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Ayurveda Go To Index Page Kutralam,
South India's most natural spa Kutralam (Tamil Nadu): With the onset of the monsoon across the country, tourists are making a beeline for Kutralam waterfalls in Tamilnadu. Because of its medicinal properties, these falls are also popularly called as the "Spa of the South." Kutralam, located at an elevation of about 550 feet on the southern arm of a deep bay in the Western Ghats attracts tourists from all over the world. These falls are not only a tourists spot, but also known for its medicinal properties. It is said that water at Kutralam has the capacity to cure tonsillitis, blood pressure, cough, cold and other diseases. It would not be wrong to identify Kutralam as the Spa of the South. The water here passes over a lot of medicinal herbs, and therefore has the capacity to cure a number of ailments. There is also a belief that mentally ill, get cured after bathing at the falls. The tourist boom in the area had dropped over the past two years because of acute deforestation and improper maintenance say tourists. "It is a fact that this water has unique medicinal properties and the force of the water on top of our body makes us feel free of all tensions and worries, and completely relaxes us. So, I feel that this gift of Mother Nature should be enjoyed by one and all," said Kadirvelan, a tourist. "It is only because of its medicinal values that people come in large numbers. This is what I have experienced in the 51 years that I have come here," added K.M. Shankaranayanan, a tourist. "The water flow of the falls has not been consistent and the main reason for that is deforestation. So what we need is to do is to stop the cutting of trees and preserve the environment. This year the water flow in the falls has been good," he further added. Body massages are the main attraction here for tourists. Many
may not know this, but Kutralam had even surprised officials of the
East India company in the 19th century. In 1811, the Company deputed
a special medical team to study Kutralam and the medicinal properties
of its waters. The committee found that the water possessed rare rejuvenating
and reinvigorating qualities. In 1835 Dr. White, carried out extensive
research in the Kutralam hills. According to him, there were 2,000 varieties
of flowers and herbal plants. The devastating floods in 1992 destroyed
the bathing ghats, dressing rooms and other safety structures near the
falls and also a part of the Arulmigu Tirukkutralanathar Temple. Renovation
work has been since then carried out, giving a refreshing look to the
area.
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