Periyar River, River system in Kerala, India
The Periyar is a river system in Kerala that flows about 244 kilometers from the Sivagiri hills through the state before reaching the Arabian Sea near Kochi. Multiple dams have been built along its course to harness water for power generation and supply.
The river system formed naturally from the Sivagiri hills and shaped Kerala's landscape for centuries. The 20th century brought major changes through the construction of dams and irrigation systems that transformed how water was managed across the region.
The river passes by Kaladi, birthplace of the philosopher Sankaracharya, and links to pilgrimage sites at Malayattoor and Aluva. People visit these locations along the river to connect with its spiritual importance.
You can explore the river valley best from different vantage points, especially where dams create viewing areas. Visit during the dry season when water levels are lower and the surroundings become easier to navigate and see.
Water from Periyar Lake travels through a mountain tunnel into Tamil Nadu, providing irrigation to five districts there. This engineering project allows water to cross state boundaries and support multiple regions simultaneously.
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