Courtallam
Understand
Kuttralam is also mentioned in many classical tamil literary works.
Get in
By air
Madurai is the nearest airport, which has flights connecting to Chennai. You can reach Kuttralam by bus, train or by hiring a taxi from Madurai. The journey takes about 3 hours. Another one is Thiruvananthapuram international airport (~100 km) and it takes 3 hours from there too. Thenmala eco-tourism centre, Palaruvi waterfalls and Kulathuppuzha Ayyappa temple are on the route from Thiruvananthapuram.There is also an airport at Tuticorin(90km) which has infrequent flights.
By rail
Tenkasi is the nearest rail head. It is connected to Chennai and Tirunelveli by frequent services. You can hire a taxi or an auto from Tenkasi Railway Station to reach Kuttralam.Kuttralam is just 6km away from Thenkasi Railway Junction. Getting in is easy.
By road
Kuttralam is situated about 200km from Madurai, 65 km from Tirunelveli and 5 km from Tenkasi. Tenkasi is a bustling town, which has decent bus services to many parts in south Tamil Nadu. Alternatively, special buses operated by the government ply directly to Kuttralam during the season.By boat
Though there are numerous waterfalls, they are only from small streams. So, Kuttralam does not have a pier. The nearest seaport is at Tuticorin.Get around
By auto
Auto Rickshaws (trishaw or Tuk-tuk) are available at every corner and near the waterfalls. They can be used to effectively see the various waterfalls within the place.By car
Hiring a cab is a common mode of transport. The common waterfalls have parking facilities with nominal charges, so it is advisable to hire a cab...See
Five FallsAfter the main falls, this is the most famous waterfalls and definitely the most enjoyable of all. It is located 6km from the main falls. The water here splits into five branches while falling, so it is called "Five falls"
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Karayar Dam & Falls
address: PapanasamAnother wonderful spot little away from Kuttralam is the Karayar dam. Believe it you have a wonderful waterfall inside the dam which takes about 15 minutes of boat ride from the shore. This is an awesome place to feel the nature and take a shower. Kutraleeshwarar TempleClose to the Main falls is the temple dedicated to Lord Kuttraleeshwarar. It is common for the locals to take bath in the falls and offer prayers here.
Main FallsThis waterfall is located close to the bus stand, and greets you as you enter Kuttralam. It is usually crowded during the season, and you can take bath here 24 hours a day. It is a beautiful waterfall of about 130 feet.
Old CourtallamThis is not a historic place, but there is a waterfall here too! This waterfall is maintained by the PWD by controlling the waterflow.
ShenbagadeviThis beautiful falls is located upstream and as part of the cascade that forms the Main falls. You can reach shenbagadevi only by trekking for about 30 minutes. Entry to this falls is restricted during peak season due to flash floods and unruly behaviour of the crowd.
SittraruviSittraruvi or "Small Falls" is an offshoot of the Main falls located to its side. It is very small and completely safe to enjoy a shower here.
ThenaruviLocated even above Shenbagadevi is the serene Thenaruvi or "Honey Falls". This is the first cascade in a series of waterfalls, and considered the most pure. Ostinably, it is least crowded, as you have to trek for more the 2 hours to reach this falls. Entry to this falls is also restricted during peak season owing to flash floods.
Tiger FallsThis is located between Old Courtallam and Main falls. This falls is in a private property, which is charges people to take bath.
Do
Obviously, the must thing to do in Kuttralam is take bath! Facilities are available at all the falls for safe bathing with separate facilities for women, and even police presence! This is required as a precaution as number of people come in during the season, and the crowd could get out of hand.
Have an oil massage which is very pleasant before a bath in the falls.
During the peak season this place will be like a paradise,
It is also called as poor mans ooty
but now all the cost is getting increased due to the popularity
Buy
Eat
Its also famously known as the Bilal Border Parotta Shop
Drink
Alcohol is served in bars and also by government run "TASMAC" shops. Please be aware that public comsumption is prohibited, and you could get into trouble.