Key Facts about Periyar River

About Periyar River:

• It is the longest river in Kerala.
• It is known as the “lifeline of Kerala” because it is an important source of irrigation and power generation.
• Course:
  • It rises in the Sivagiri Hills of the Western Ghats range near the border with Tamil Nadu.
  • It flows north through Periyar National Park into Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created in 1895 by the construction of a dam across the river.
  • It further flows into the Vembanad Lake before emptying into the Arabian Sea, north of Kochi.
• It is one of the few perennial rivers of the region and is a crucial source of drinking water.
• Major Tributaries: Muthirapuzha River, Mullayar River, Cheruthoni River, Perinjankutti River and the Edamala River.
• It plays a major role in generating hydro-electricity.
  • The largest hydroelectric project is the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, which generates a significant portion of the electricity for Kerala
  • Other dams constructed across the river are Neriyamangalam, Pallivasal, Panniyar, Kundalam, Chenkulam, and
• The birthplace of Sankaracharya, the greatest Advaita philosopher, is at Kalady, which is situated on the bank of the Periyar.