Tourism in india

The waterfall is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines. The falls appear suddenly, the water cascading over rocks into calm pools.

During the monsoon season the water flow is very high. During the dry seasons the flow is considerably diminished.

From Madikeri the falls are accessible by a narrow road to the coffee estate. A path through coffee and cardamom plantations leads to the waterfalls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the road. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons have brought plenty of water.

The Chalakudy River,145 kilometres (90 mi) long, originates in the Anamudi mountains (Western Ghats) and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. Forest wildlife includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. Plantations in the area contain teak, bamboo, and eucalyptus. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre (0.6 mi) until it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Imburmuzhi.

The railway station nearest Athirappilly Falls is 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west in Chalakudy, and the nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 55 kilometres (34 mi) southwest of the waterfall and 58 kilometres (36 mi) south of Thrissur.

Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taxi or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal. Athirappilly is situated on the highways connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, amidst thick forest, so night riding is not advised.

The journey from Chalakudy to the Athirappilly Falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. A steep narrow path also leads to the bottom of the falls.

The falls attract visitors from across India, especially during the monsoon months (June-September). About 7 million tourists visit the falls and the Vazhachal picnic spot each year.

An interesting trek route at the Monkey Falls; a linear stretch of evergreen forests surrounded by rocky cliffs, is avaialable and regular guided treks are conducted during favourable season. Prior notice should be given to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department before a fortnight.

you can get a bus or travels from pollachi which is 29km away from monkey falls.

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

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.

• Gundarau Falls
• Kummaroutti falls
• Paalaru
• Agastiyar Falls
• Baanatheertahm

River Sharavathi splits up into four different tracks which are named in accordance with their perceived trajectories. Going from left to right respectively in the picture, the names and the reasons for naming are:

Raja (King): Named so because of its apparently 'dignified' and 'serene' fall.

Roarer: This stream appears out of a mass of rocks, making a tremendous amount of noise.

Rocket: Consists of a large volume of water streaming out of a small opening at a very high speed.

Rani (Queen), also called Lady: The stream has a winding, twisting trajectory, said to resemble the movements of a female dancer.

Associated with the waterfall is the nearby Linganmakki Dam across river Sharavathi, and the hydro-electric power station that it serves. The power station has been operational since 1949, and is, at 1200 MW capacity, one of the largest hydro-electric stations in India and a significant source of electric power for Karnataka. The power station was previously named Krishna Rajendra hydro-electric project, after the King of Mysore at that time. The name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi hydro-electric Project. It was served by Hirebhaskara dam until 1960. After 1960, thanks to visions of Sir M. Visvesvarayya, Linganmakki Dam, built across river Sharavathi is being used for power generation.

August-December is the season of best flow and best time to visit. Jog is situated at 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from Sagara, and 379 kilometres (235 mi) away from Bangalore.

Nearest Bus Stations - Jog, Sagara. One can reach Jog from direct buses to Jog from Bangalore. Alternative way is to take direct bus to Sagara from Bangalore and local bus from Sagara to Jog. Distance - 379 kilometres (235 mi) from Bangalore, 102 kilometres (63 mi) from Shivamogga and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Sagara.

Nearest Train Station - Shimoga. One can take train to Shimoga from Bangalore and can travel to Jog in buses from Shimoga.

Airport - Bangalore airport is the nearest operational airport. Another convenient airport is Mangalore.