Welcome to the definitive guide on the Old Falls of Courtallam (also known as Pazhaya Courtallam or Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi), a hidden gem among the nine famous waterfalls of this region. If you’re searching for detailed, accurate, and practical information about this location, you’ve come to the right place.
Overview: What Makes Old Falls Special?
The Old Falls, locally referred to as Pazhaya Courtallam, is a unique waterfall situated about 8 to 10 kilometres from the main Courtallam town, along the road to Tenkasi .
Unlike the more crowded Main Falls, the Old Falls offers a quieter, more peaceful experience, allowing visitors to truly enjoy the scenery and rejuvenate without the hustle and bustle of large crowds . Its unique features make it a favourite among locals and travellers seeking a more serene natural experience.
Key Features and Attractions
1. The Natural and Man-Made Design
The waterfall is known for its distinctive two-tiered structure:
- Upper Tier: This section is completely natural, featuring a stair-stepping formation of rocks. These rocks naturally curb the rapid flow, making it safer and easier to stand under the water, which provides a natural back massage .
- Lower Tier: This is a man-made modification consisting of an artificially modified pool where people can take a safe and refreshing swim .
2. The Height and the Steps
The waterfall cascades down from a height of approximately 200 feet (about 60 metres) . To make the experience safer and more enjoyable, steps have been cut directly into the rocks to break the free fall of the water, allowing you to walk up and enjoy the cascading streams at different levels .
3. Family-Friendly Environment
The Old Falls is an excellent spot for families and children. The presence of two separate children’s pools in front of the main waterfall, coupled with the man-made pools, makes it a safe and fun environment for younger visitors to play .
4. Convenient Facilities
- Separate Bathing Areas: There are designated separate bathing areas for men and women, ensuring privacy and comfort for all visitors .
- Local Amenities: The area is bustling with small shops selling bananas, tea, and snacks, making it convenient for a day out . Oil massage services are also available for those seeking a traditional therapeutic experience .
Location and Accessibility
- Distance from Main Falls: It is situated approximately 8 km from the main Courtallam falls .
- Distance from Courtallam Town: The falls are about 6 to 10 km from the town centre .
- Distance from Tenkasi: The falls are located on the road to Tenkasi, making it easily accessible from the city .
- The Journey: The drive to the falls is a highlight in itself, taking you through beautiful forested mountains, green blossoming rice fields, and roads lined with coconut and mango trees .
Important Travel Note
The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, which means tourist access is sometimes restricted. It is highly advisable to check local conditions before planning your visit .
The History and Legend of the Falls
The story of Courtallam and its waterfalls is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology and royal history.
The History of the Old Falls: From Natural Wonder to Man-Made Bathing Spot
The story of the Old Falls (Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi) is a fascinating blend of ancient legend, practical modification, and modern-day tourism.
A Divine Origin: Sage Agasthya and the “Spa of the South”
The history of the Old Falls is deeply intertwined with the origin of the Courtallam waterfalls themselves, which is rooted in a famous Hindu legend . It is said that during the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at Mount Kailash, a huge crowd gathered, and Sage Agasthya could not get a clear view of the ceremony . He prayed to Shiva, who promised to grant him a darshan (vision) at Kutralam (the ancient name for Courtallam) .
When Agasthya arrived, he was denied entry by the gateway deities, as it was originally a Vishnu temple. Through his spiritual powers, the sage transformed the idol of Vishnu into a lingam (the iconic form of Shiva), pressing its head so hard that it is said to have given Shiva a headache . To alleviate this, Agasthya prepared a medicinal oil using cow milk, green coconut, and a mix of 42 herbs . Pleased by his devotion, Shiva made the place his abode. This is why the region is known as the “spa of the South” , with its waters believed to have therapeutic properties, possibly due to the dense forests of medicinal flora the river flows through .
The Evolution of the Old Falls Itself
The specific history of the Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi is more recent and practical. Unlike the other waterfalls, the Old Falls is not just a natural cascade but a location that has been modified by human hands to serve a purpose .
- Original State: In its original state, the waterfall used to fall freely from between two rocks into a valley below .
- The Change: To make bathing safer and more accessible for tourists, the course of the water was changed. The valley was closed off, and rocks were broken to create a large pool, restructuring the waterfall into the more controlled, step-like cascades you see today .
- A Later Reversal: This man-made pool was later torn down to let the water flow more naturally again, though the current structure with its stair-stepping rocks remains a blend of the natural cascade and the interventions made for bathing .
Even its designation as “Old Falls” is relative; it is called “old” to distinguish it from the more famous Main Falls (Peraruvi) and the Five Falls (Aintharuvi) . The modifications made to it are what give it its unique character today, offering a quieter, more controlled bathing experience than some of the other, more powerful falls . Historical accounts from the 18th century mention the Courtallam waterfalls as a place of great sanctity and pilgrimage, frequented by thousands .
In essence, the Old Falls is a place where ancient divine legend and practical, human ingenuity have combined to create a unique and historically layered natural attraction.
A Divine Sighting for Sage Agasthya
A prominent legend tells the story of Sage Agasthya, who could not witness the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi due to a heavy crowd at Mount Kailash. He prayed to Shiva, who promised to give him a darshan (vision) at the spot which is now Kutralam.
When Agasthya arrived, the gateway deities initially did not allow him entry. Using his spiritual powers, the sage transformed the original Vishnu temple into a Shiva temple, creating a Lingam. It is believed that the head of the deity carries the mark of the sage’s hand from this event .
The “Spa of the South” and the 42 Herbs
To alleviate the headache that Shiva is said to have received from the pressing, Sage Agasthya prepared a special oil using cow milk, green coconut, and a mixture of 42 herbs. This act of devotion is said to be the reason why the waters of the Chittar River, which flow through dense forests of herbal flora, are believed to possess such potent medicinal qualities .
The Nine Waterfalls of Courtallam
The Old Falls is one of the nine notable waterfalls in the Courtallam region, all fed by the river Chittar .
| Name | Other Names | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Main Falls | Peraruvi | The biggest waterfall, with a 19m deep crater (Pongumakadal) that reduces the impact of the water . |
| 2. Old Falls | Pazhaya Courtallam | Our featured falls, known for its quieter experience, man-made pools, and stair-stepping rocks . |
| 3. Five Falls | Aintharuvi | Cascades down in five separate sections, with separate bathing areas for men and women . |
| 4. Small Falls | Chitraruvi | A smaller, adjacent fall with a thin water flow and separate natural bathing spots for men and women . |
| 5. Shenbagadevi Falls | – | Located at a higher altitude, reached by trekking, and associated with a temple dedicated to Shenbagadevi Amman . |
| 6. Honey Falls | Thenaruvi | Located 3 km from the main falls, known for honeycombs found in the area . |
| 7. Tiger Falls | Puli Aruvi | A moderate-flow fall that was once a watering hole for tigers, now often used for irrigation . |
| 8. Fruit Garden Falls | Pazhathotta Aruvi | Also known as the “VIP Falls,” it originates from an orchard above and is now largely restricted to the public . |
| 9. Palaruvi Falls | Milk Falls | Located across the state border in Kerala . |