Courtallam, the Land of Waterfalls:

Courtallam, a town in Tirunelveli District, is known as the 'Spa of South India'. The name Courtallam is an anglicized variant of Kuttralam that the locals still use. It is located along the Western Ghats, situated between picturesque mountains and agricultural land. The location leaves an indelible mark on the minds of visitors.

Although there are other locations to explore in and around the town, it is best known for its waterfalls. The optimum time to come is from July to November, however excessive weather may prevent people from approaching the waterfall area. During the summer, some of the falls dry up, making it impossible to enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls.

Cortallam is notable for its nine waterfalls. The Chittar River originates here as well. It provides a comprehensive experience that includes not just culture, history, and legacy, but also nature and local natural Ayurvedic spa treatments.
Three of the biggest waterfalls, the New and Old Courtallam Falls and the Five Falls, are accessible by road. Trekking can take you to the two lesser-known falls, Shenbagadevi Falls and Thenaruvi Falls.Most waterfalls are home to a variety of birds and snakes. Another major draw to this location is the opportunity to sample seasonal edible forest fruits.

Here are five waterfalls where you can celebrate and enjoy a pleasant experience:

1. New Courtallam Falls or Main Falls: The New Courtallam Falls, also known as 'Peraruvi' in the local language, cascades from a height of around 60 meters. The rapid water flow created a crater in which visitors and pilgrims can bathe. The waterfall's feeding streams and rivers pass through medicinal herb channels, making it famed for its Ayurvedic therapeutic abilities.
The Peraruvi is located in the Trikoodamalai, a place on the Western Ghats where three mountains meet.The falls drain into the Chittar River, which meets the Thamirabarani River before merging into the Bay of Bengal.Many spas that provide Ayurvedic oil massages are located in and around the waterfall area, attracting large crowds. Aside from the usually crowded waterfalls, there is a busy market area and temple lane with small shops and roadside stalls where visitors can sample local cuisine and purchase souvenirs.

2. Old Courtallam Falls: The Old Courtallam Falls provide a more quieter experience than the New Courtallam Falls because they draw fewer visitors. This allows folks to take in the landscape and delight.
The waterfalls have a naturally occurring stair-stepping upper tier. The lower tier is man-made, with an artificially modified pool where people can swim. The upper tier contains numerous boulders that slow the quick flow of the water, making it easier to stand beneath it and receive a natural back massage. The Old Courtallam Falls is an excellent spot for youngsters to play.

3. Courtallam Five Falls: The Five Falls is one of nine falls in Courtallam. All nine falls are collectively known as Courtallam Falls, which causes confusion among tourists.
The falls' name comes from the fact that the water rushes down in five fairly parallel portions. It is also compared to the five-headed cobra from Hindu mythology. The falls meet at a point, forming a single pool of water.Thousands of people visit the falls throughout the tourism season. Visitors can also visit the Ayyappa and Vinayaka temples, which are located near the falls.

4. Shenbagadevi Falls: The Shenbagadevi Falls are accessible via a popular trekking path from the Main Falls. The falls get their name from the fact that water flows through Champak trees (Michelia champaca) in the area known as Shenbaga in Tamil, as well as the Shenbaga Devi shrine in a nearby village.
The source of these falls is the Thenaruvi, which flows into the Chitraru and then into the Shenbagadevi falls.The waterfall is just about 3 meters high, and one may simply leap into the water pool below it.While trekking to the falls, tourists can appreciate nature's calm splendor, which includes several streams, rocks, and water pools.

5. Thenaruvi (Honey Falls): Thenaruvi, also known as Honey Falls, is an hour's walk from the Shenbagadevi waterfalls. It gets its name from the abundance of honeycombs found on the rocks near the waterfall. Locals believe that the water here tastes sweeter than honey itself.
During the monsoon, it is impossible to get close to the waterfalls, but one can enjoy the breathtaking vista and listen to the thundering sound of the waterfalls hitting the rocks below.
If you decide to visit Courtallam, be sure to get a great oil massage and sunbathe before taking a therapeutic dip in the waterfalls.