Old Courtallam Falls
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Old Courtallam Falls

4.5
·6k reviews·Pulichikulam, India

Discover the serene Old Courtallam Falls, known for its pure, medicinal waters and tranquil, less crowded atmosphere. Enjoy separate bathing pools in ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Old Courtallam Falls

Old Courtallam Falls

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the serene Old Courtallam Falls, known for its pure, medicinal waters and tranquil, less crowded atmosphere. Enjoy separate bathing pools in a pristine, plastic-free environment.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"Experience the revitalizing, pure waters believed to have medicinal properties for body relief."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Auto/Bus for Final Stretch

Vehicles stop before the falls; use autos (₹100) or buses (₹10) for the last few kms.

💧 Pack Your Own Snacks

No shops inside the falls area anymore. Bring water and snacks for your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pure, Medicinal Waters

Pure, Medicinal Waters

Main waterfall pool

Experience the revitalizing, pure waters believed to have medicinal properties for body relief.

Separate Bathing Pools

Separate Bathing Pools

Designated areas

Enjoy a comfortable and private bathing experience in distinct pools for men and women.

Forest Department Care

Forest Department Care

Surrounding area

Appreciate the clean environment with no plastics allowed within 500m, thanks to forest department efforts.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Plan Your Visit

Old Courtallam Falls is less crowded than its famous 'Five Falls' counterpart, making it a more serene experience. Arrive early or during weekdays to enjoy the pure, medicinal waters with fewer people. Remember, shops are now restricted nearby, so pack essentials.

Getting There & Essentials

Vehicles can't reach the falls directly; you'll need an auto-rickshaw (around ₹100) or a government bus (₹10 per person) for the final stretch. Ample parking is available at the boarding point. Bring your own snacks and water as shops are limited.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During season
Why
Best water flow and accessibility
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Auto/Bus for Final Stretch

Vehicles stop before the falls; use autos (₹100) or buses (₹10) for the last few kms. Reddit

💧 Pack Your Own Snacks

No shops inside the falls area anymore. Bring water and snacks for your visit. Reddit

🚫 Plastic-Free Zone

Help maintain cleanliness; plastics are prohibited within 500m of the falls. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Be Prepared to Walk

There's a significant walk from the parking area to the falls. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Auto/Bus for Final Stretch

Vehicles stop before the falls; use autos (₹100) or buses (₹10) for the last few kms. Reddit

💧 Pack Your Own Snacks

No shops inside the falls area anymore. Bring water and snacks for your visit. Reddit

🚫 Plastic-Free Zone

Help maintain cleanliness; plastics are prohibited within 500m of the falls. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Be Prepared to Walk

There's a significant walk from the parking area to the falls. Reddit

😌 Enjoy the Calm

Less crowded than Five Falls, offering a more peaceful experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Old Courtallam Falls for its pure, medicinal waters and less crowded atmosphere compared to other popular falls. The separate bathing pools and the clean, plastic-free environment are also highlighted as positives. However, the inconvenience of vehicles not reaching the falls directly and the lack of nearby food shops are noted drawbacks.

"Good falls. Not much of rush. People were less compared to other falls. No shops nearby. It’s recommended to take autos because it will take some distance to visit from parking"

Pooshan d

"One of the best looking waterfalls, recently undertaken by forest department, no plastics are allowed within 500m radius, no shops inside for food anymore. The railings are removed and the falls is far more easily accessible now. One of the best place to visit during season"

MUKILAN S

"It is not as good as five falls. It is very narrow compared to five falls. Moreover you have to walk quiet a long distance leaving your vehicle back.
Autorickshaw charge anywhere between 80 to 100 rupees."

Mohammed Nayeem

What People Like

Pure, medicinal water
Less crowded
Separate bathing pools

What People Dislike

No direct vehicle access
No nearby food shops

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can drive to a designated parking area, but vehicles cannot go all the way to the falls. From the parking, you'll need to take an auto-rickshaw (around ₹100) or a government bus (₹10 per person) for the final few kilometers. Reddit

Yes, there is a large parking space available at the point where you board the autos or buses for the final leg to the falls. Reddit

While not precisely stated, reviews indicate it's a 'quiet a long distance,' suggesting a walk of a few kilometers. Reddit

Autos are readily available for hire to take you to the falls from the boarding point. Reddit

Yes, government buses run frequently from the boarding point to the falls, making it accessible via public transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of entry tickets for Old Courtallam Falls in the provided information. The primary costs are for transportation to the falls. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not provided, but it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours, especially during the season. Reddit

The falls are best visited during the season when the water flow is good. It's advisable to check local conditions before planning a visit outside the peak season. Reddit

Yes, plastic is strictly prohibited within a 500m radius of the falls to maintain its cleanliness. Reddit

No, vehicles are not allowed to go directly to the falls. You must park and use local transport like autos or buses for the final approach. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Old Courtallam Falls is known for its pure, clean water, which is believed to have medicinal properties that can provide relief to the body. It also offers separate bathing pools for men and women. Reddit

Compared to other falls like Five Falls, Old Courtallam is generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful and less rushed experience. Reddit

Yes, there are separate bathing pools designated for men and women, allowing for a comfortable and private experience. Reddit

The water is described as very pure and is believed to contain medicinal properties, offering relief to the body. Reddit

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for bathing and walking. Since there are separate pools, modest swimwear is recommended. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no shops for food inside the falls area anymore. It is recommended to bring your own food and water. Reddit

Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own food and snacks as there are no vendors within the immediate vicinity of the falls. Reddit

You will likely need to travel back towards the main town or other tourist areas to find restaurants and food stalls. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main waterfall itself, the separate bathing pools, and the surrounding natural beauty offer great photo opportunities. Capture the serene environment. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions mentioned regarding photography, but always be respectful of other visitors' privacy. Reddit

A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the falls and surrounding landscape. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan to get close to the water. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Courtallam Falls can be a fun outing for families, especially with its separate bathing pools that offer a sense of privacy. The water is generally shallow and calm in designated areas, making it relatively safe for children to play under supervision. The 'medicinal' aspect of the water is also a unique talking point for kids. Reddit

Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options are scarce. The walk from the parking area might be a bit long for very young children, so consider carrying them or using the auto-rickshaw service. The clean environment, free from plastics, is also a plus for families concerned about hygiene. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Old Courtallam Falls is a great option for budget travelers. While there's no entry fee, the main cost is the transportation to the falls. Opting for the government bus (around ₹10 per person) is the most economical way to reach the falls from the parking area. Reddit

Bringing your own food and water will save significant money, as there are no shops nearby. The experience of enjoying the natural beauty and therapeutic waters is free, making it a highly cost-effective destination. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Medicinal Waters of Old Courtallam

Old Courtallam Falls is renowned not just for its scenic beauty but also for the perceived medicinal properties of its water. Many visitors believe the pure, mineral-rich water offers therapeutic benefits, providing relief for various bodily ailments. This belief adds a unique spiritual and wellness dimension to the visit, drawing people seeking rejuvenation. The forest department's efforts to maintain a plastic-free zone further enhance the natural purity of the water and its surroundings. Reddit

The experience of bathing in these waters is often described as incredibly refreshing and soothing. The separate bathing pools for men and women ensure a comfortable and respectful environment for all visitors to enjoy this natural spa. It's a place where nature's healing power is readily accessible, making it a popular destination for those looking for both relaxation and well-being. Reddit

Navigating to Old Courtallam Falls

Reaching Old Courtallam Falls involves a two-stage journey. While you can drive your vehicle to a designated parking area, the final approach to the falls requires a different mode of transport. This is primarily due to environmental protection measures and accessibility. Visitors must then rely on local options like auto-rickshaws or government buses to cover the last few kilometers. Reddit

Autos are readily available and typically charge around ₹100 for the trip, while government buses offer a more economical option at approximately ₹10 per person. These buses run frequently, ensuring you can reach the falls without much waiting. The parking area is spacious, accommodating a good number of vehicles, and the transition to local transport is well-organized. Reddit

This system helps preserve the natural beauty of the falls by reducing vehicular traffic and pollution in the immediate vicinity. It also supports the local economy by providing employment for auto drivers and bus operators. Planning for this short transfer is key to a smooth visit. Reddit

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