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Lower falls (square), Courtallam, Tamil Nadu. In June when the south West monsoon rolls up the western coast of India, bathers and pilgrims flock to the south Indian “spa” of Courtallam. The streams originate in the thickly forested hills that lie south of the Shencottah gap. These same hills also host some of the highest levels of diversity in the entire Western Ghats. Their protection ensures ample water for farmers and pilgrims while providing a home for irreplaceable biodiversity. Waterfalls like this symbolize the close relationship between natural forests and the life giving water of these streams. When they are degraded or destroyed they give less. It is a key lesson that the millions of people living on the plains value. (June 2001).