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Courtallam (Kutrallam) குற்றாலம் Tamil is a panchayat town situated at a mean elevation of 160m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Many seasonal and a few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region. The numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the ubiquitous health resorts in the area have earnt it the title the Spa of South India.
[edit] Significance in Hindu Mythology
The Kutraleeshwarar temple Gopuram
Courtallam is dedicated to Lord ThiruKutralanathar(Siva) and the temple at the periphery of the main falls is the Kutraleeswar Temple. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Siva sent Saint Agastya to the south to avoid an imbalance due to overcrowding in the Mt.Kailas on his celestial wedding. Courtallam is the location of the Chithra Sabha, one of the five Sabhas(temples) where Nataraja performed his famous cosmic dance.[1] The sabha contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings and is decorated with many local deities. Chithra Sabha is said to have been constructed using medicinal herbs as mortar. Heavy wooden carved planks serve as doors. Many small halls inside the temple include statues of Lord Vishnu, Kasi Viswanathar, Kasi Visalakshi, Tenkasi Viswanathar Swamy, Ulagammai Ambikai, Nellaiyappar Gandhimathi Ambal and Navagrahas. Other ancient temples associated with the religious heritage of Courtallam include the Kashivishwanathar Temple (Tenkasi), Kumaran Temple (Ilanji), Thirumalai Kumarasamy Temple (Tirumalaikoil), Shenbagadevi Temple (Shenbagadevi) Anjaneyar Temple (Krishnapuram) and Thoranamalai Temple.
[edit] Location
Courtallam is 5 km from Sengottai, 6 km from Tenkasi, 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, 6 km from here.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Attractions
The main attraction of Courtallam for all its visitors are the waterfalls. There are three major waterfalls in Courtallam- the Tiger Falls, the Main Falls and the Five Falls. Old Courtallam Falls, further away from the rest, is another attractive, and perhaps the largest amongst the Courtallam falls. Other attractions include a snake park, a public aquarium, small children's parks and play areas. Most of them are badly maintained.
[edit] Economy
The waterfalls, which are the main lifeblood of the local economy, are from completely seasonal streams. The tourism which is linked with the waterfalls, is turned on or off by the flow of the water in the falls. The local community tries its best to capitalize from this seasonal tourism by opening up other small attractions during the peak season. The streets heading from the temple to the waterfalls are packed with tiny shops selling medicinal herbs, unusual curative concoctions and cheap toys.fff
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Courtallam had a population of 2368. Males constitute 41% of the population and females 59%. Courtallam has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78% and, female literacy is 74%. 7% of the population is under 6 years of age. Although very close to the Kerala border, the entire population of Courtallam is homogenously Tamil