Coutralam

COURTALLAM - THE SPA IN THE SOUTH: In the far south, in Tirunelveli district, a deep recess of the Western Ghats lays Courtallam (also spelt Kutralam, Kurtalam), The Spa in the South. When the train enters this area, the landscape becomes alluring, with rivulets, fields, groves and mountains with mist peaks from Kalladai malai, Sivagiri and Kottaimalai rise up to pierce the sky to an elevation of about 6,000 ft. The Western Ghats beds, towers, undulates, folds and soars like a man of whimsical moods, lowering itself in the Aryankavu Pass in the west, only to rise in the south at Five Falls to a height of 5000 ft., crosses the Courtallam and blends with Podigai where sage Agastya lived in the past. The tallest peak here is called "Panchanthangi". The mountain abounds with forests of precious trees like teak and exotic fruit plants like Mangustan which are not only sweet but also of great medicinal value. Wild beasts roam at will. Sambhars, elephants and boars are in plenty. Courtallam is famous for its season, which lasts from June to September, the hottest period of the plains. Thick clouds gather and streaks of lighting flash across the sky. It is a rare and pleasant experience to stroll in the 'Charal' (meaning drizzle, also spelt as Saral) becoming neither wet nor dry. Thousands for the several falls, which clot the town, visit Courtallam annually. Courtallam is not only a tourist spot but also a health resort. Courtallam is a well-known bathing place and bathing in these waterfalls is considered good for both mind and body as these waters are said to possess medicinal properties