Famous Tourist and Pilgrimage Center-Courtallam or Kutralam

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Courtallam or Kutralam situated on the Palani range of the Western Ghats on the Kerala-Madurai border in India, is well known as a health resort and a bathing spot. The place is 54 kilometers by road from Thirunelveli and about 6 kilometers from the Tenkasi Railway Station on the Southern Railway. the place is also well connected by buses from all directions. The ideal 'season' begins from the middle of June and lasts till the end of October. This is also the time when the south-westerly wind passes through the gap in the Western Ghats and brings with it rain to fall on Courtallam. the waterfalls are at their best at this time. The waterfalls, for which Courtallam is famous, are formed by a sharp, three-stage drop of 288 feet by the Chittar river. Water falls ito a very deep pit in the hill and from there flows out with force. A big arch with iron railings is provided at the waterfalls to prevent bathers from being washed away. Nearly 200 people can take their bath at any given time. It is believed that the Courtallam waterfalls have curative qualities. As the water flows from the hills through forests that contain herbs, the water take in the medicinal properties of the herbs. Besides the main falls, there are the five falls, Thenaruvi, Shenbagaaruvi, Sitraruvi falls and Tiger falls, that also draw tourists. Courtallam is also a pilgrimage center. After taking bath, many Hindus worship 'Courtalanathar' in the charming temple near the Falls. Saint Manickavasagar has sung about the God and Goddess of the temple.