Situated in the Western Ghats, Banatheertham is part of the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and lies above the Karayar dam. A 20-minute boat ride (costing Rs 20) takes one from the dam across the lake. A 10-minute trek takes one to the magnificent waterfalls.

Our boatman informed us that not many people knew about the waterfall as it was inside the forest. However, Roja (released in 1992) changed all that and hundreds now visit the waterfalls every day. Unlike Courtallam, which is season-oriented, the Banatheertham fall is perennial, with December and January being the peak season, the boatman added.

Surrounded by dense forest, the waterfalls present a magnificent sight when viewed from the lake. The boat ride also offers a breathtaking view of the adjoining hills. This range is also known for its plant diversity. The legendary Sage Agasthiya, who is called the father of the plant-based Siddha stream of medicine, is believed to have roamed these hills collecting herbs. In fact, an idol of the sage can be found installed on the hill that abuts the dam.

The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) wildlife sanctuary, referred to as Mundanthurai, is located 45 km from Tirunelveli on the Western Ghats. This sanctuary covers an area of 516 sq km. Though principally a tiger reserve, it is also noted for chital, sambar and lion-tailed macaque. It was created from two adjacent sanctuaries, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary. Both were established in 1962, said a forest officer.

KMTR forms part of the inter-State (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Agasthyamalai sub-cluster, including all of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site, the official said.

The KMTR, the second-largest protected area in Tamil Nadu, is situated at an altitude range of 50-1,700 metres, with tropical wet evergreen forests (rainforests) occurring chiefly above 500 metres.

The topography is rugged with numerous perennial hill streams originating from the rainforest areas on the upper slopes. These confluence to form major rivers of Tambiraparani, Manimuthar and Ramanadhi. The rivers support the agricultural economy of the adjoining plains.

The forests include the catchment area of the Manimuthar, Kodayar, Servalar and Karayar dams. A 5-km night safari is on offer for the adventurous tourist. However, permission is required from the forest department.

Mundanthurai is approachable only by road. The nearest town is Ambasamudram (10 km), nearest rail head is Tenkasi (35 kms) and Tirunelveli is 45 km away.

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