Sunday, August 29, 2010

Courtallam & Papanasam Waterfalls - Tamilnadu

Friends

With the refreshment which I got from the trip amidst of heavy work stress, I'm writing this for all.

From my childhood days, I have been knowing only one place which is famous for the waterfalls in Tamilnadu and that is Courtrallam.  An amazing place to trip out and enjoy with family and friends.  You don't have to spend more for this trip.  This tourist spot is for all the classes of people.

Let me take you to the core idea of the trip.  We were a group of 7 and we started from the temple city Madurai. 

We took the NH 7 road towards Courtrallam.  We have to cross Srivilliputtur and have to reach Tenkasi.  From Tenkasi, Courtrallam is just 4 kms ahead.  Beautiful view everywhere throughout the journey.  It was awesome to see all the paddy, corn fields.


Corn Fields on the way to Courtrallam
The weather was enjoyable at Courtrallam which welcomed us with drizzles.  My heart was singing Thenmerku paruvakatru song.  I really enjoyed.  We searched for a decent lodge with TV and other facilities.  Most of the lodges are old and I searched for half an hour to get a decent and a brand new hotel.  The main falls of Courtrallam is surrounded with a lot of lodges and community halls.  

Finally we got a hotel named Muruga Vilas opposite to the entrance of Main Falls.  I recommend this lodge.  Room was neat and with brand new LCD TVs.  


Immediately we started to take shower at the main falls.  What an experience.  The shower for half an hour really made us fresh.  We felt really good.  A lot of Idly shops and variety shops with spices, chips, fruits, halwa, hot bajjis are available.  Lot of stalls provide the oil massage before taking bath at the falls.



Tourists visit the falls all through the night there is full protection provided by the Tamilnadu police.  It makes us feel safe there.  We were wandering at 12 at the night and we had tasty idly and dosa near the falls.  I felt happy because of choosing the right time for this trip. 

Main Falls, Courtrallam

Early morning we woke up to enjoy the cool weather with drizzles.  The view from the room was amazing.  My heart wanted to go out and enjoy.  We started leaving room and to have a oil bath at the falls.  The tourist crowd a little bit heavy and the Police protection were also more.  Oil bath made the day an amazing.  

We had hot idlis and dosa immediately after the bath.  It was awesome.  Also tasted the Rafta fruit.  We packed our things and started our journey.  We visited the 5 falls of Courtrallam.  


5 falls of Courtrallam
We didn't took bath there as it was crowded and we started our journey towards Papanasam.  

There are two more waterfalls available at Courtrallam.  The honey falls, Old Courtrallam falls, Senbaga falls which is considered as the dangerous spots were several people lost their lives.  So, it is not recommended to visit those waterfalls.  

We reached Papanasam in 1 hour of journey from Courtrallam.  It was a forest area.  We crossed the small waterfalls before reaching the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

Papanasam Water falls.
Our minds were in search of a good waterfalls to enjoy.  So, we ignored this falls and started towards the origin of Thamiraparani River.  

We reached the Mundanthurai Tiger reserve forest and the last entry time is 4.  We reached by 3:30.  After 4 we cannot reach the falls through the boating.  A lot of boats are available to reach the waterfalls.  Rs.20 per person is charged for the boating.  It was thrilling to travel in boat to reach the waterfalls.  We enjoyed boating.

We were amazed to see the Panatheertham waterfalls while the boat reached the shore.  


Panatheertham Waterfalls, Papanasam.

Our minds started to beat fast for the waterfalls.  We have to cross some distance to reach the waterfalls through the forest.  

We had a cool dip at the falls.  This was the waterfalls were the Roja film song Chinna Chinna Aaasai was shot by Mani Ratnam.  

Origin of Tamiraparani River. Paanatheertham Waterfalls.






We were really hungry after the refreshing bath.  Our minds and mouths were searching for the fish fry which we saw while entering the falls.

We had an excellent food from a local woman who sell fishes caught from the dam.  


Then we started from the forest by 6pm and took the Tirunelveli route towards Madurai through the NH 7.  We reached Madurai at 10:30 and took train to Chennai at 10:40.  

It was a great trip and my friends really enjoyed the trip.  Please visit Courtrallam and Papanasam.  Excellent places of Tamilnadu.  Less expense, good places.  Enjoy the weather and choose the July - September season.  

And the road map is as follows.


View Larger Map


Please take your family and friends to Courtrallam.  Enjoy life and weather.  Do let me know for any travel vehicle and hotels.





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