Pazhathotta Aruvi Falls: Despite being a solitary waterfall that only runs in the mountain’s higher regions, Pazhathotta Aruvi Falls is a component of the larger network of Courtallam Falls.

Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls): Tiger Falls, also known as Puli Aruvi, is a respectable waterfall with a moderate volume of water that gathers at the bottom to form a lake. After then, the water from this lake is used for irrigation and as a supply of water for nearby wildlife. Tiger Falls got its name since it is thought that tigers also visit this location to drink water.

Courtallam also includes a tiny cascade that flows into the Government Horticulture Park, however it is closed to the public.

Legend of Courtallam Falls

According to legend, the famous philosopher Agasthya was unable to see the marriage clearly because of the large crowd that assembled to celebrate the momentous occasion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s holy wedding. When he asked the Lord to give him a view, Shiva said that He would bestow a darshan (blessing) on the great sage at the Kutralam temple. However, because the temple was the residence of Lord Vishnu and not Lord Shiva, the Gateway deities, known as Dvarapalas, refused the sage access.

In an effort to obtain the Lord’s blessings, the sage prayed fervently and pressed Vishnu’s idol’s head till it transformed into a lingam, the ultimate manifestation of Lord Shiva. He allegedly pushed the head so firmly that Lord Shiva had a headache. After that, the sage made a concoction of 42 herbs, cow milk, and green coconut. The Lord was pleased by the sage’s dedication and made the place his home, naming it ‘Kutralanathar’ after this relieved the headache. The neighboring falls were designated as sacred and given the name Courtallam Falls. At the Kutralanathar Temple, the head pressing custom is still practiced today.

Significance of Courtallam Falls

Saral Vizha is a state-wide religious celebration that the Tirunelveli hosts during the Tamil month of “Aadi” (July–August). Before approaching the sacred home of Papanasanathar Temple, devotees from neighboring towns and cities purify themselves in the waters of Courtallam. During the holy months of November through December, tourists are often known to take a swim before visiting the Sabarimala Temple, a revered pilgrimage site. In addition to the Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation boating house, which is open during the season, numerous local contests, including swimming and row boating, are held during the holiday season.

Best Time To Visit Courtallam Falls 

The best time to visit a waterfall is during the monsoon season. From June to September, Courtallam Falls are at their most picturesque. Additionally, the state of Tamil Nadu sees severe rainfall from October to December due to a phenomenon known as the Northeast Monsoon. Even though the waterfall is currently inaccessible and maybe dangerous due to the massive amount of water that frequently causes flooding in the area, it is nonetheless lovely to view from a distance.

The Courtallam Falls are accessible to the general public for rest, and nearby amenities like restrooms and food vendors are available. It might be worthwhile for those who enjoy photography to see this magnificent waterfall. The mountains and breathtaking vegetation should also be enough to fulfill your soul if you are a true nature lover.

Tips For Visiting Courtallam Falls 

When visiting the waterfall during the monsoon season, use extra caution because the water flow surges quickly and could be dangerous to swim in.

How To Reach Courtallam Falls 

The waterfall is a must-see for a thorough study of the area, and it is located 125 kilometers from Kanyakumari. Driving or taking a bus are the best ways to get to the falls. The towns of Tenkasi and Shenkottai, which are each 5 kilometers from Courtallam Falls, have convenient bus service. The falls are roughly 52 kilometers from Tirunelveli, the closest train station.