Kutralam (Courtallam)

This tiny town near Madurai is known for the numerous enormous waterfalls known to come down roaring with such a rush that it looks like a million pearls getting scattered from a string. A lot of people sit under these waterfalls and bathe here, and it is believed that the falls in Courtallam have therapeutic powers. Through the course of the streams, they pass through forests which are rich in medicinal herbs, and believers believe that it is this that enriches the water from the falls giving it therapeutic energies that help in improving health conditions, stress, diseases. Travellers feel much lighter and relieved after taking a bath in these showers.

Some of these falls have temples located close-by which have interesting stories about how they were in the first place. It is said that when Lord Shiva married Parvati, sage Agastya could not see their wedding processions owing to the huge crowd that had gathered to witness the holy matrimony. It is then that he prayed to Lord Shiva to be able to have a glimpse of his almighty. Impressed by his conviction and honesty, Lord Shiva and Parvati are said to have appeared in front of the sage in their wedding attires. This place came to become their home and was later known as Papansanathar, the falls close to the temple is known as the Agasthiyar falls.

Courtallam wins you over with the simplistic little joys that it offers to its visitors. Easily accessible and is inexpensive.