Which Is The Longest River In Kerala?

The state of Kerala is the twelfth-largest state in India by area. It is the twelfth-largest state in India by population. This state’s speciality is its tropical climatic regions, green forests, biodiversity, and many water bodies. The state is very narrow from east to west, only 35-120 km wide. However, even in such a small region, there are 44 rivers in Kerala. The rivers that flow through Kerala are incredibly diverse. Most of them start their journey in the Western Ghats range, providing the state with freshwater suitable for drinking, irrigation, hydroelectric power plants, and ecosystem development. Rivers flowing through Kerala are significant assets to the state, both in terms of the local economy and cultural significance, as well as tourism. In this essay, I will describe one of the rivers in Kerala, as well as its course and role in the area.

Which Is The Longest River In Kerala?

The Periyar River is the longest river in Kerala. The Periyar River is also referred to as the lifeline of Kerala because it provides water for the use of millions of people. It is useful for drinking water, irrigation, hydropower production, and industrial activities. Moreover, it helps in the conservation of wild animals.

The Periyar River originates from the Sivagiri hills located in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 1830 meters above sea level. It flows through the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Idukki district. The river then travels for more than 244 kilometres before finally emptying into Vembanad Lake leading to the Arabian Sea.

In addition to the above, the Periyar River is the deepest river in Kerala. However, the depth of the river changes throughout the year. In addition to the above, the river has one of the tallest and widest arch dams, which is the Idukki Dam.

The water in the Periyar River is used to create water in the Periyar Lake, which is vital to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The water in the lake is consumed by many animals including the elephants, tigers, gaurs and other avian species present in that region.

The Periyar River is the main source of water for many towns and cities in Kerala. One of the many cities that uses the Periyar River as a source of water is Kochi, which is the second-largest city in Kerala. In addition to the above, the water in the river is used for irrigation purposes by many farmers who grow rice, coconut, rubber and spices.

Quick Facts About the Periyar River

• Length: About 244 km, making it Kerala's longest river.
• Origin: Sivagiri Hills in the Western Ghats, inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• Mouth: Flows into Vembanad Lake, which connects to the Arabian Sea.
• Districts: Mainly flows through Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur.
• Nickname: The Lifeline of Kerala.
• Special Feature: It is the longest and deepest river in Kerala.
• Major Dam: Idukki Dam, an important source of hydroelectric power.
• Importance: Provides drinking water, irrigation, and electricity, and supports forests, wildlife, tourism, and local industries.