How Many Rivers in Kerala? Longest & Smallest River

The Western Ghats are the source of 44 rivers of Kerala, but only three of them originate there. There are 41 of them that flow west and just three that flow eastward. When it comes to length, width, and the amount of water they carry, Kerala’s rivers are on the tiny side.

Rivers in the Western Ghats are likely to flow faster due to their proximity to the ocean and the region’s undulating landscape. This has tamed every river, and a large number of them either convert back into creeks or entirely vanish in the summer.

Many of Kerala’s water resources, including its spectacular cascades, stunning sea coasts, rivers, and wonderful dams, are being preserved by the state.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and relax amid nature, the rivers in Kerala might make it a terrific place to visit. The following is a list of some of Kerala’s most stunning rivers, all of which you should visit at some point.

Some of the following rivers in Kerala:

Periyar River:

Periyar is one of the most significant and biggest rivers in Kerala, and goes a step further in influencing the culture, traditions, and way of life of many people. When the weather is nice, you may see some of the most beautiful scenery, complete with palm and coconut trees.

Kerala’s Periyar River, which is one of the state’s most beautiful, is secluded enough to be unspoiled by city activity. This river is a must-see if you enjoy the outdoors.

River Name	Periyar River
River Length	244 km
River Discharge	295 m³/s
River Source	Tamil Nadu
River Mouths	Arabian Sea, Vembanad Lake
River Cities	Kochi
Bridges of River	Varapuzha Bridge, Marthanda Varma Bridge Aluva

Nila River:

After the Periyar, this majestic river is one of the second-largest rivers of Kerala; it originates in the Western Ghats, in the Annamalai Hills, and runs into the Arabian Sea.

Even though flow it is quite large, this river cannot be crossed and therefore it passes through the peaceful neighborhoods of Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram. The verdant scenery that surrounds this incredible treasure helps create a view that is nothing short of a dream come true.

River Name	Nila River
River Length	209 km
River Discharge	161 m3/s
River Source	Anamalai Hills
River Mouths	Lakshadweep Sea
River Cities	Kerela
Bridges of River	—

Chaliyar River:

Chaliyar, sometimes called Chulika and Beypore, is the fourth-longest river of Kerala. Chaliyamand is where the river’s southern edge touches the Lakshadweep atoll.

The north is called Beypore. The fact that this river continues to flow even when there is a severe lack of precipitation is what fascinates people the most about it.

River Name	Chaliyar River
River Length	169 km
Discharge	—
Source	Western Ghats
Mouths	Arabian Sea, Laccadive Sea
Cities	Kozhikode
Bridges of River	—

Bharathapuzha River:

With a length of 209 kilometers, the Bharathapuzha is the longest river in Kerala. Due to its reputation as one of Kerala’s most picturesque rivers, the Bharathapuzha river attracts a lot of tourists that enjoy the outdoors.

The Bharathapuzha River has considerable cultural value because many renowned poets were born in the cities that are situated on its banks. The temples along the river’s banks, which you should see while on vacation, are another factor contributing to its significance.

River Name	Bharathappuzha River
River Length	209 km
Discharge	161 m3/s (5,700 cu fit/s)
Source	Anaimalai Hills
Mouths	Arabian Sea, Laccadive Sea
Cities	Palakkad
Bridges of River	Chamravattom Bridge

Neyyar River:

If you are wondering which river is the smallest in length in Kerala, it’s Neyyar. The Neyyar River is 56 km long and one of the smallest rivers in Kerala. The Neyyar Dam, a wonderful place for a picnic, is where the Neyyar River runs. Visit the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated on the banks of the Neyyar River, if you’re eager for a jungle safari.

Prepare yourself for an exciting weekend as you enjoy this beautiful river and all the neighboring attractions, including the Lion Safari Park, Agasthya Peak, and the Crocodile Breeding Center.

River Name	Neyyar River
River Length	56 km
Discharge	—
Source	Agasthyamalai
Mouths	Arabian Sea
Cities	Thiruvananthapuram
Bridges of River	—

Valapattanam River:

The largest river in the Kannur district and one of the most popular rivers in Kerala is the Valapattanam River. On the Valapattanam River’s bank is where you’ll find the Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple.

Along with passing through well-known cities like Iritty, Parassinikkadavu, and Irikkur, the river is also home to several illustrious Hindu temples. These cities have boating facilities, so you can embark on a captivating boat ride to take in the splendor of this river.

River Name	Valapattanam River
River Length	110 km (68 mi)
River Discharge	Kannur
River Source	Brahmagiri
River Mouths	Arabian Sea
River Cities	Payyannur, Mattannur
Bridges of River	Varam Kadavu Bridge and 6 More

Kallada River:

The Punalur River, which originates from Chendurni, Kulathupuzha, and Kalthuruthy, is a tributary of the Kallada River. The 121 km long Kallada River in Kerala flows through the Kollam District and is a popular tourist destination.

River Name	Kallada River
River Length	121 km
River Discharge	Kulathupuzha
River Source	Kulathupuzha hills
River Mouths	Ashtamudi Lake
River Cities	Kallada, Punalur, Pathanapuram
Bridges of River	—

This river hosts the Kallada Boat Race, which is attended by both residents and visitors. When the Kallada River is full of water and the boat race is taking place, it is the greatest time to visit.

India’s largest, Highest, longest Dam in India

List of How Many Rivers in Kerela and their Names:

S.No	West Flowing Rivers of Kerala	Major Tributaries / Distributaries	Empties Into	Length (km)
1	Anjarakkandi River		Arabian Sea	52
2	Achenkovil River		Pampa	128
3	Baikal River			10
4	Bharathapuzha (Nila) River	Gayathripuzha, Kannadipuzha, Kalppathipuzha, Poothapuzha	Arabian Sea	209
5	Chalakkudy River	Periyar	Periyar	144
6	Chaliyar River	Iringipuzha, Cherupuzha, Kurumbanpuzha	Arabian Sea	168
7	Chandragiri River		Arabian Sea	104
8	Chittar River		Arabian Sea	25
9	Itthikkara River		Paravoor Lake	56
10	Kaariyankode River		Kavvai Lake	64
11	Kadalundi River		Arabian Sea	130
12	Kallada River		Ashtamudi lake	120
13	Kallai River		Arabian Sea	22
14	Kalnadu River			8
15	Karamana River		Arabian Sea	67
16	Karuvannoor River		Enamaakkal Lake	48
17	Kavvai River		Kavvai Lake	22
18	Keecheri River		Enamaakkal Lake	43
19	Korappuzha River		Arabian Sea	40
20	Kumbala River			10
21	Kuppam River		Valapattanam River	80
22	Kuttyadi River		Arabian Sea	73
23	Maahi River		Arabian Sea	54
24	Manjeshwaram River		Uppala Lake	16
25	Manimala River		Pampa	91
26	Maugral River		Arabian Sea	33
27	Meenachil River		Vembanadu lake	67
28	Muvattupuzha River			120
29	Neeleshwaram River		Kaariyankode River	46
30	Neiyyar River		Arabian Sea	56
31	Pampa River	Azhuthayaar, Kakkattaar, Kallar, Manimala, Achenkovil	Vembanad lake	176
32	Periyar River	Splits into two	Kodangalloor lake	244
33	Perumpa River			40
34	Purapparamba River			8
35	Ramapurampuzha River		Arabian Sea	19
36	Shiriya River		Arabian Sea	65
37	Thalasseri River		Arabian Sea	28
38	Tiroor River		Bharatapuzha	48
39	Uppala River		Arabian Sea	50
40	Valapattanam River		Arabian Sea	112
41	Vamanapuram River		Anchuthengu Lake	80

These 3 Rivers in East Kerala:

#	East Flowing Rivers		Length (km)
1	Paampar River	Paampar and Bhavani flow into Tamilnadu. Kabani enters Karnataka. All three of them empty into Kaveri	Flows only a few kilometers through Kerala
2	Bhavani River
3	Kabani River