Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 2 : Tourist activity resumed at the popular Courtallam waterfalls in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi district on Sunday after authorities lifted the bathing ban at the Main Falls and Five Falls, which had been imposed following a rise in water levels due to heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats.
The restriction had remained in force for the past two days after heavy rains increased the flow of water at the waterfalls. With water levels receding, officials withdrew the ban at the Main Falls and Five Falls, allowing visitors to resume bathing.
Tourists were seen enjoying baths at the Main Falls, Five Falls, Puli Aruvi and Chitraruvi after the restrictions were eased. However, the bathing ban at Old Courtallam Falls continues as a precautionary measure due to safety concerns.
Meanwhile, a large number of tourists visited Courtallam over the weekend, leading to severe traffic congestion on roads connecting to the tourist spots. Vehicular movement was particularly affected on the road leading to Five Falls and along the Main Courtallam Road, with traffic congestion extending for nearly two kilometres.
Visitors urged the authorities to deploy additional traffic police personnel during weekends and holiday seasons to manage the heavy inflow of tourists and ease traffic congestion.
Courtallam, popularly known as the "Spa of South India", is one of Tamil Nadu's major tourist attractions and draws thousands of visitors, especially during the monsoon season, when its waterfalls are in full flow.
Earlier today, Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister Rajesh Kumar said the state government is taking steps to transform Courtallam into a world-class tourist destination, with a focus on strengthening tourism infrastructure, improving sanitation facilities and making the popular tourist spot "Plastic-Free" and "Garbage-Free".
Speaking to reporters after inspecting ongoing tourism development works, the minister said infrastructure projects are being implemented across various tourist locations in the region.
"Development works are underway at Periya Eri in Keelapavoor, including a boating facility, tourist amenities and modern toilets. Works worth around Rs 11.50 crore are being carried out at Main Falls, Five Falls, Tiger Falls and Small Falls to establish modern toilets, food courts and other basic facilities for visitors," the Tourism Minister said.