28-06-2013, 04:21 PM
Courtalleswaran Temple
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DISTRICT PROFILE
Courtallam, the 'Spa of the south', is situated at an elevation of about 167m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District. It is an excellent health resort and it is Famous for its water falls. It has an interesting legend. Devotees believes that Lord Shiva sent saint Agastheya to the south to avoid imbalance due to the over crowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding.
Courtallam temple 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. 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.
Peraruvi(Main Falls), Chitraruvi(Small Falls), Shenbaga devi Falls, Thenaruvi(Honey Falls), Anitharuvi(Five Falls), Pazhathotta Aruvi, puli Aruvi(tiger Falls), Pazhaya Courtallam(old Falls), palaruvi these are not only a tourist spot but also a famous health resort. Every year June to September we can enjoy the falls season. It contains lot of herbs which are good for the health. 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 falls season thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place.
Location
Courtallam is 5 km from Sengottai, 9 km from Panpoli, 5 km from Tenkasi, 20 km from Kadayanallur, 37 km from Puliangudi,53 km from Tirunelveli, 137 km from Kanniyakumari, 152 km from Alleppey, 112 km from Thiruvananthapuram, 64 km from Rajapalayam, 72 km from Srivilliputtur and 640 km from Chennai. The nearest airport to Courtallam is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) approximately 86 km away. The nearest railway station to Courtallam is Tenkasi, 5 km from here.
Tourism
Courtallam, although a very small town, is packed with tourists during weekends and season-time. The local economy is almost entirely driven solely on tourism. There are numerous lodges and hotels in Courtallam, but they are virtually empty when the waterfalls dry up and the weather is too hot. It is at this off-season time, after a monsoon shower, undeniably the best time to visit Courtallam. The peak season when most tourists flock from around Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is between June and September. The weather then is usually pleasant with gentle cool breeze and the occasional drizzle. During peak season, the crowds can become unmanagable in the waterfalls, and the police retort to violent methods to minimize any disruption to the tourist industry. Courtallam does not have any luxury accommodation although there are a few hotels of three star category.
The Water of Courtallam has lot of herbal Values. The Herbal values in Courtallam reduces Hypertions and gives relax to Mind. Its believed that helps to resolve psychological disorder
Attractions
The main attraction of Courtallam for all its visitors are waterfalls. There are three major waterfalls that are reachable by road - 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. Near the Old Courtallam Falls is a 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.