Key hubs
Courtallam airport and railway station
- Airport
- Nearest large airports are Thiruvananthapuram (TRV, about 115-120 km) and Madurai (IXM, about 160 km); Thoothukudi (TCR) is closer at about 90 km
- Railway station
- Tenkasi Junction (TSI), a short drive from Courtallam (listed at about 5 km by Wikipedia and about 15 km by district tourism)
- Getting around
- Local buses and autos link the town and falls; a hired car is easier for Five Falls, Old Falls and Tenkasi
How to reach Courtallam by air
The nearest large airports are Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) at about 115 to 120 km and Madurai (IXM) at about 160 km. Thoothukudi (TCR) is closer at about 90 km, though with fewer flights. Allow roughly three to four hours by road from Thiruvananthapuram.
How to reach Courtallam by train
Tenkasi Junction (TSI) is the nearest main station, a short drive from Courtallam; sources give about 5 to 15 km. Lines run to Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar and Kollam. Sengottai, nearby, is another railhead for some services. Check timetables before you book.
How to reach Courtallam by road
Courtallam is on the Sengottai to Punalur road region, reached through Tenkasi from Tirunelveli, with frequent buses on the Tirunelveli to Tenkasi route and onward to Courtallam. Kerala is close to the west, so a trip combined with Thiruvananthapuram or Kollam is possible.
Getting around Courtallam
The Main Falls, the bus stand and the Kutralanathar temple are close together on foot. Five Falls, Tiger Falls and Old Falls are along the road and need an auto, taxi or hired car. Tenkasi is a short drive for the temple and trains.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Courtallam
- Check bathing status each morning. Bans can come and go within a day, and the safest plan is to watch from the road when flow is strong.
- Take the road and not the steps at Thirumalai Kovil if stairs are hard; the temple has road access to the top.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.