| Courtallam, Kutrallam குற்றாலம் |
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| Country | India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District(s) | Tirunelveli |
| Population | 2,368 (2001[update]) |
| Sex ratio | 1:1 ♂/♀ |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
Courtallam (Kutraalam) (Tamil: குற்றாலம்) is a panchayat town situated at a mean elevation of 160 m (520 ft) 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.
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As of 2001[update] India census,[1] Courtallam had a population of 2368. Males constitute 41% of the population and females 59%. Courtallam has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78% and, female literacy is 74%. 7% of the population is under 6 years of age. Although very close to the Kerala border, the entire population of Courtallam is homogenously Tamil.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Courtallam has exquisite surroundings. The charming hillocks which dominate the scenery disappear into the blue mist of Agasthiarmalai, the mountain bearing the name of a sage who made immense contributions to Tamil literature and is believed to have lived in the area.[2] The closest towns to Courtallam are Sengottai and Tenkasi at 5 km (3.1 mi) and Panpoli at 9 km (5.6 mi) away. The closest airport is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) approximately 86 km (53 mi) away and the nearest railway station is Tenkasi, 5 km (3.1 mi) away.
Courtallam has nine waterfalls.
The three major waterfalls reachable by road are the Main Falls, Five Falls, and Old Courtallam Falls. Other waterfalls like Shenbaga Devi Falls and Honey Falls are reachable only by trekking on the mountain. The smaller falls called the Tiger Falls, called by that name as it was known to have been frequented by tigers looking for water. There is another small falls inside the Government Horticulture Park above Five Falls, but it is off limits to the public. Other attractions include the boat houses near Five Falls and Old Courtallam Falls, snake park, a public aquarium, small children's parks and play areas.
Tenkasi is a town located in the foothills of the Western Ghats near the Courtallam Waterfalls, close to the Tamil Nadu - Kerala border in Tirunelveli District. The Palaruvi Falls is across the state border in Kerala.[4]
Courtallam is not just waterfalls: its temples too attract visitors. The most important among these is the Chitra Sabha, one of the five sabhas with Nataraja, Shiva in the dancing posture as the main deity. (The others are the Rathna Sabha at Thiruvalangadu, the Kanaka Sabha at Chidambaram, the Velli Sabha at Madurai and the Thamira Sabha at Tirunelveli). The Tamil poet Thirukudarasappa Kavirayar sang about the beauty of this place in his ""Courtalla Kuravanji" standing on its highest point at 1565m. The temple at the foot of the hill is conch-shaped which has special significance in Hindu tradition. The paintings at the Chitra Sabha were renovated about 100 years ago. [5][6]
Other nearby temples are:
There are numerous resorts, hotels and lodges in Courtallam. Some of the resorts are maintained with the International Standards. Most of the luxorious hotels are located near to the main falls and Old Courtallam.
Courtallam is mainly connected by bus transport to the two main cities of Tenkasi and Shenkottai. Madurai to Shenkottai buses are frequently available in Courtallam. Buses are frequently available only during the season time. In the remaining months most of the buses takes Ilanji to reach Shenkottai. Like buses to Old Courtallam also available during the season time only.
There are no railway stations in Courtallam. But from the Tenkasi Railway station, one can reach Courtallam within 20 minutes.
Some special trains from Chennai Egmore and Tuticorin are run by Southern Railway occasionally.
Indian overseas bank with ATM is available near the bus stand.