Pazhaya Courtallam, or Old Courtallam, is the original falls site associated with the town before the Main Falls became the primary tourist draw. It sits close to the centuries-old Kutralanathar Temple dedicated to Shiva, and pilgrims often combine a temple visit with a dip here. The falls are smaller and less crowded than the main cascade, fed by the same seasonal Chittar streams. Old Courtallam Falls sits at an elevation of 269 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, July, September, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Old Courtallam Falls Park, Tiger Falls, and Shenbaga Devi Temple. Other notable highlights include natural jacuzzi-like pool beneath the ancient cascades, close-up view of the 200-year-old Kutralanathar Temple gopuram, and cool medicinal mist from the falls on a hot afternoon. It falls within Tenkasi district and Tamil Nadu, India.
State: Tamil Nadu
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Hours
January, July, September, February
No, there is no entry fee or advance booking required to visit the falls; it is open to the public free of charge. However, on weekends and public holidays the area can get very crowded, so arriving early (before 9 AM) is advised for a peaceful experience. There is a small parking fee for cars and two-wheelers at the designated lot.
Yes, the falls are relatively accessible compared to the main Courtallam Falls, with a short, paved walkway from the parking area to the viewing platform. However, the steps near the pool are slippery and uneven, so seniors should avoid climbing down to bathe and instead enjoy the view from the top. Walking sticks and sturdy, non-slip footwear are strongly recommended.
Yes, there are basic changing rooms and public restrooms maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department near the entrance. You will find a few small tea stalls and snack vendors selling local items like murukku, boiled peanuts, and hot tea, but options are limited. For a proper meal, it is best to carry your own packed food or eat at restaurants in the nearby town of Courtallam, about 3 km away.
Bathing in the shallow pool directly under the falls is allowed and considered safe for adults, but the water is very cold and the rocks are extremely slippery. Lifeguards are not always present, so seniors and non-swimmers should avoid entering the water and simply enjoy the mist and scenery from the railing. Alcohol, loud music, and littering are strictly prohibited, and visitors are urged to respect the natural surroundings.
The ideal time is from June to September, during the southwest monsoon, when the waterfall is at its fullest and most spectacular. The falls are open year-round, but from October to May the water flow reduces dramatically, sometimes to a trickle, making the visit less rewarding. Avoid visiting during heavy flood warnings, as the authorities may temporarily close the area for safety.