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Coutrallam Main Waterfalls

Coutrallam Main Waterfalls

Kuttralam lies in the Tenkasi District of Tamil Nadu and people widely recognize it as the “Spa of South India.” This scenic destination attracts visitors with its roaring waterfalls, expansive greenery, and pristine natural surroundings. In addition, Kuttralam features several ancient temples and prominent tourist attractions that enhance its cultural appeal.

Locals and visitors also call Kuttralam the Herbal Hill because water from its waterfalls carries medicinal properties. As a result, many wellness resorts and health clinics operate in and around the town. Several perennial rivers, including the Thamirabarani River, Chittar River, Manimuthar River, and Pachaiyar River, originate in this region of Tirunelveli.

Coutrallam Location

Coutrallam, also known as Kuttralam, functions as a panchayat town located at an elevation of about 160 metres on the Western Ghats. It sits within the Tenkasi District of Tamil Nadu and serves as one of South India’s most visited waterfall destinations.

Reference to Literature

The name Kutralam originates from the term “Kuru Aal,” which means dwarf banyan trees. The region earned this name because forests in the area once flourished with such trees. Renowned poet Thiurkudarasappa Kavirayar vividly praised the beauty and grandeur of this serene town near Tenkasi. Moreover, Sangam literature highlights Kuttralam by comparing its natural charm to the elegance of a woman, emphasizing its literary and cultural importance.

Major Waterfalls in Kuttralam

Kuttralam features nine major waterfalls, each offering a unique bathing experience. Visitors from across the country travel here to rejuvenate themselves in the herb-rich waters that refresh both body and mind.

Coutrallam Main Falls (Peraruvi)

Peraruvi stands as the largest and most prominent waterfall in Kuttralam. At this location, water plunges from a height of nearly 60 metres before slowing down inside a natural crater called Pongumakadal, which measures about 19 metres in depth. The flowing water passes over rocks carved with Shiva Lingams and other deities, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Combined with the healing properties of the water, a bath here delivers a refreshing and divine experience. Visitors often follow the bath with a relaxing body massage. During peak seasons, large crowds gather at the falls, and visitors wait in queues for their turn. Notably, the Main Falls can accommodate nearly 300 people at a time.

Small Falls (Chitraruvi)

Chitraruvi, commonly called the Small Falls, lies adjacent to the Main Falls. From this point, visitors can walk uphill to reach Shenbagadevi Falls and Thenaruvi. Here, the water flows gently, allowing visitors to enjoy a mild shower. Authorities provide separate bathing facilities for men and women.

Shenbagadevi Falls

Visitors reach Shenbagadevi Falls by trekking about 2.5 kilometres through the Chitraruvi forest. The waterfall sits roughly 40 feet above Chitraruvi Falls. The water flows through fragrant Shenbaga trees, enhancing the site’s spiritual atmosphere. A temple dedicated to Shenbagadevi Amman stands nearby and attracts many pilgrims, especially on full moon days.

Thenaruvi (Honey Falls)

Thenaruvi, popularly known as Honey Falls, lies about 3 kilometres from the Main Falls. Water drops from a height of nearly 40 metres between two massive rocks. The falls get their name from honeycombs found on the surrounding hills. Dense forests and steep mountain trails lead to this horseshoe-shaped waterfall. Due to safety risks, authorities restrict public access.

Aintharuvi (Five Falls) in Kuttralam

Aintharuvi, also called Five Falls, lies around 4 kilometres from Kuttralam town. The waterfall splits into five streams before merging into a single flow downhill. Authorities reserve two sections for women and three for men. Visitors can also explore the nearby Eco Park, boating facilities, and several popular temples.

Pazhathotta Aruvi (Orchard Falls)

Pazhathotta Aruvi flows above Aintharuvi through orchards, creating a scenic setting. People once referred to it as the VIP Falls because only politicians and bureaucrats could enter. Currently, authorities restrict entry for all visitors.

Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi (Old Coutrallam Falls)

Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi, also known as Shivamathungai Falls, lies about 6 kilometres from the Main Falls. Initially, water flowed into a deep valley between two large rocks. Later, authorities altered the watercourse to allow safe bathing. Workers carved steps into the rocks, and water now cascades from a height of nearly 200 metres. Separate bathing areas and oil massage facilities serve visitors.

Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls)

Puli Aruvi earned its name because tigers once used it as a watering spot. The mild waterfall lies about 2 kilometres from the Courtallam bus stand on private land. Water collects in a small lake before flowing into irrigation canals. Nearby attractions include the Sastha Temple, a bathing ghat, and an old palace that now remains private property.

The Private Falls

A small waterfall located above Five Falls inside the Government Horticulture Park remains closed to the public. Visitors can reach the Main Falls, Five Falls, and Old Courtallam Falls by road, while Shenbaga Waterfalls and Honey Falls require mountain trekking.

Places to Visit in Coutrallam or Kutralam

Some of the other places of interest that could be visited near Kutralam are:

  • Palaruvi (Milk Falls) lies at the Tamil Nadu – Kerala border at the mountain pass named Aryankavu.
  • Gundaru Aruvi is Located at a distance of 10 kilometres from Kutralam, near Sengottai. Traveling 2 kilometres inward from the Gundaru Dam will take you to Gundaru Aruvi.
  • Kannupuli Mettu is Located at a distance of 5 kilometres to the west Sengottai Taluk Office at the top of Gundaru Reservoir.
  • Children’s Park, Aquarium and Snake park near Main Falls, Eco Park near Five Falls, Therkumalai Estate, around one hour travel from Honey Falls, Boat Houses near Five Falls and Old Courtallam Falls, Gundam Dam & Reservoir near Senkottai.
  • The Chitra Sabha at Kutralam is one of the five sabhas where Lord Nataraja (a form of Lord Shiva) is said to have performed his divine dance. The historical paintings and other religious events are very significant here.
  • The Kutralanathar Temple near to the Main Falls is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is around 2000 years old and Tamil inscriptions of Chola and Pandyan periods can be found here.
  • Other temples near Kutralam include
    • Thirukutralanathar Temple
    • Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple – Kuttralam
    • Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi (6 kms from Kutralam)
    • Thirumalai Temple, Panpoli (8 kms from Kutralam)
    • Kumaran Temple, Ilanji (3 kms from Kutralam)
    • Dakshinamoorthy Temple, Puliyarai (12 kms from Kutralam)
    • Ulagaambigai & Lord Shiva Temple, Papanasam (35 kms to the Southeast of Kutralam)
    • Ariyankavau Ayappan Temple (35 kms to the Northwest of Kutralam)
    • Sri Siddheswari Peetham, Courtallam
  • Papanasam River at a distance of 35 kms from Kutralam
  • The Banatheertham Falls and Agasthiyar Falls near Papanasam
  • Lower Papanasam Dam, Kaaraiyar Dam, Servalar Dam and Manimuthar Dam near Papanasam
  • Kalakaddu – Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary near Papanasam
  • Kumbavuruti Aruvi – Located at a distance of 32 kms from kutralam, on the way to Achan Koil in Kerala.

Unique Attributes of Coutrallam

  • Flora & Fauna – Apart from the rare herbs, Kutralam is rich with diverse flora and fauna found around the place. Around 2000 varieties of flowers and plants have been identified in the hills at Kutralam.
  • Tourists savor in the fresh and hot Halwa prepared and sold at shops on the way to Kuttralam Main Falls.
  • The aromatic masala milk sold usually in the evenings is very popular among the tourists.
  • The towel made up of thin fiber and pure organic cotton, called the Aruvi Thundu, is a unique accessory that dries up very quickly and is very useful for having a bath in various falls. Tourists can get it in the nearby textile shops.
  • The famous Border Kadai is at a distance of just 5 minutes from Kutralam. It is well known for its parottas and non-vegetarian cuisine.
  • Tourists looking out for an elegant meal can drop at Vinayaga Dosa Kadai, located at Melagaram on the road from Thenkasi to Kutralam. One can relish the several varieties of Dosa available here.
  • Courtallam encompasses hotels, lodges, and resorts according to the budget.

Ideal time to visit Kuttralam or Coutrallam

Best time to visit would be from June to December from the onset of South West Monsoons. If due to heavy rains the falls get flooded, people would not be allowed to take bath in the falls.

How to reach Coutrallam Falls?

Senkottai is the nearest bus stand. Frequent buses ply to Coutrallam. The nearest railway hub is at Thenkasi (5kms) and the nearest airport is Thoothukudi Airport and Trivandrum International Airport.

Coutrallam Main Waterfalls – FAQ

Where is Coutrallam Main Waterfalls located?

Coutrallam Main Waterfalls is located in Courtallam (Kuttralam) in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu, at the foothills of the Western Ghats.

Why is Coutrallam Main Falls famous?

The falls are famous for their herbal-rich waters that flow through forested hills, earning Courtallam the title “Spa of South India.”

What is the best time to visit Coutrallam Main Falls?

The best time to visit is during the monsoon season from June to September when the waterfalls are in full flow.

Is Coutrallam Main Falls safe for bathing?

Yes, the falls are generally safe for bathing as the water spreads over a wide rock surface, but visitors should follow safety guidelines and official instructions.

Are there facilities available near the waterfall?

Yes, basic amenities such as changing rooms, parking, shops, and eateries are available near the falls for tourists.