Tamil Nadu which lies in the tropical region is blessed with a lot of natural places. The mix of natural and cultural wealth makes the state a tourist haven. From mighty rivers to calm lakes and dense forests, Tamil Nadu is an experience in itself. Hereβs a look at the important rivers in Tamil Nadu that make the state a rich place.
Rivers in Tamil Nadu
Kaveri River
One of the most sacred rivers in India, Kaveri is also known as βthe Dakshin Gangaβ which means βGanga of the Southβ. The river has its origin in Talakaveri in the state of Karnataka at a height of 1,341 meters. Flowing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Kaveri is at its widest in Tiruchirapalli District (Tamil Nadu) where it meets Amaravati and Noyil rivers. In this place the river is called βAkhand Kaveriβ.
Flowing out of Tiruchirapalli, Kaveri divides into two branches and both branches drain into Bay of Bengal at different points.
Thamirabarani River
Originating from the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats near the district of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, Thamirabharani is the main source of drinking water for people in three southern districts of Tamil Nadu β Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Nagarcoil.
The river which originates at an altitude of over 2000 meters flows as Vanatheertham waterfalls close to its origin. It has four tributaries which join along the way β Peyar, Ullar, Karaiar and Pambar. The river meets the Papanasam Reservoir and is joined by another tributary called Manimuthar which originates from the same eastern slopes as Thamirabharani.
Bhavani River has its origins from the neighbouring state of Kerala where is rises from the Palghat ranges. In Tamil Nadu, the river flows into Coimbatore District and is known for its taste of water. The South West monsoon contributes to the flow of water in the river.
It is one of the largest rivers in Tamil Nadu (second largest) and ultimately joins Kaveri River on the borders of Salem District.
Palar River
Once a source of drinking water and agricultural activities to the people near Vellore District in Tamil Nadu, the river has become unusable now. A lot of tanneries which are situated near the river, release their effluents which mix with the river water making it unfit for consumption and agricultural activities.
Thousands of acres of fertile lands near the banks of the river and other natural places have been affected because of this. The Palar River meets the ocean as it drains into the Bay of Bengal.
Vaigai River
The Vaigai River originates from the Varusanadu Hills in western Tamil Nadu. The city of Madurai has Vaigai River as its main source for drinking and other needs. The Vaigai River basin (lands surrounding the river) is used for cultivating paddy crops.
The river which usually dries up during summer months flows into Palk Strait which divides India from Sri Lanka.
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