Courtallam Main Falls

Courtallam Main Falls, also known as Peraruvi, is the largest and most prominent waterfall in Courtallam in Tenkasi District, Tamil Nadu, on the Chittar River in the Western Ghats. Dropping about 60 metres, it is fed by seasonal monsoon flows and famed as the 'Spa of South India' for water believed to have herbal medicinal properties. It is the central attraction among Courtallam's nine waterfalls and draws large seasonal crowds.

Visitors can expect a wide cascade falling over rocky cliffs into a shallow bathing area surrounded by forested hills of the Western Ghats. The site has stepped bathing enclosures, changing rooms and viewing areas. During the monsoon season the falls flow vigorously and visitors bathe under the stream, while in dry months flow is reduced. The surroundings include shops, food stalls and access paths, with the Kutralanathar Temple nearby.

Courtallam and its waterfalls are mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature and are historically associated with the Kutralanathar Temple, a temple with Chola and Pandya period influences located near the falls. The area developed as a traditional health resort due to the herbal properties attributed to the water flowing through Western Ghats forests.

Revered as the 'Spa of South India', the water is traditionally believed to have medicinal value as it flows through forests of herbs. Bathing here is a cultural practice combined with pilgrimage to the nearby Kutralanathar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The falls are central to Courtallam's seasonal festival and tourism culture during the monsoon.