Courtallam Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Courtallam

Courtallam is famous for nine waterfalls. The Peraruvi is the main waterfall which falls from a height of 60 m. The Chitraruvi or the small falls leads to the Shenbagadevi falls and Thenaruvi. Shenbagadevi falls flow through shenbaga trees. The Thenaruvi or Honey Fall is 40 m high and when it is dry, big honey combs can be seen.

The Aintharuvi or five falls separate into five cascades of water. The Pazhathotta Aruvi is also known as the VIP falls. The course of the Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi or Old Courtallam falls had changed but has reopened again now. The Puli Aruvi or Tiger Fall is called so because it is frequented by tigers who come to have a drink there.

The Shenbagadevi Falls is a waterfall which flows through shenbaga trees that gives the Falls its name. The waterfall flows from a height of 40 ft and is located on the road that leads to Honey Falls. The spot can be reached through a trek route from the Main Falls. There is a temple dedicated to Shenbagadevi, a reincarnation of Goddess Durga, close to the falls. The falls therefore hold a significant religious position as well.

The Snake Park is a popular tourist destination. The park is located near the Main Falls or Aintharuvi. The nearby attractions also include a children’s park and a public aquarium. The snake park houses a variety of snakes.

The Kutralanathar Temple is one of the most popular temples of the place and the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva who is known by the name Lord Thiru Kutralanathar. The temple has various inscriptions of the Chola kings and the Pandya kings. The temple is located amidst rivers, mountains and the famous Shivamathugai falls. The temple is preserved by the temple Devasthanam. Saint Agathiyar is said to have worshipped in this temple; hence, the temple got its name. Close to the temple there is a room dedicated for pictures which is known as the Chitra Sabha, which houses several carvings of Puranic stories, deities and several significant religious events.

The Aavaranap Pillaiyar Koil Temple, located in Courtallam, is maintained by the temple Devasthanam. The temple attracts a lot of tourists every year. There are many buses and taxis available to this place from various parts of Courtallam.

The Courtalla Nangai Koil located in Courtallam is maintained by the temple Devasthanam. The shrine is one of the sub-temples of Lord Thirukuttralanathar temple. Devotees who visit here also pray at temples such as Koothar Koil, Shenbaga Devi Amman Temple, Thirugnana Sambandar Koil (Pillaiyar Koil), Paatapathu Sastha Koil, Sundaramoorthi Koil, Nannagaram Pillaiyar Koil and Aavaranap Pillaiyar Koil.

Adiyaetum Paraipanri Madaswamy Koil Temple located in Courtallam is maintained by the temple Devasthanam. This worship centre is one of the sub-temples of Lord Thirukuttralanathar temple.

The Mahadev Giri is of a religious significance, as it is believed to be the meeting place of four main religious personals Shenbhaga Devi, Lord Murugan, Dakshina Murthi and Sage Agasthiyar. This meeting is said to be the starting of Kali Yug. The holy spot is located just above Thenaruvi or Honey Falls.

The boat club is a popular tourist spot for the young and old alike due to its charming scenic beauty and exciting boat rides. The club is on the way to the Main Falls or Aintharuvi and Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi or Five falls at Mela Vennamadaikulam.

The Shenbagadevi Amman temple is located near the Shenbagadevi Fall. There are many Shenbaga trees that grow close to the temple. The flowers from these trees are offered to the Goddess. Shenbagadevi Amman Temple is a favourite with religious tourists.

Kalugumalai is a small town located on the route from Kovilpatti to Courtallam. The town is known for three main temples namely: Jaina Abode, Vettuvan Koil and Kalugasalamoorthy temple. The Jaina abode is known for the architecture and the cave temple of Jains. The deity of the hill on which it is located was known as Araimalai Alwar. The Vettuvan Koil is an unfinished Hindu temple. Kalugasalamoorthy is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The town also houses other temples such as the Vinayaka temple and Ayyanar temple.

Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar Temple is located at Tenkasi. It is at a distance of 8 km from Courtallam. In 1455 AD, the temple was constructed by the then ruler of the region, Parakrama Pandyan. According to legends, the king wanted to visit Kasi, but could not enter the city as the place was under the rule of Muslim kings. So the king decided to build a replica of the original temple located in Kasi at his own town. 

The chief deity here is Kasi Viswanathar. The temple tower with a height of 178 ft is a highlight of the temple. The Masi Magam festival that lasts for 10 days, Aipasi Wedding festival, Navratri, Margazhi Thiruvathirai and Karthikai Rudra Deepam are some of the major festivals celebrated here.

The Kumaran Temple is located at Illanji, a panchyath town. The temple is at a distance of about 1 km from Courtallam and is surrounded by mango groves and paddy fields.

The Dhakshinamoorthy temple at Puliyarai is located at a distance of 12 km from Courtallam. It is one of the major temples of the area and attracts a number of tourists and devotees every year.