Did you know that Kerala is home to many beautiful rivers that flow through green forests, hills, and villages? These rivers are not just water bodies but an important part of people’s daily lives and culture.
From the high peaks of the Western Ghats to the calm Arabian Sea coast, rivers travel long distances across the state. They provide water for farming, drinking, and even electricity generation.
Some rivers are short and fast, while others flow for many kilometers, touching several districts on their journey. Among them, one river holds a special record for being the longest in the state.
Learning about Kerala’s longest river helps us understand the geography, history, and natural beauty of this wonderful region in southern India.
Longest River of Kerala
Periyar River is the longest river of Kerala. It flows for about 244 kilometers and is one of the very few perennial rivers in the state, meaning it has water throughout the year. Because of its great importance in daily life, farming, and electricity production, it is proudly known as the “Lifeline of Kerala.”
Origin and Source of the Periyar River
The Periyar River begins in the Sivagiri Hills, which are part of the majestic Western Ghats mountain range. These hills are located near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border.
From the forests and high mountains, the river first flows northward and then enters Kerala. It travels through deep valleys, thick forests, and fertile plains before finally reaching the Arabian Sea near Kochi.
Course and Flow of the Periyar River
After originating in the hills, the river passes through important districts such as Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur. It flows through reservoirs and dams and later joins the famous Vembanad Lake before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
The river basin covers a large area of land, most of which lies in Kerala, while a small part extends into Tamil Nadu.
Major Dams on the Periyar River
Idukki Dam: The Idukki Dam is the largest dam built across the Periyar River. It is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and plays a key role in generating hydroelectric power for Kerala. A large portion of the state’s electricity comes from this project.
Mullaperiyar Dam: The Mullaperiyar Dam is another important dam on the river. It creates the beautiful Periyar Lake (Thekkady Lake), which supports wildlife and tourism. The dam has been part of a long-standing dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu regarding water sharing and safety concerns.
Important Tributaries of Periyar River
The Periyar River has several tributaries that add to its strength and flow. Some of the major ones are:
- Cheruthoni River
- Mullayar River
- Perinjankutti River
- Muthirapuzha River
- Edamala River
These rivers join the Periyar at different points and help increase its water volume.
Major Cities on the Bank of Periyar River
Several important towns and cities are located along the banks of the river:
- Kalady – Birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya
- Aluva – Famous for the Shivaratri festival
- Angamaly – Known for churches and culture
- Eloor – Major industrial region
- Perumbavoor – Important trading center
- Kochi – A major port city of Kerala
These cities depend on the river for drinking water, farming, industries, and transportation.
Cultural and Religious Importance
The river holds great spiritual value in Kerala. At Aluva, thousands of devotees gather every year during the Shivaratri festival on the riverbanks. Kalady is also a sacred place because it is associated with Adi Shankaracharya.
Many temples, churches, and mosques are located near the river, making it spiritually significant for different communities.
Economic and Industrial Importance
The Periyar River is extremely important for Kerala’s economy. It provides:
- Drinking water to major towns
- Irrigation for farming
- Hydroelectric power
- Support to industries
Nearly 25% of Kerala’s industries are located along the river basin. However, industrial pollution has become a serious concern in recent years.
Why is Periyar River known as the Lifeline of Kerala?
The river supports agriculture, electricity generation, wildlife, industries, and daily life. Since it flows throughout the year and helps millions of people, it is rightly called the “Lifeline of Kerala.”
Without the Periyar River, Kerala’s economy and ecology would face serious challenges.
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