Wayanad

                     Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on 1 November 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records.The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous tribals in this area.

Chembra Peak:  

                     The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chambra, is very exhilerating.

 

Edakkal Cave:  

                                     This location of breathtaking beauty is three kilometres from Ambalavayal which is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary  and quoted in the District Gazette, Kozhikode, it is only'a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.

Kuruva Island: 

                                              The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 Kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan Bathery. 

Lakkidi:  
                                             One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms.long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:  

                                        Muthanga, Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, here.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:  

                                  Muthanga, Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, here.

KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal

                 Kodaikanal is a city in the hills of the taluk division of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest". Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination.Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains.

How to Reach

                 We reach Kodaikanal Through Two routes By road, One Most familiar route is Vathalagundu We Will Reach Kodai Hills With in 2.00Hrs.Then another route Through Palini It will Take 2.30hrs.

                    Nearest Railway Station is Kodai road,Dindigul Jn.Nearest Airport is Madurai.

SILVER CASCADE

                                              It is 8 KMs Kodai lake. The overflow of Kodai lake comes down here as a 180 feet high waterfall. Those interested can have a bath here.

                                                         

COAKER'S WALK

                              The hill-edged pathway was identified by Er. Cooker in 1872. About a Kilo metre from the lake. Coaker's walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the plains. Entry fee is Collected here

BRYANT PARK

                                This park is situate d on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for its flowers, hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. The Flower Show is conducted every year during May, as part of the Summer Festival, should be seen everyone.

Kodai Lake:

                                  The 24 - hectare lake skirted by a 5km long block for road, is the focal point of Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge (1819 - 1885) who was previously the Collector of Madurai, who retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and members of the club set sail. In 1910 a new boat house was constructed. The boat service was opened to the public and tourists as well in 1932.

THE PILLAR ROCKS

                                      Three boulders stand here, shoulder to shoulder, vertically measuring 122 meters , providing a majestic sight . Pillar Rocks is 7.4 KMs from the lake. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers.

SILENT VALLEY VIEW

                                   Just a little away from the Pillar Rock - Berijam Lake Road, is Silent Valley View which provides a breathtaking view of Silent Valley. Children are carefully.

Guna caves:
                                   Guna caves, made popular by the Tamil movie Guna, previously called Devil’s Kitchen, are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the tragic deaths of twelve youths there.These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the cave system from afar.^[ In the late 1970s the inside of the caves was well photographed.

 Pine forests

                                   Pine forests, In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, Mr. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal.It is One of the best tourist spots and shooting spot in Kodaikanal

MOER POINT

                                      Moer Point provides a lovely view of the valley. It is just 3 KMs from the Pillar Rock - Berijam Lake Road.It is the Starting Point Of Forest Area

 Berijam Lake:

                             Berijam is located at the end of Pillar Rocks Road (old SR-18), 21 km  southwest of Kodaikanal Lake There were two roads from Berijam, the Kodaikanal–Munnar Road to Munnar town, about 40 km  west and another going to Kavunji village, 9 km  north. The old roads are now overgrown with vegetation and used as walking trails by local villagers and trekkers. Encounters with wild animals including bison, elephants and leopards sometimes occur on these trails.
                               The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has restricted entry into the Berijam Lake area to between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the general public. Entry permits are issued at the Forestry Department Office in Kodaikanal. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed in the park each day.There is a forest check–post which prohibits unauthorized entry through the road leading to Berijam Lake.
                                Beyond km marker 13 on the Berijam road there is an observation tower from where one may have a fine view of Berijam Lake and the surrounding forest.Berijam has a Forest Department Camp including an Eco-Education Center for visitors. Nature areas to be visited here include: swamp ecosystem, fresh water ecosystem, nature trail, bridge, medicinal demonstration garden, museum, nature walk, grassland and shola.Site visits are organized for authorized researchers. Trekkers can get permission to stay overnight. There is a Forest Rest House with limited accommodations which serves as an overnight base camp for Forestry Department staff, researchers and trekkers. Visitors must bring their own provisions.

Kukkal caves  :

                                   
                                               Kukkal caves is located at a distance of 40 Km from Kodaikanal, a good place for trekking. To reach Kukkal Caves, travel by bus up to Poombarai and then you have to walk. The way to Kukkal Caves is straight out of a fantasy movie; a walk through geranium plantations and through a pine and wattle forest, an experience that can be described as pure magic. It is preferable to take a local guide. The Kukkal forest rest house is at the end of the trekking route. Early morning walks from the rest house will lead to the land of beautiful Shola trees and gorgeous wild orchids; beware of leeches though. The caves here are actually overhanging slabs of rocks. This rock shelter is at an altitude of 1500 m.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

                                             This is a neat small Hindu Temple around 3 Km northeast from Kodaikanal Lake and Lord Subramanya is worshipped here. According to Tamil Literature, Lord Subramanya or Murugan is the God of 'Kurinji' or the Hilly region.This temple is also associated with the Kurinji Flowers, which blooms once in 12 years and spreads a purple carpet across the hill sides. If last flowered in 2006, during that flowering period it is believed that the honey from this region will be good for health. There are few shrubs of the plant maintained inside the temple building and the Chettiar park near by, but the purple carpet hill views are not seen around this region. Read more about Kurinji Flowers here.

Chettiar Park

                        The beautiful and well maintained park lies towards the north eastern side of the town, on the way to Kurinji Andavar temple. The amazing purple bloom of the Kurinji Flowers can be seen here once in every twelve years. It last bloomed in 2006.

Chettiar park is managed by the township, and is 3.2 Km from the Bus Stand. Unlike other areas this park offers a quiet, pleasing ambience except for a stray bus of tourists that stop by. Those who love timepassing can prefer this park to unwind in a world of calm. It has decked floors for flowering plants, and lots of lush green lawns.

                            Some of the famous movies in Tamil and Telugu have been shot here, notable among them are "Darling Darling Darling" by the off-screen couple Bhagyaraj & Poornima.

 

Bear Shola Falls

                      An ideal picnic spot located 1.6 km from bus stand and within 2 km off the lake, which can be by a picturesque, rugged hill path. Bears once used to drink water! above the falls, hence the name of the falls became Bear Shola falls. The falls are at the best in rainy season, so you can plan your trip accordingly. The Cascades and its gentle murmurs are a hit with the tourists and its a good place for a half day visit.

Thalaiyar Falls

                      This is also called as Rat tail falls. One of the tallest falls in Asia with a 975 ft sheer drop, it can be viewed from 13th kilometer on the Ghat road to Kodaikanal. As soon as you ascend the Kodai Ghat road, there is a place called 'Dum Dum Rock' View point, that provides a panoramic view of the Rat Tail Falls and the Manjalaar Dam below. There is a view tower near the small park, from where you can have a real good view and is worth a few snaps. It is mythical belief that Lord Muruga used to visit the Rock on his entourage to Palani. Local people still have rituals corresponding to this belief and regularly offer prayers in this rock, and create drum-noise during the prayers, hence the name 'Dum Dum Rock'. The falls is located on the opposite hill from the Ghat Road, and has no access road or path. So it is best viewed from the road side benches only.

  Pambar Falls

           This magnificent falls is also popularly called as the 'Grand Cascade'. It can be reached by a steep, slippery path behind Pambar house. Racing down Pambar Ravine is the zig-zagging Levinge stream that cascades over a series of rock formations. The Pambar Ravine showers down the Waterfall and a series of steep and precariously slippery rocks during its meandering course. Pambar Falls is a splendid surprise that awaits tourist as they journey across the rigid paths fringed by rugged hills.

It is 4 Km from Kodaikanal Bus Stand.

Dolphin's Nose

                     A flat protruding rock at the edge of the cliff, below which there is a great depth of about 6600 feet. Its name comes from the obvious resemblance to the Dolphin's nose. This is an awe-inspiring sight though we have wonderful sights throughout the way. It is about 8 Km away from bus stand. A breathtaking view of the scenery below is available.

                              

 

 

 

                                                                                     

 Today Exiting Spots

Kodiveri Dam:

                  Kodiveri Dam is located on the Bhavani River near Gobichettipalayam in Western Tamil Nadu. The dam is situated along the State Highway 15 about 10 km (6.2 mi) from Gobichettipalayam towards Sathyamangalam.

                       It was constructed by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 17th century, with a workforce that combined the labor of elephants and his prisoners. Creating the dam consisted of carving a 20-foot wall of rock. The stones were then interlocked with iron bars and lead was used as mortar. These features, however, are not visible except in the dry season when the water level in the river drops considerably. Two channels arise from the dam, one is on the northern side of Bhavani River and the other on the southern side viz “Arakkan Kottai Channel” and “Thadapalli Channel” respectively. Lands north of Gobichettipalayam are fertile due to the flow of the Thadapalli channel. Cultivation of sugarcane and paddy are predominant in this area.The lush green fields are also a pleasure to watch. 

 

 Bhavanisagar Dam:

                          Bhavanisagar Dam and Reservoir also called Lower Bhavani Dam, is located on the Bhavani River in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. The dam is situated some 16 km (9.9 mi) west to Satyamangalam and 35 km (22 mi) from Gobichettipalayam and 36 km (22 mi) north-east to Mettupalayam. The dam feeds the Lower Bhavani Project Canal.

 

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary:

                                     The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also a declared Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 150 km (93 mi) north-west of Coimbatore city in Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. It shares its boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala. The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges – Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

The protected area is home to several endangered and vulnerable species dinging Indian elephant, Bengal Tiger, Gaur and Indian Leopard. There are at least 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including critically endangered Indian White-rumped Vulture and long-billed vulture.

The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000 km² (2,300 sq mi)), including all of Mudumalai National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Hogenakkal Falls:

                                             Hogenakkal Falls or Hogenakal Falls is a waterfall in South India on the river Kaveri. It is located in the Dharmapuri district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is sometimes referred to as the "Niagara of India". With its fame for medicinal baths and hide boat rides, it is a major site of tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. This is also the site of a proposed project to generate drinking water.

                              Boating in Hogenakkal is allowed during the dry-season as the water falls are not strong enough to disrupt the passage of the boats. This is the main source of income for these boat operators. The coracles are about 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in) in diameter, but still can take a load of eight persons at a time.

 Mettur Dam:

                                        The Mettur Dam is one of the largest dams in India built in 1934. It was constructed in a gorge, where the Kaveri River enters the plains. The dam is one of the oldest in India. It provides irrigation facilities to parts of Salem, the length of Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappali and Thanjavur district for 271,000 acres (110,000 ha) of farm land.
The total length of the dam is 1,700 m (5,600 ft). The dam creates Stanley Reservoir. The Mettur Hydro Electrical power project is also quite large. The dam, the park, the major Hydro Electric power stations and hills on all sides make Mettur a tourist attraction. Upstream from the dam is Hogenakal Falls.
The government of India's water resources ministry site the Mettur dam is an old multipurpose project of the south Indian state (province) of Tamil Nadu across the Cauvery river. It irrigates 1,310 km² (510 sq mi) of land each year. Its installed capacity for hydro-power generation is 250 MW.(Dam scheme 50 MW & tunnel scheme 200 MW)
The maximum level of the dam is 120 ft (37 m) and the maximum capacity is 93.4 tmc ft.In 2012,Mettur dam would not be opened for irrigation on the scheduled dte of 12 June.

Valparai

Valparai is a Taluk and hill station in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu,India. It is located 3,500 feet above sea level on the Anaimalai Hills range of the Western Ghats, at a distance of 100 km from Coimbatore and 65 km from Pollachi.There are 40 hairpin bends on the way to Valparai from Azhiyar. While major portions of the land is owned by private tea companies, large forest areas continue to be out of bounds.

 Valparai is a mid-elevation hill station (Ootacamund is considerably higher). The tea plantations are surrounded by evergreen forest. The region is also a rich elephant tract and is known to have many leopards 

   The scenic drive to the town from Pollachi passes through the Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary noted for elephants, boars, lion-tailed macaques, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, and Giant Squirrels. The area is also rich in birds, including the great hornbill. Water bodies at Monkey falls and Aliyar Dam are also seen en route. A famous place of worship, Balaji Temple also attracts pilgrims. Valparai receives among the highest rainfall in the region during the monsoons 

                                                   

 Solaiyar Dam:

      Upper Solaiyar or Upper Sholayar Dam  is situated 20 km (12 mi) from Valparai, a hill station in the Anaimalai Hills of the Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu India. It is the second deepest dam in Asia.Template:Citation ≈needed A part of the hydroelectric project of Tamil Nadu, special permission is required to visit the dam.

                                                     

 Monkey Falls:

Monkey Falls are natural waterfalls located near the uphill ghat road Valparai on the Pollachi-Valparai road in the Anaimalai Hills range, in Coimbatore district.

Monkey Falls is about 30 km from Pollachi. Refreshing Natural Water Falls about 6 km from Azhiyar Dam. Monkey Falls is located on road connecting Pollachi and Valparai.

 

Aliyar Reservoir

                Aliyar  Reservoir is a 6.48 km² (2.5 sq mi) reservoir located near Pollachi town in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, South India. The dam is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats.

Chinnakallar Falls

                Chinnakallar Falls is the second highest rainfall area in the country. This waterfall is located about 15 km away from Valparai and is surrounded by dense forests.

Topslip:

     Topslip is located at 800 feet (240 m) above sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is popularly known as Anamalai Hills. It is a small place in Indira Gandhi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary that lies in the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu at the southern part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Separated from the Nilgiri Hills by the Palghat Gap on the north, the Park is contiguous to the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to its west and to the Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) and Chinnar Wild life sanctuary.

The Anaimalai Hills :

                              The Anaimalai Hills is a range of mountains in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala states of South India. The name "Anaimalai" derives from the Tamil/Malayalam word 'Anai' meaning elephant and 'Malai' meaning hill, thus Elephant Hill. The highest peak of the Anaimalai Hills is Anamudi, (2,695 meters (8,842 ft)), located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is the highest peak in the Western ghats and South India. To the north, Palghat Gap divides the Western Ghats. The lower slopes of hills now have coffee and tea plantations as well as teak forests of great economic value.

                                               

 

 

                                             Papanasam

Papanasam is a famous picnic spot in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. It falls under the Ambasamudram Taluk. It is situated 60 km from Tirunelveli. The site is popular with tourists attractions like Thamirabarani River, Agasthiyar falls, Siva Temple, Papanasam dam and Hydro Electric Power Plant.

 

Tourist attractions

Manjolai Hills

Located between elevations ranging from 1000 to 1500 Metres, the Manjolai area is set deep within the Western Ghats within the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli District. Located on top of the Manimuthar Dam & the Manimuthar Water Falls, the Manjolai area comprises Tea Plantations, Small settlements around the tea plantations; Upper Kodaiyar Dam and a windy view point called Kuthiravetti
The Tea Plantations and the whole of Manjolai Estates are tea operated by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd on Forest Lands leased by the Government of Tamil Nadu. There are 3 Tea Estates within the Manjolai area - Manjolai Estate, Manimutharu Estate & Oothu Estate. The Estates are located on elevations ranging between 2300 Feet to 4200 Feet. The estates, road & the settlements in the Manjolai area are managed by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd

 Banatheertam:

                        This is one of the first locations that we came to know of, right after we documented Athirapilly Falls. As we were planning for a trip to this place, we thought of posting about this location after the visit. Now, after having visited the falls, I can easily say that the waterfalls in full flow will leave you awestruck. As the Hindu article states, December – January is the peak and our trip coincided with that time period, as visited the falls during the first week of January. The view from the lake as we approach the falls is even better than the view from upclose. If you are in Tamil Nadu, there is no reason why you should not go to this falls.

About the location :
Situated in the Western Ghats, Banatheertham is part of the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and lies above the Karayar dam. A 20-minute boat ride (costing Rs 20) takes one from the dam across the lake. A 10-minute trek takes one to the magnificent waterfalls.

Not many people knew about the waterfall as it was inside the forest. However, Roja (released in 1992) changed all that and hundreds now visit the waterfalls every day. Unlike Courtallam, which is season-oriented, the Banatheertham fall is perennial, with December and January being the peak season. Surrounded by dense forests, the waterfalls present a magnificent sight when viewed from the lake. The boat ride also offers a breathtaking view of the adjoining hills. This range is also known for its plant diversity. The legendary Sage Agasthiya, who is called the father of the plant-based Siddha stream of medicine, is believed to have roamed these hills collecting herbs. In fact, an idol of the sage can be found installed on the hill that abuts the dam.

Movies shot at this location:
Chinna Chinna Aasai/ Dil Hai Chota Sa from Roja
Kallil Aadum TheevE from Anandha Thandavam

                                                                      

Karayar Dam:  

                                 
                                     Karaiyar Dam is located 49 km from Tirunelveli. This is a beautiful picnic spot. The natural beauty of Papanasam a place, 38 km west of Tirunelveli is enhanced by the Agasthiyar falls by which the Tamirabarani river descends into the plains. The water drops from a height of 100m over a wall of rock, covered both sides by forested hills of the Western Ghats. The water here is believed by Hindu Devotees to wash away all sins and there is a legend that close to the falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiyar. The Papavinaswehwara temple is situated near the waterfall.

                                                 

The Kalakkad Mundathurai  sanctuary:

                      The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was created in 1988 by combining Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary (251 km²) and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (567 km²), both established in 1962. Notification of 77 km² of parts of Veerapuli and Kilamalai Reserve Forests in adjacent Kanyakumari district, added to the reserve in April 1996, is pending. A 400 km² (150 sq mi) core area of this reserve has been proposed as a national park.
The continuation of "Project Tiger" in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve for fiscal year 2010-2011, at the cost of Rs. 194.33 Lakhs, was approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority on 28 August 2010

                                 

Agasthiyar Water Falls:

                         The Agasthiar Falls, on the banks of the Thamirabarani river.It is the only falls in which the water comes all the years. It is not like kuttralam in which the water comes only in the season. This falls called all time kuttralam

                                                      

Papanasar Temple

                                    The Papanasar temple the famous shrine in Papanasam which lies in the bank of Thambaraparani river where the main deity is Lord Shiva in the name of Papanasar (Destroyer of Sins). The name of the Goddess is Lord Loganayaki who is also known as Ulagambigai.
This Papanasar temple is first among the NavaKailayams where the Navagraha known for this temple is Surya (The Sun). Papanasar is mainly known for his healing powers where he seems to be the medicine for any diseases in the world. He has the power to cure any diseases for his disciples who really have the love and affection on him.
The temple is famous for its Chittirai Peruvila where the Urchavam used to happen for 13 days. This is in memory of Saint Agasthiyar where he got the Kalyana Dharshan of Lord Shiva and Parvathy in RishabaVahana along with his wife Ulobamuthirai.
The body of Lord Papanasar is wholly and naturally made of Rudraksha who is also known as Rudrakshanathar. The old name of Papanasar is VairajaLingam.

                                                               

Manimuthar Falls:

Location : Kallidakurichi, Tamil Nadu

Manimuthar Falls is a natural waterfalls flowing through out the year situated above the Manimuthar dam. The falls near by has a pond which has a depth of 90 feet. It is really a picturesque place. It is just in 35 km from Tirunelveli city. There is no public transport service to go this place. The private cabs are offering the service from Tirunelveli. It would be an adventurous feeling driving to the place.

                                                       

                                             Courtallam

Courtallam (Tamil: குற்றாலம்) or Kutralam, Spa of South India, is a panchayat town situated at a mean elevation of 160 m (520 ft) on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Many seasonal and few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region. The numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the ubiquitous health resorts in the area have earned it the title the Spa of South India.

The falls carry a good amount of water only when there is a rain on the hills, so it is advisable to see the weather forecast, when one plans to come to Courtallam . Season begins from June of every year till September. The South West Monsoon brings in the cold breeze with mild temperature. From October to December North East Monsoon sets over in Tamil Nadu and the climate is cold and the rains are very heavy sometimes. Sometimes the falls get flooded and people are not allowed to take bath during floods.

Peraruvi (main falls) the biggest falls in Courtallam, is about 60m high. The flow of water is interrupted by the Pongumakadal, a 19m deep crater and comes down with greatly reduced impact, making a bath safe

In Chitraruvi (small falls), the flow is thin. Here naturally separate places for men and women are there to bathe. Chitraruvi leads to other waterfalls such as Shenbagadevi and Thenaruvi and the herbal farm.
                                                         

At Shenbagadevi falls, the water flows through shenbaga (Michaelia champak) trees. There is also a temple there, dedicated to Shenbagadevi Amman.
                       

 About 3 km from this is Thenaruvi (honey falls), 40m high and cascading between two large stones. In places where there is no water, one sees big honeycombs.
                             

Aintharuvi (five falls) is one where one thoroughly enjoys being in a crowd of bathers. Five separate cascades of water form this waterfalls.

                                             

From the orchard above flows Pazhathotta Aruvi, the 'VIP falls'.
                                       

The Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi (Old Courtallam falls) used to fall into a valley from between two rocks. The valley was closed and the rocks were broken to change the course of water and make bathing easier. It was reopened later.


                                                      

The artificial Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls) has a moderate flow of water which collects in a lake and is diverted for irrigation,sometimes tigers visit this place for water


                                              

There is another small falls inside the Government Horticulture Park above Five Falls, but it is off limits to the public

 The three major waterfalls reachable by road are the Main Falls, Five Falls, and Old Courtallam Falls. Other waterfalls like Shenbaga Devi Falls and Honey Falls are reachable only by trekking on the mountain.

Places to visit

1. Therkumalai Estate can be reached from Honey falls in 1 hour, which is roughly at 2000 ft altitude.
2. Boat Houses near the Five Falls and Old Courtallam Falls.
3. Snake Park nears to the Main Falls
4. Aquarium near the Main Falls.
5. Children's Park.

Modes of Transport

Roadways

Courtallam is mainly connected by bus transport to the two main cities of Tenkasi and Shenkottai. Madurai to Shenkottai buses are frequently available in Courtallam. Buses are frequently available only during the season time. In the remaining months most of the buses takes Ilanji to reach Shenkottai. Like buses to Old Courtallam also available during the season time only.

Railways

There are no railway stations in Courtallam. But from the Tenkasi Railway station, one can reach Courtallam within 20 minutes by road.

1. Podhigai Express which comes from Chennai Egmore to Shenkottai and vice versa.
2. Shenkottai to Madurai Passenger and vice versa.
3. Shenkottai to Tirunelveli Passenger and vice versa.

Some special trains from Chennai Egmore and Tuticorin are run by Southern Railway occasionally during season and festival time.