Courtallam

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Courtallam
State - District(s)	Tamil Nadu - Tirunelveli
Area
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Population (2001) - Density	2368 -

Courtallam, the 'Spa of the south', is a panchayat town situated at an elevation of about 167 m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Numerous rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate here. It is famous for its waterfalls and has a number of health resorts.

1 Location
2 Demographics
3 Seasons
4 Medicinal herbs
5 The Nine Falls
6 History
7 Temple in Courtallam
8 External Links

[edit] Location

Courtallam is 160 km from Madurai, 137 km from Kanniyakumari and 112 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest railway station to courtallam is Tenkasi which is just 5 km from here.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census^GRIndia, Courtalam had a population of 2368. Males constitute 41% of the population and females 59%. Courtalam has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78% and, female literacy is 74%. In Courtalam, 7% of the population is under 6 years of age.

[edit] Seasons

June to September

[edit] Medicinal herbs

This is not only a tourist spot but also a health resort. Courtallam water has medicinal properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water has therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments. During the season (period June to September in every year) thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place. The waters of the falls are believed to have medicinal properties as they run through forests of herbs before their descent. Tourists who visit and bathe in the waters claim that the water has a soothing effect, help the old feel young and the sick heal rapidly. The peak season for visitors is June-September.This place is has a chill and a superb climate with sizzling of rain drops over us removes the stresses in our mind. The Pure wind that starts from pothigai malai removes the tiredness from our body. Make a visit and this may be your unforgettable moment.

[edit] The Nine Falls

The falls are located 160 kilometers from Madurai and 59 kilometers from Tirunelveli at an elevation of about 167 meters on the Western Ghat in Tirunelveli District.

Main Falls

Peraruvi (Main Falls),
Chitraruvi, (Small Falls),
Shenbaga Devi Falls, - (The area is filled with Senbhaga Trees)
Thenaruvi (Honey Falls) - The area is known for the honey
Aintharuvi (Five Falls),
Pazhathotta Aruvi (Fruit Garden Falls or Orchid Falls).
Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls),
Pazhaya Courtallam (Old Falls),
Puthu Aruvi (New Falls) or Palaruvi (Milk Falls) - The falls look like white milk.

[edit] History

It is said that Lord Siva sent saint Agastheya to the south to avoid imbalance due to overcrowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding. Another notable feature of Courtallam is Chithra Sabha (in which a number of mural painting of rural deities and stories from epics are depicted in the central hall. This Sabha is one of the five Sabas where Lord Nataraja performed the Cosmic-dance. Chitra Sabha is made out of medicinal herbs. The wooden carved planks serve as doors.

[edit] Temple in Courtallam

It is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). This temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Less than a furlong from here is a small temple called Chitra Sabha (Hall of Pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings of rural deities and devotees, puranic stories and religious events. The sabha is one of the five sabhas where Lord Nataraja is said to have performed the cosmic dance.