Tenkasi Tamil Nadu – Land of Waterfalls

03/12/2022 Indrani Ghose

Traveling to Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu? Here is guide to best things to do in Tenkasi. I explored the place for a day and here I have a list of tourist attractions in Tenkasi; its hidden places, towering temples, cascading waterfalls, famous snacks of Tenkasi and places to stay in Tenkasi.

Tenkasi, a newly carved out district of Tamil Nadu (separated from Tirunelveli district on 22 November 2019), is located in the lap of Western Ghats thus making it picturesque and serene. It is blessed with a soothing climate, even the monsoons are pleasant. This little known gem provides ample spots to explore and tons of interesting things to do in Tenkasi.

Traveling with kids or as couples for honeymoon or for seeking spiritual solace, the list of attractions in Tenkasi satiates all.

Five Falls – Best things to do in Tenkasi

Tenkasi Things to Do

India is a very diverse country, yet in its diversity you will find several elements common in its different districts and states. Some of them are the temples, nature’s gifts, traffic chaos and maze of narrow lanes and wide roads.

I found Tenkasi, one of the 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, to be no different. There are many interesting things to do in Tenkasi even if you are there just for a day. You may be wondering why this little known town Tenkasi is famous or special. I had the same misgivings when I chose to do a night halt in Tenkasi on my way to Kollam from Bangalore.

Tenkasi the name – Ten in Tamil language means south and Kashi is the old name for the city of Benaras, now called Varanasi which is known for the Kashi Vishwanath temple. This place Tenkasi too has a famous Vishwanath temple. Tenkashi literally translates to Kashi of the South.

Read on to know more about this little known tourist gem of south India.

Temples of Tenkasi

Kashi Vishwanath Tenkasi – This temple is very grand, just absorbing in the details of the façade left me mesmerized. It is also called Arulmigu Tenkasi Sivan Temple. Built by Pandyan ruler Parakrama Pandyan during the 13th century, it is dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. Later the Madurai Nayaks made additions to the existing structure. Read more: Kasi Vishwanath Temple Tenkasi.

Diety – Shiva is worshipped as Kasi Viswanathar and his consort Parvathi as Ulagamman.

Location – Kasi Temple of Tenkasi is situated within walking distance from Tenkasi old bus stand.

Kasi Vishwanath temple Tenkasi

Thirumalam Rock Cut Temple – If you can spare three to four hours, you can make a quick trip to the prehistoric rock cut caves. Two rock cut cave temples are situated on a hill of Thirumalapuram. Another name, familiar to locals, is Varanasi Malai in Sankarankovil Taluk of Tirunelveli District. They are located 45 km east of Tenkasi and take around 1 hour 11 min by road. Archaeological evidence, like the Neolithic tools, found here prove that people lived here even 10,000 years ago.

The southern cave temple seems incomplete compared to the northern one which has a Shiva Linga, hewn out of the rock. There are faded murals, an 11th century inscription on one of the pillars and idols of Brahma, Nataraja, Vishnu and Vinayaka, which are slightly damaged. The statue of Nandi too is damaged. Studies of the architectural details conclude that the temple must have been hewn by the Pandyas in the 7th century. The inscription mentions a gift of land to the temple by a prince called Chakravart in Srivallabha Deva.

Timing to visit the caves is – 9 AM to 5 PM.

Thirumalai Kovil – 20 km north of Tenkasi there is a 400 years old Murugan Temple, known by the name Thirumalai Kovil. Main deity here is God Murugan with four hands in a standing posture. He is known by the names ‘Thirumalai Kumarasamy’ or ‘Thirumalai Murugan’ in this temple shrine.

It is believed Muruga gave darshan to sage Agasthiar at this place. Construction of the temple dates back to the 15th century. There are few 18th century inscriptions in the temple. This temple is the nakshatra temple of people born under Vishaka star. Inside there is a shrine dedicated to the Kaali Goddess called ‘Thirumalai Kaali amman’.

Till some years back one had to climb 625 steps to reach the temple at the hilltop. Now there is a motorable road which takes you directly to the entrance of the temple.

Festivals celebrated in the temple

Step festival on the first of Chithirai in April
Vaikasi Visakam in May/June
Skanda Sashti in October/November
Karthikai float festival in November/December
Thai Poosam in January/February

Thirumalai Kovil is located in Panpoli, Sengottai in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, South India. Nearest town is Tenkasi, 20 km away.
Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 8.30 PM.

Ayikudi Balasubramanya Temple – located in village of Ayikudi, 7km north of Tenkasi. Travel time by road is 14min. The main deity is God Muruga. Other idols here are of Mahadeva, Ambika, Ganesha, Mahavishnu and a beautiful idol of God Aditya (The Sun).

The legend about the temple and its association with Ramayana, the holy epic, makes it very popular to those who are spiritually inclined. It is believed that Hanumanji passed through this place while searching for Goddess Sita. He had felt thirsty but couldn’t find water anywhere so He created a river with his tail and quenched His thirst. Thus, the river is known as Hanuman River.

Ayikudi Balasubramanya address: Sri Balasubramanya Swami Temple, Ayikudi P.O, Tenkasi Taluk, Tirunelveli – 627 852, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM. Closed 12 PM to 5 PM.

Thiru Kutrala Natha Swamy Temple – There is no way you can miss this temple if you visit the Courtallam Waterfalls. It is just before the final few steps to the waterfalls. Staunch devotees offer their prayers here before they proceed to the waterfalls. Those interested in the history and architecture of south Indian temples can feast their eyes on the various sculpted statues and inscriptions in the temple.

God Muruga in the temple enclosure appears with a bow in his hand with his consorts Valli and Devasena. There are the statues of Bhagwan Vishnu, Kasi Viswanathar, Kasi Visalakshi, Tenkasi Viswanathar Swamy, Ulagammai Ambikai, Nellaiyappar Gandhimathi Ambal and Navagrahas, and Vallabha Ganapathy.

Address: ArulmiguThirucourtrallanathaswamy Temple, Courtallam, Tenkasi– 627 802

Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM
Moolavar (main deity): Thirkkutralanathar
Amman/Thayar (Goddess of the temple): Kuzhalvoimozhi
Theertham(holy water): Sivamathu Ganga Theertham (Main Falls – Peraruvi)
SthalaVriksham (holy tree of the temple): Kurumbala tree (Jackfruit Tree)

Thiru Kutrala Natha Swamy Temple Tenkasi

The Land of Waterfalls

Did you know Tenkasi is called the Spa of South India? The waterfalls of Tenkasi make it a popular tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, India.

If temples are not your forte there are waterfalls, not one but several of them to satiate your love for nature. Tenkasi is famous for its waterfalls, one of the reasons why Tenkasi is called the spa of south India. Much of Tenkasi is at the foothills of Western Ghats which has trumped up cascading waterfalls increasing the serenity of the place and making it a prominent tourist destination of Tamil Nadu.

I was under the impression Courtallam waterfalls is just one entity, but the myth was shattered soon when the receptionist of the hotel I was staying rattled out names of five waterfalls nearby in one breath… Old Courtallam Falls, Five Falls, Main Kutralam Falls, Tiger Falls and Small Falls.

Five Falls – a treat to eyes to see five waterfalls of varying proportions accompanied by the soothing sounds of the gushing falls. Two of the falls here are exclusively for women. I saw young girls and women take baths here. I was tempted to soak there but sadly hadn’t got a change of clothes. The tour hardly takes ten minutes unless you want to soak in the floating droplets.

Tiger Falls is a small safe fall for bathing. It is said tigers of nearby forests came to this waterfall to quench their thirst, hence the name.

Honey Falls is a good trekking place in Tenkasi. Not advisable for those with weak knees, as the trek is strenuous and it is not advisable to have a bath in this waterfall. Beware of the leeches during the trek.

July to March is the best months to visit Courtallam. June to September is the monsoon months here. However the rains are gentle and it is a pleasant experience. The flow of the waterfalls is moderate enough during this period for tourists to bathe safely.

List of falls and their Tamil names for conversing with local transport drivers

Main Kutralam Falls – Periaruvi, Five Falls – Aintharuvi, Tiger Falls, Puli Aruvi, Small Falls – Sitraruvi, Old Courtallam – Pazhaya Kutralam Aruvi, Shenbaga Devi Falls – ShenbagaDevi Aruvi, Honey Falls – Then Aruvi. By now you must have understood Aruvi means waterfalls in Tamil language.

There are more, some of them are privately owned by the rich real estate owners of Tenkasi. You have to buy special tickets and hire vehicles to get to them. Gundar Dam falls near Kannupulimettu is a private fall, said to be reserved for VIPs. There is another private fall in Mekkarai estate.

A boathouse and Children’s Park has come up in the vicinity of the falls which are added attractions for the tourists visiting the Tenkasi.

Tenkasi Famous Snacks and Food

Non veg biriyani is the most sought after dish in Tenkasi. But vegetarians needn’t be disappointed; several hotels of Tenkasi serve pure veg meals too. Among many of the snacks, fried savouries available there my favorite is the freshly fried banana chips. I stood mesmerized watching the mechanized slicing of semi ripe bananas, positioned to fall straight into hot boiling oil. The cook, very skillfully swirled the chips to get them fried evenly.

Tenkasi Travel FAQ

Where to stay in Tenkasi

I stayed in Saaral Resort which is located very close to Main Courtallam Falls. Comfortable rooms, though with poor net connectivity. Other recommended hotels are Green Garden Resorts and Mango Resorts with good ratings.

How to reach Tenkasi?

By air: Tenkasi has no airport. It is well connected to other major cities by road. The nearest airport is in Trivandrum at a distance of 68 km.

By rail: There are no regular trains from other major cities of the country to Tenkasi. Nearest railway station is at Tirunelveli which is located at a distance of 55 km.

By road: I travelled from Bangalore to Tenkasi by road in my own vehicle. The NH 44 takes you to Madurai which has tolls and from there by NH 744 to Tenkasi. Road conditions are very good. We travelled in Nov 2022.

How to get around in Tenkasi?

Tenkasi has good public transport service. Alternately you can hire private taxis or auto rickshaws. You can hire a private vehicle for a day or two. Being locals they can drive you to hidden places in Tenkasi. Since we had our vehicle we could plan and access the top attractions well.

How many days are enough for Tenkasi?

Two days are sufficient if you plan your itinerary well. You can visit the waterfalls, the temples, gorge on the tasty meals and snacks and also spend time at the children’s park and boating.

Best months to travel to Tenkasi

July to March – these months are ideal time to visit the waterfall town of India.