Periyar
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Overview
The Periyar is Kerala's longest river and flows west from the Western Ghats. The Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams are on it, and the Periyar reserve is rated among the best-managed protected areas.
It rises in the Sivagiri hills of the Western Ghats and flows through Idukki and Ernakulam districts to the Vembanad lake and the Arabian Sea.
The Mullaperiyar dam, built in 1895, diverts water east to Tamil Nadu, and its safety and water level are disputed between the two states.
Periyar is the lifeline for Kochi's water supply and industrial belt.
Geography and key facts
- Longest river of Kerala
- Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams
- West-flowing
- About 244 km long
- Mullaperiyar dam (1895)
- Kochi water supply
Why it matters for UPSC
Don't confuse it with E.V. Ramasamy 'Periyar' of the Self-Respect Movement (1925).
Note for UPSC
The longest river of Kerala; Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams are on it.
Prelims asks about tributaries, the states a river flows through, its basin and the projects on it, so trace the course on the map.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Periyar yet.
Key facts
- Type
- River
- State / UT
- Kerala
- River system
- Peninsular
- Basin
- West-flowing (Western Ghats)
- Extent on map
- 9.3°–10.2°N, 76.2°–77.3°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.