Courtallam – Shenbaga Devi Falls

Grade

Easy

Distance

4 km there and back

Walking time

3 hours

Altitude

346 m

Best months

Oct – May

Start point

Courtallam Forest Guest House

District

Tenkasi

Nearest station

Tenkasi, ~5 km

Nearest airport

Thoothukudi, ~100 km

About this trail

Courtallam is known for its waterfalls, and Shenbaga Devi is one of the prettier ones, tucked a little above the main town. The trail starts near the forest guest house and climbs gently through shaded woods and over rocky sections to the base of the falls. The whole route is about 4 km there and back, and takes roughly three hours with stops.

Families, students and first-time trekkers will be comfortable here. Rocks near the water stay slippery, so the guide keeps the group in safe viewing spots and bathing is only allowed where permitted. October to May is the usual window, and the flow is strongest in the first few months after the rains. Carry a change of clothes in case of spray.

Highlights

• Shenbaga Devi Falls at the end of the path
• Shaded forest walk above Courtallam
• Short and manageable for most people
• Good for photography
• Easy to combine with the main Courtallam falls

How the day goes

1. ReportingArrive at the forest guest house and register with ID.
2. BriefingMeet the guide and hear the safety points near water.
3. Uphill walkClimb through the woods and over rocky steps towards the falls.
4. At the fallsSpend time at the falls from the permitted areas; take a snack break.
5. ReturnWalk back down to the guest house with the guide.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Tenkasi, ~5 km
• By air: Thoothukudi, ~100 km
• Stay: Not included; hotels in Courtallam and Tenkasi.

What to carry

• Photo ID
• Water bottle
• Sandals or shoes with good grip
• Spare set of clothes
• Dry bag for phone
• Light snacks

Good to know

These are guided trails run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and each has a daily limit on walkers. Book a few days ahead, carry the same photo ID you booked with, and expect a trail to close at short notice after heavy rain or when elephants are active nearby. We book the permit, arrange the car to and from the start point and, if you want, a hotel nearby for the night before.

More trails in Tenkasi