The Periyar River originates from the Sivagiri Hills of Sundaramala in Tamil Nadu, part of the Western Ghats. It is the longest river in Kerala, its name meaning "big" or "elder", and is called the "Lifeline of Kerala" for its enormous economic contribution to the state.
Origin Stories: The Idukki Dam bridges two hills called Kuravan and Kurathi - legend says Lord Rama cursed a tribal couple by these names to become separated granite hills, promising they would one day be joined again through human action and redeemed of their sins, which the dam is believed to have fulfilled. Another story tells how the river altered its course to flow past the childhood home of Adi Shankaracharya in Kalady, after he prayed to Lord Krishna to help his ailing mother reach the water.
Course: The Periyar flows from the Western Ghats through Kerala's Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts, emptying into the Arabian Sea at Kochi. Its main tributaries include the Cheruthoni, Mullayar, and Muthirapuzha rivers.
Key Places: The Idukki Dam, one of the highest arch dams in Asia, is the largest hydroelectric project in Kerala. The Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds Periyar Lake and is a celebrated elephant and tiger reserve. Kalady, birthplace of Adi Shankara, and Aluva, known for its grand Shivaratri festival, are key towns on the river's banks, along with the major port city of Kochi.