️ Culture,
Tradition, and Lifestyle
Tenkasi acts as a cultural bridge between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
·
Spiritual Heritage: The town was
established by the Pandya Kings to provide a "Kasi" (Varanasi)
experience in the South for those who could not travel to the North. The breeze
here, known as Thendral, is celebrated in Tamil
literature.
·
The Courtallam Lifestyle: Life in the
district revolves around the "Season" (June to September). When the
Southwest Monsoon hits Kerala, the Courtallam falls roar to life, and the
entire town transforms into a festival of bathing, oil massages, and hot food.
·
Border Culture: Towns like Shencottai share close
ties with Kerala. You will find a mix of Tamil and Malayalam influences in the
dialect and customs.
·
Weaving: The district is home to traditional
weavers, particularly in the Veeravanallur and Pattamadai regions (famous for
Pattamadai mats nearby).
Culinary Heritage
and Famous Food
The cool climate and fresh water make the food in Tenkasi exceptionally
tasty.
·
Courtallam Border Parotta: No trip is
complete without visiting the Border Rahmath Parotta Stall
near Shencottai. The flaky, layered parottas served with spicy chicken salna and quail (kaadai) fry are
legendary.
·
Twin Halwa: While Tirunelveli has the wheat
halwa, Tenkasi and Courtallam are famous for hot, fresh halwa served in the
evenings after a cold bath in the falls.
·
Banana Chips: Due to the proximity to Kerala, you
get excellent varieties of Nendran banana chips here.
·
Munthiri Kothu: A traditional sweet made of green
gram, jaggery, and coconut, popular in the festive seasons.
️ Administration
and Infrastructure
Tenkasi is a relatively new district, focusing on tourism and
agriculture.
·
District Profile: It was bifurcated from Tirunelveli
in 2019 to improve administrative reach in this hilly, border region.
·
Parliamentary Constituency (MP): The district falls
under the Tenkasi (SC) Lok Sabha constituency.
·
Assembly Constituencies (MLA): Key legislative
assemblies include Tenkasi, Kadayanallur, Sankarankovil (SC),
Vasudevanallur (SC), and Alangulam.
·
Economy:
o Tourism: Courtallam is the
economic engine.
o Agriculture: Rice, coconut, and
lemon are major crops. The region is known for its fertile soil fed by the
Chittar River.
o Wind Energy: The Kayathar belt
(nearby) and parts of Tenkasi are dotted with windmills harnessing the pass
winds.
Education Hub:
Schools and Colleges
Tenkasi serves the educational needs of the rural and semi-urban
population effectively.
·
Colleges: Sri Parasakthi College for
Women (Courtallam) is a historic institution that has empowered
women in the region for decades. J.P. College of Arts and
Science is another prominent name.
·
Schools: The district has several
well-established higher secondary schools in Tenkasi town and Shencottai that
produce state-rank holders.
Major Festivals
·
Saral Thiruvizha: A government-organized festival
during the Courtallam season (July/August) celebrating the waterfalls with
cultural programs and flower shows.
·
Tenkasi Viswanathar Temple Car Festival: celebrated in the
Tamil month of Masi (Feb-March), where the massive
temple chariot is pulled through the streets.
·
Adi Thapasu: A grand festival at the Sankarankovil temple (nearby), where Goddess Gomathi
performs penance to see Shiva and Vishnu as one (Sankaranarayana).
Unique Highlights:
Why Tenkasi is Special
1. The Spa of the
South: The water in Courtallam flows through forests of
medicinal herbs before crashing down. Bathing here is considered a form of
herbal therapy that cures skin ailments and relieves stress.
2. The Breeze
(Thendral): The geographic gap in the Western Ghats (Shencottai Gap) creates a constant,
cool airflow. Standing in Tenkasi, you can feel the "Thendral" that
poets have sung about for centuries.
3. Thirukutrala
Kuravanji: This famous piece of Tamil literature was written here, celebrating the
beauty of the Courtallam Lord and the landscape.
Top Tourist
Attractions and Sightseeing Places
Tenkasi is nature's playground.
1. Courtallam Waterfalls (Kutralam)
The main attraction. There are nine falls in total, the most popular
being:
·
Main Falls (Peraruvi): The biggest and
most accessible.
·
Five Falls (Aintharuvi): The water splits
into five streams, resembling the five heads of a cobra.
·
Old Courtallam Falls: A quieter
alternative to the Main Falls.
·
Tiger Falls: Small and safe, ideal for children.
2. Kasi Viswanathar Temple
Built by Parakrama Pandyan.
·
The Gopuram: The massive 180-foot gopuram is a
marvel.
·
The Breeze: The temple is designed such that the
breeze flows through it in a specific pattern. It is the spiritual anchor of
the town.
3. Sankarankovil
(Sankaranarayanaswamy Temple)
Located about 30 km away.
·
Significance: The deity here is half-Shiva and
half-Vishnu, symbolizing the unity of Saivism and Vaishnavism. The "Ant
Hill Sand" (Putru Mann) offered here is believed to cure diseases.
4. Gundar Dam
A scenic dam located near Shencottai. It is a perfect picnic spot with
boating facilities, nestled at the foot of the hills.
5. Thirumalai Kovil
A hilltop Murugan temple near Panpoli. The location offers a stunning
panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the coconut groves below.
6. Papanasam (Agasthiyar Falls)
(Located in the nearby Tirunelveli district, but easily accessible). The
river Thamirabarani starts here. A dip in the river is said to wash away all
sins (Papa-nasam).
Relax, Rejuvenate,
and Rejoice!
From the roar of the falls to the taste of the spicy Border Parotta,
Tenkasi is a sensory delight.
For
customized Courtallam season packages, hotel bookings, and temple tours,
contact us:
Mobile: +91 77088
94141
Website:
www.renghaholidays.com
Rengha
Holidays – Your Gateway to Nature's Spa.
