Reminiscences of Courtallam and neighbouring places

Cherished as the land of waterfalls, revered as ‘spa of south India’ and a place where seasonal breeze will make the soul dance to its tunes. We decided to spend our weekend at Courtallam and neighbouring places the journey started from Egmore railway station meeting many new faces for the first time in life and boarding Pothigai Exprees on Friday night to reach Thenkasi.

Alighting at Thenkasi after a long and enjoyable journey giving us opportunity for breaking-ice with new friends we lodged into our booked guesthouse near five falls and after quickly refreshing we moved to take bathe in the herbal waters of eminent five falls.

Taking a dip in the alluring Pallaruvi waterfalls

Pallaruvi waterfalls one of the well-maintained public places on the face of it attracted us with its gigantic appearance. The ride inside the scenic teak tree packed ghat road when it was raining was a complete top-notch experience. Breaking the dogmatic rule we all stood under the thundering falls to enjoy the soothing waters hitting us hard. While others looked for shelter when it started raining all my crazy fellow mates jumped with joy and danced on the rains. A unique way of showing how different and crazy this group was from any other cool gangs.

 

Visiting the historic ‘13 Pillar bridge’ at Kazhuthurutty

The metre gauge railway track, which traverses from Sengottai to Punalar through one of the most picturesque routes in Western Ghats is the ‘13 Pillar Bridge at Kazhuthurutty’ a picturesque railway track started in 1873 by the British and completed in 1901 was the next place on our menu.

The track was completely unearthed for widening therefore we went to the top of bridge and walked on the track into a tunnel nearby. What made the visit exceptional were the drizzles and chill breeze on top of the bridge. Some sported for crazy jumping pictures, while some were busy gazing at the mammoth peaks nearby engulfed by the dark clouds and listening to the music of the gushing water in the nearby river. We realized this spot to be lonely, pleasant and a place to admire and enjoy beautiful mountains.

The best moments at Courtallam which I can recollect are spent in shopping and hogging seasonal delicious fruits which are mostly available only at Courtallam; taking a nice oil massage and bathing in the numerous waterfalls in and around Courtallam. A good walk around the village when it drizzles or a calm place to sit for sometime and feel the breeze is something that I cherish and has given me a sense of satisfaction. Time spent relishing the seasonal breeze and drizzles (saral mazhai) are memories that I have generated spending at Courtallam.

On the way to Thenmala we were lucky to spot a tusker along its mahout in the river after spending some time clicking the Jumbo and watching its mischievous behaviour we left off to Thenmala to spend the remaining part of that beautiful day.

Thenmala a hotchpotch of nature and tourism

Thenmala claimed to be as India’s first planned eco-tourism zone offers adventure events like rappelling, river crossing etc., for adventure lovers. Kallada dam across Kallada river at Parappar near Thenmala is a picturesque spot offering breathtaking views of water surrounded by mountains. Kallada river caught side the Dam with red earthen bunds in middle add loveliness to this hotspot.

Kallada river swimming

Kallada river attracted our attention and before we could decide to swim across the broad river from one end to the other end I was able to see few daring guys jumping inside and negotiating with its delicate current while others were happy splashing on its bank. Definitely, it is a beautiful river to swim across and splish-splash around.

Night bathe at the refreshing Courtallam main falls:

To avoid the weekend rush we decided to take bathe at main falls during night since its open for public around the clock. I should profess that nights are the best time to enjoy and take bathe in the rejuvenating waters, especially because the water gets colder standing under the waterfalls for even 5 minutes becomes a sweet challenge. Especially when the flow of water increases one can feel the smashing water on their skin. A brilliant feeling that can only be experienced at Courtallam.

Kumbavuruti waterfalls

After taking a nice early morning bath at Courtallam main falls and offering prayers at Thirukutralanathar temple and finished our yummy breakfast we proceeded to Kumbavuruti waterfalls. It is a nice tourist spot tucked inside the Western Ghats. With loads of restriction like cameras not allowed, separate falls for men and women we splashed at the waterfalls and enjoyed our presence at this lovely place.

Paying visit to Thirumalaikovil temple:

On the way back to Courtallam from Kumbavuruti waterfalls we saw this beautiful Thirmalaikovil temple and decided to pay a visit. The travel to hilltop along the hill road provides panoramic views of the entire senkottai town, spectacular views of giant windmills, neighbouring villages, Dams and impeccable views of adjacent Western Ghats. The hilltop temple is a wind blown area apart from the blessings of god Murugan you will also get to admire the beauty of nearby peaks and Western Ghats.

A delightful weekend spent with everlasting memories and a friendship made for lifetime we left the place with relentless desire to board Pothigai express to reach Chennai. On a whole a weekend with friends, waterfalls, Western Ghats, yummy fruits, Courtallam breeze, saral mazhalai etc. etc., this fun trip will always stay close to my heart ‘forever and ever’.

Happy Travelling,

Durai Murugan