Chalakudy River

The Chalakudy River originates in the Anamalai hills in the Western Ghats in the state of Tamil Nadu. In spite of originating there, the Chalakudy River is more famous in Kerala. There are some researches that lead us to believe that the river of Chalakudy is not a river by itself, but a sub set or a tributary of the bigger and the major river Periyar that flows across the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Regardless of such theories, Chalakudy is considered to be the very own river of Kerala, and since the most of the area that this river flows in, almost close to 90% lies in Kerala, this seems to be justified. Chalakudy being 145.5 km long, this has the privilege of being the fourth on the list of the longest rivers of the state.

The lush waters of the Chalakudy go a long way in ensuring that the greenery of the state is maintained in all ways. Thanks to the clearly waters of the Chalakudy Kerala adds more greenery to the alreadyopulent vegetation of the state. Because of the high availability of the water resources in and around the region, the soil tends to become abundant and rich, thereby enhancing the growth of the thick greenery on the fields.

Presence of waterfalls thanks to the water currents that exist in the Chalakudy River is the other most important and mentionable factor of this river.  The enchanting falls of Athirappally is seen of this river. There are a lot of tourists who come to see this waterfalls and this is even nicknamed to be the Niagra falls of India. Such is the bewitching nature of the falls that is quite famous all over the county and even in other parts of the world.

The river also has the Sholyar Hydro Electric power stationed in it to help in generation of electricity that is supplied across the state. This is possible, only because of the high level of water and the speed with which the water flows from river and also the natural water currents that are present in the river. The speed at which they fall rotate the turbines and this is converted as electrical energy that can be used by the people across the state. The Thumboormoozhy dam on this river helps in preserving water. One of its tributaries also has the Parambikulam Dam built on it.

Course

The Chalakudy River after its origin in Annamalai hills, and the entry into Kerala, flows across the states covering three major districts of Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam. It covers total area of 1704 sq. km. In the state of Kerala alone it covers an area of 1400 sq.km. This is precisely the reason why Chalakudy is considered to be more a Kerala river than that of Tamil Nadu.

Over and above adding great revenue to the tourism industry, there is another very important source of revenue that the Chalakudi river offers the state of Kerala. The fish that are found here are a big hit all over. There are so many different kinds of fish that are found in this river and those found here are supposed to be of best quality and taste. Apart from being sent too many states within the country, there is a considerable amount of fish that are exported as well.  In the waters of the Chalakudi river, researchers have found fish that have even been thought to be extinct.

The same is the case with the forest areas that are found along the banks of the river.  There are three islands of considerable size that are covered with the vegetation that thrives here.  Most of the trees found here belong to the botanical classes of evergreen or partially ever green groups thereby giving the area a green look all through the year. There are quite a few plants here that are almost on the verge of extinction and these include flowering trees with flowers of all diverse colors.

Tributaries

The Chalakudy River is supposedly a tributary of the River Periyar, there are other smaller tributaries that form part of this river as well.  The long Chalakudy River branches out in the course of its flow and these branches have resulted in the formation of four primary tributaries – Karappara, Parambikulam, Kuriyarkutty and Pulikkal.  Of these, the Parambikulam River is considered to be the most important. This Parambikulam River even has a dam that has been constructed over it.

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