Kerala Trip

We went Kerala for 4days...

Forward: Chennai -> Salem -> Coimbatore -> Palghat -> Thrissur -> Chalakudi -> Munnar


1st Day

1. Palghat

a. Dhoni Waterfalls (15 km from palghat)
i. A Dhoni waterfall is a 3 hours trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills. A thick reserve forest surrounds it

b. Meenvallam WF (around 15 kms – 8 km from thuppanad junction, palghat – Mannarkad road)
i. There are 10 steps of waterfalls of which eight are located in the upper hills inside the dense forest. They are inaccessible, only the remaining two steps are accessible. One has to hire a jeep from Koomankund junction and then trek a distance of 1.5 km by crossing the river Thuppanad.

We stay in Palghat.

2nd Day

1. Thrissur

a. Athirapally and vazhachal WF (Chalakudi, on the way from Thrissur to Munnar)
i. East of Chalakudy, near the entrance of the Sholayar forest ranges are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 kms apart

b. Cheeyappara & Valara Water falls (On the way to Munnar).
i. The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi- Madurai national highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.

2. We leave from thrissur 3PM, after that we directly goto Munnar and stay there.

3rd Day

1. Munnar

a. Mattupetty (13 Kms)
i. The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam.Speed launch and motorboats are available on hire. Visiting time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400-1530 hrs. Rate Rs.5 per head

b. Echo Point (15 kms from Munnar)
i. This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.

c. Eravikulam National Park (15 kms)
i. The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern region of the park.

d. Top Station (32 kms)
i. 1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms every 12 years bathing the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.

e. Pothamedu (6 km)
i. Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
f. Rajamala (15 km)
i. The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr, Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world’s population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Niligiri tahr in rajamala are noe to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300. Visiting Hours : 0700 - 1800 hrs.

g. Kundala (20 km)
i. Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.
2. Going back to Cottage and stay

4th Day

1. Munnar
a. Marayoor (40 kms)
i. This is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth of sandal wood trees. The sandal wood factory of the forest department, the caves (Muniyaras) with murals and relics from the new stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourist's. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also near by.
b. Devikulam (7 km)
i. This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
c. Pallivasal (8 km)
i. This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.
d. Attukal (9 km)
i. A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.
e. Nyayamakad (10 km)
i. Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
f. Lock Heart Gap (13 km)
i. This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
g. Anayirangal (22 kms)
i. It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.
2. Leaving from Munnar after such a great trip (gonna be).

Courtallam

Courtallam the Spa of south and poor man's ooty. It is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). It is said that Lord Siva send saint Agastheyar to the south to avoid imbalance due to overcrowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding. Another notable feature of Courttalam is Chithra Sabha (in which a number of mural paintings of rural deities and stories from epics are depicted in the central hall. This sabha is one of the five Sabas where Lord Nataraja performed the Cosmic-dance. Moreover this temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Chitra Sabha is made out of medicinal herbs. The wooden carved planks serve as doors. Numerous rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate here. It is famous for its waterfalls and has a number of health resorts. The nearest railway station to courttalam is Tenkasi which is just 5 km from here. This is not only a tourist spot but also a health resort. Courttalam water has medical properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments. During the season (period June to September in every year) thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place. The waters of the falls are believed to have medicinal properties as they run through forests of herbs before their descent. Tourists who visit and bathe in the waters claim that the water has a smoothing effect, help the old feel young and the sick heal rapidly. This place has a chill and a superb climate with sizzling of rain drops over us removes the stresses in our mind. The pure wind that starts from malai (mountain) removes the tiredness from our body. 'The Fruit Garden falls' is the pampered kid of Courtallam. Seeds and cuttings of different plants and trees that give exotic varieties of fruits can be got from here. Some of the fruits that grow here are ramdan, mangoosten, egg fruit, dorian...... The main produce is clove, cardamom, jack fruit and mangoosten. These are exported not only to other parts of our country, but also to foreign countries. For those 'urbanites' who bathe under a 'shower' the experience of bathing in the falls will be something to cherish. When one puts one's head under the huge amount of water hurtling down the mountain, one does feel scared, but once one stands under the falls, it is nothing but bliss. With the advent of the season the masseurs are in great demand.Courtallam the Spa of south and poor man's ooty. It is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). It is said that Lord Siva send saint Agastheyar to the south to avoid imbalance due to overcrowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding. Another notable feature of Courttalam is Chithra Sabha (in which a number of mural paintings of rural deities and stories from epics are depicted in the central hall. This sabha is one of the five Sabas where Lord Nataraja performed the Cosmic-dance. Moreover this temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Chitra Sabha is made out of medicinal herbs. The wooden carved planks serve as doors. Numerous rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate here. It is famous for its waterfalls and has a number of health resorts. The nearest railway station to courttalam is Tenkasi which is just 5 km from here. This is not only a tourist spot but also a health resort. Courttalam water has medical properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments. During the season (period June to September in every year) thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place. The waters of the falls are believed to have medicinal properties as they run through forests of herbs before their descent. Tourists who visit and bathe in the waters claim that the water has a smoothing effect, help the old feel young and the sick heal rapidly. This place has a chill and a superb climate with sizzling of rain drops over us removes the stresses in our mind. The pure wind that starts from malai (mountain) removes the tiredness from our body. 'The Fruit Garden falls' is the pampered kid of Courtallam. Seeds and cuttings of different plants and trees that give exotic varieties of fruits can be got from here. Some of the fruits that grow here are ramdan, mangoosten, egg fruit, dorian...... The main produce is clove, cardamom, jack fruit and mangoosten. These are exported not only to other parts of our country, but also to foreign countries. For those 'urbanites' who bathe under a 'shower' the experience of bathing in the falls will be something to cherish. When one puts one's head under the huge amount of water hurtling down the mountain, one does feel scared, but once one stands under the falls, it is nothing but bliss. With the advent of the season the masseurs are in great demand.

Location
Courtallam is 6 km from Tenkasi, 160 km from, 137 km from and 112 km from 64 km from . The nearest airport to Coutrallam is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) approximately 86 km away. 152 km from Alleppey. The nearest railway station to Courtallam is which is just 5 km from here. Either private auto, bus or share van can be taken from Tenkasi to reach Courtallam.

How to Reach
From Chennai Direct train is available every day (podhigai express ) alight at Tenkasi or at Sengottai From Bangalore 6732 Train (Mysore- Tuticorin Express) to Madurai, then Local Tenkasi Train from Madurai (3 trains per day) & reach courtallam by Auto or Taxi.

Section:
The Good time to visit Courtallam is June to September.. Can enjoy the monsoon, with drizzling (Saaral).

List of places to see in and arround coutrallam
Water Falls list in coutrallam

1. Peraruvi (Main Falls) The most popular and frequented waterfalls are the Main falls. Not only during the season, but also during the period November to January, the crest receives the Northeastern monsoon emptying itself on the slopes to swell the falls and the Chittar River. From a height of 300 ft., the Chittar River makes its last descent to the plains.

2. Chittraruvi Adjacent to the Main falls is a small cascade called “Chittraruvi”.

3. Shenbaga Devi Falls A mile away from the Main falls is the Shenbagadevi falls, so called because of its location near to the temple of Shenbagadevi. During full moon days large crowds visit this temple.

4. Thenaruvi (Honey Falls) About 3 miles from the Main falls on the upper crusts of the rocks is the Honey falls. It is so called because of beehives on the promontory. It is a romantic place of solitude and those who seek seclusion come here to meditate on reality.

5. Aintharuvi (Five Falls) Connected by a good road about 3 miles from the Main falls are the Five falls, so named as the cascade spreads in five heads like a hooded cobra. This spot is venerated highly as it presents an image of Adishesha with several hoods.

6. Pazhathotta Aruvi : It is a VIP falls, VIPs only allowed..

7. Puli Aruvi About 6 furlongs form the Main falls is the Tiger Falls with a temple for Shastha nearby. Bathing ghats have also been provided for pilgrims.

8. Pazhaya Courtallam About 4 miles from the Main falls is the Old falls, rarely frequented. Apart from all these falls the place is also famous for the Shiva shrive, Thirukootala nathar, (“Lord of three peaks”).

9. Puthu Aruvi Perched at an elevation of 1,00 ft, and one and half miles from the Main falls is the New falls amidst a sylvan landscape of wild forest. The panoramic view from this ledge is beautiful affording a sight of the entire town below.


Water Falls around coutrallam:

1. Gundarau Falls
2. Kummaroutti falls
3. Paalaru
4. Agastiyar Falls
5. Baanatheertahm