Courtallam

(Kutrallam – குற்றாலம் Tamil) is a panchayat town situated at a mean elevation of 160m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Many seasonal and a few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region. The numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the ubiquitous health resorts in the area have earned it the title the Spa of South India.

During the commencement of south-west monsoon in Kerala terrain the first showers will be in and around Courtallam within a radius of 3-4 kms approximately. It continues to shower during the season, which will be from June-September every year. Several lakhs of people of different faith from all over the world visits Courtallam during this period. Among this sick people, mentally retarded, chronic patients with incorrigible diseases besides hale and healthy people also visit and enjoy the showers of Courtallam. Courtallam is recognised as summer resort for middle class people. Showers will be profuse during the south-west and north-east monsoons.

Courtallam, although a very small town, is packed with tourists during weekends and season-time. The local economy is almost entirely driven solely on tourism. There are numerous lodges and hotels in Courtallam, but they are virtually empty when the waterfalls dry up and the weather is too hot. It is at this off-season time, after a monsoon shower, undeniably the best time to visit Courtallam. The peak season when most tourists flock from around Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is between June and September. The weather then is usually pleasant with gentle cool breeze and the occasional drizzle. During peak season, the crowds can become unmanageable in the waterfalls, and the police retort to violent methods to minimize any disruption to the tourist industry. Courtallam does not have any luxury accommodation although there are a few hotels of three star category.

The Water of Courtallam has lot of herbal values. The herbal values in Courtallam reduces hypertensions and gives relaxation to the mind. Its believed that helps to resolve psychological disorder.

Local population is very thin and negligible. Several people from rich & middle class people have established there own building as guest houses according to their style and requirements to enjoy there seasonal stay.

The principal agricultural activity is paddy. Other than paddy big estates of Mango, Coconut, Betel nut, Cardamoms, Pepper, Nutmeg, Cloves etc. Several other species of rare quality fruit trees also can be seen in Courtallam. It’s a feast to see the display of fruits during season in several stalls. Appreciably good number of lodging and boarding houses maintained with quality is available for staying. The tourist activity will never be crippled, as rainfall is not heavy like in Chirapunji. The intermittent shower with sun rays and pleasant breeze is the speciality of Courtallam.

Apart from Sri Siddheswari Peetham, the main attraction of Courtallam for all its visitors are the waterfalls. There are three major waterfalls in Courtallam- the Tiger Falls, the Main Falls and the Five Falls. Old Courtallam Falls, further away from the rest, is another attractive, and perhaps the largest amongst the Courtallam falls. Other attractions include a snake park, a public aquarium, small children’s parks and play areas. Most of them are badly maintained.

There are national and international pilgrimages like Meenakshi temple at Madurai, Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Thiruchendur, Trivandrum, Sabarimalai are within close proximity to Courtallam.