Madurai: Courtallam’s waterfalls went from near-dry rocks to flood restrictions within 24 hours after rain returned to the Western Ghats.Water flow remained low at Main Falls, Five Falls, Old Courtallam, Tiger Falls and Small Falls until Tuesday night. The southwest monsoon brought limited rain to the Tenkasi region during much of the season, leaving several bathing points without enough water.Rain began in the hill catchments on Tuesday night and continued intermittently on Wednesday. Tenkasi recorded 1.12cm during the 24 hours ending Thursday morning, while Adavinainarkoil dam received 1.4cm.By Wednesday, water began cascading again at Main Falls and Five Falls. Tourists bathing under the renewed flow drew visitors from nearby districts. Shops selling food, oil, clothes and bathing essentials also reopened after weeks of poor business.The revival, however, lasted less than a day. Continued rain in the Western Ghats increased inflow on Thursday and triggered flooding at many waterfalls in the region. Police cleared the bathing areas and placed barricades as water crossed the safety limits.Bathing was prohibited at Main Falls and Five Falls, while officials monitored the other waterfalls. Tourists were advised to await clearance before entering the bathing points as rain continued in the catchments.“We came after seeing the waterfalls in full flow on television, but police stopped us before we could take a bath. The children are disappointed,” Gopinath, a tourist who travelled with his family from Virudhunagar, said.