There are 44 rivers in Kerala mostly originating in the Western Ghats
as rivulets, later joined by tributaries to grow into large rivers and
flowing westwards ending up in the Arabian Sea or in the famous
backwaters of Kerala.
Some of these are great rivers worth the name, but quite a lot are
big streams or river-turned-into stream because of unwise usage. Still,
this river-tributary -distributary system is spread over most of the
State bestowing the beloved greenery on Kerala and serves as means of
irrigation, waterways and hydro-electric power generation. Being
rain-fed many of them unfortunately shrink into rivulets or bare
riverbeds during the hot season.
Periyar River
With a length of 244 kms, this “Big River” is the longest and serves
as the lifeline for Keralites giving precious drinking water to the
towns of the region. It originates from the Sivagiri Hills and flows
through the Periyar National Park into the Periyar Lake. The Mullayar is
a large tributary which joins Periyar before it enters the Reserve.
This area is one of unmodified rain forests. Mullaperiyar Dam much in
the news is constructed at the confluence of the two.
One of the tributaries is directed to Tamil Nadu as part of an
agreement. Downstream the river flows 35 km North West and joins the
Idukki reservoir. The Idukki Dam hydro-power station along this river is
the largest supplier of electricity to the State of Kerala. In summer
the water level at Idukki reservoir is a big concern for the Electricity
Board. There are other power projects also on the river, but not of
such magnitude.
At Aluva the river bifurcates, one branch flows into the sea and the
other into the Kochi backwaters. Sivarathri is celebrated grandly on the
Aluva sands.
Bharathapuzha
Puzha means river, it is the river of Bharat – India. Also known as
Nila, the river originates in the Anaimalai Hills. She rushes through
Palakkad Pass and flows westwards blessing Palakkad, Thrissur and
Malappuram districts before joining the sea at Ponnani. This river is
the lifeline for many towns and villages. Most of it is not navigable.
During summer it almost becomes dry and non-existent.
It is no wonder as there are 11 reservoirs along its course.
Malampuzha dam is the largest; it is a place that attracts many
tourists, to spend a day or stay for a couple of days. All the dams are
for irrigation, so one can imagine what a great gift this river is! A
new Regulator cum bridge has come up for the dual purpose of supply of
drinking water as well as shortening distance between Thrissur and
Kozhikode. The shutter has caused abundant water to collect; the fish
species almost extinct have come back, specially the Vaala the king of
fresh water fishes.
River Nila has inspired many a poet some famous names among them.
Kerala Kala Mandalam for training in Indian performing arts is on the
bank of the river, so is the birthplace of Kunjan Nambiar the most
renowned satirist poet and the founder of humorous Ottamthullal.
There are some famous temples on its banks. The ceremonies to pay
homage to ones ancestors are done at Thirunavaya near Navamukunda temple
on the bank of the river. The place has historic importance too, as an
arranged fight between the warriors of Zamorin of Kozhikode and Raja Of
Valluvanad used to take place here once in 12 years. The fight would
end only when all the members of one group die. It was originally a
trade fair, but became a venue for fracas for asserting rights of the
respective rulers. Due to avaricious sand mining, the river is slowly
dying.
Pampa River
Pampa called
Dakshina Ganga is considered holy by Hindus,
but even that denomination has not succeeded in keeping it clean. This
3rd longest river originates from the cold Pulachimala Hill 1650m above
sea level in Peermedu plateau and flows through a lot of populated
areas such as Ranni, Kozhencherry, Pathanamthitta and so on. It empties
into the Great Vembanad Lake. Ten tributaries merge with Pampa during
her course. The river contributes to the agricultural wealth of
Kuttanad, the ricebowl of Kerala.
The shrine of Sabarimala of Lord Shastha (Ayyappan) which draws
millions of pilgrims stands on its hilly bank. A bath in Pampa is a
must before “darshan” of the Lord. Mnay consider it equal to a dip in
The Ganga.
Manimala River
Originating from the Muthavara hills in the Western Ghats at 2500ft,
this river flows through Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, joins the Pumba
near Thiruvalla. It also ends up in the Vembanad Lake. The river basin
is to the north of Pampa river basin.
At the confluence of both rivers was an ancient port Niranam.
Manimala River has been an important waterway of central Travancore. It
flows through the midland plains giving the precious gift of water to
the population.
Chalakudy River
Strictly speaking it maybe a tributary of Periyar but its importance
gives it a special individual existence. originating from Anamalai
hills, It flows through Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam districts in
the course of 145.5 km. The riparian forests and the high diversity of
fish in the river makes this river unique. The riparian vegetation
covers an area of 58.5 hectares. More than 300 species of flowering
plants, some of them rare, adds to the scenic beauty.
Diversity of fish in this river could be the highest in India. There
are nearly 100 varieties of fresh water fish. A lot of them are
ornamental used in aquariums. The stunningly beautiful
Athirappilly waterfalls
is on this river. It is a spot of tourist attraction. There are 2
Hydro-electrical Projects based here. The Parambikulam Dam for
irrigation purposes is built on its tributary.
Kabini River
Kabini is a native of Wayanad, formed by the confluence of Panamaram
and Mananthavady rivers in Wayanad. Farther Kabini flows eastward to
join the Kaveri River and empties into the Bay of Bengal. One branch of
the Panamaram river starts from Banasura Sagar reservoir and the other
from Lakkidi hills.
Two kilometers from the confluence, Kabini forms the
Kuruva Island
a fairly large one with diverse flora and fauna. Kuruva Island is a
nice spot to spend a day. Within another 20 km the river reaches the
Kabini Resrvoir bordering Kerala and Karnataka. Before that Kalindi
river in which the rivulet Papanashini near Tirunelly temple has merged,
joins Kabani.
The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir recedes in summer forming
grassy meadows. Then it becomes a haunt of wild life, specially
elephants. The large lake, green landscape and the wild life makes the
place very attractive.
Chandragiri River
She comes to a conclusion, I mean the river ends up in Kasargod
district of Kerala and empties into the Arabian Sea. It is a great view
to see this river joining the sea as it is a huge mass of water. The
17th century Chandragiri fort stands on her banks. Her origin is in
Kodagu district of Karnataka State. On her way the river becomes the
major source for domestic and agricultural needs in Sullia Taluk. The
river has also another name
Payaswini.
Kerala is crisscrossed by many more rivers and lakes. It is indeed a
place to relax and enjoy the green nature at its closest. Hope you will
take time to visit one of the above mentioned rivers when you travel to
Kerala!
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