Idukki Dam

The Idukki Dam, located in Kerala, India, is a 168.91 m tall arch dam. The dam stands between the two mountains - Kuravanmala m and Kurathimala m. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board

Dam 
In the heart of the District lies the 'IDUKKI DAM' - Asia's biggest Arch Dam of 555 feet height proudly standing between the two mountains - 'Kuravanmala' (839 meters) and 'Kurathimala' (925 meters ). This prestigeous project of our nation is situated in Idukki District and its underground Power House is located at Moolamattom which is about 19 kms from Thodupuzha. Idukki Dam is 43 kms away from Moolamattom.

Dam History

The possibility of Hydroelecric development at Idukki was first conceived in 1919. As per history Shri Kolumban, the head of 'Araya' race during 1922 showed the way, to the Malankara Estate Superintendent and his friend Thomas, who were on hunting spree in the forest, the spot of present Arch Dam. He told them of the legend of Kuravan and Kurathi Hills. The mind of Thomas was stirred by the sight of water flow between the mountains and his idea made the dream true of Idukki Arch Dam. Sri. W.J.John of Malankara Estate submitted a report to the Government of Travancore in 1932 on the possiability of constructing a dam at Idukki for Power Generation.

In 1947 Sri.P.Joseph John,then Chief Electrical Engineer to the Government of Travancore made a preliminary investigation report. On the request made by the Government, the Central Water and Power Commission took up detailed investigation in 1956. The project report was prepared in 1961 and the Planning Commission accorded sanction for implementing the scheme in 1963 and the preliminary works of the project were started.


The project was posed for Canadian aid and its scope was enlarged and a revised project report was drawn up in 1956-66. The construction of this Dam commenced on 30 April 1969. Storage of water in idukki reservoir commenced in February,1973. The inauguration of trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4th October,1975. Commercial operation of the Power Station was Commissioned on 12 February 1976 by the then Hon. Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi.
Construction of this Arch Dam and two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 sq. kms. width and the water stored, is utilised for production of electricity at the unique Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside the rocky caves.

Foreign Aid
The Government of Canada aided the Project with long term loans and grants. M/s S.N.C.Inc., Canada, a well-known firm of Consulting Engineers were advising and assisting Project Engineers under the Canadian Aid.

Project in Brief 
The Project harnesses a major portion of the power potential of Periyar, the largest river in Kerala State, by the creation of a reservoir of 2,000 M.cum (2 Billion Tonnes) capacity, diversion of waters thus impounded through a water conductor system consisting of a power tunnel and two underground pressure shafts to an underground power house situated in Muvattupuzha Valley.

1.  Valiar
2.   Bye-pass Channel
3.   Nachar Carried through               super passage
4.   Tailrace channel
5.   Tailracetunnel
6.   Underground power house         nozzle level +54.86m, 
7.   Pressure shafts
8.   Surge shaft
9.   Headrace tunnel
10.  Kulamavu dam 
11.  Intake conduit sill level +670.73m
12.  Kulamavu basin
13.  Cheruthony dam crest level +736.28m
14.  Idukki arch dam crest level +736.28m
15.  Idukki reservoir frl + 732.62m
16.  Butterfly valve chamber
17.  Kulamavu channel


The installed capacity of the Power House is 780MW consisting of 6 Units of 180 MW each.The regulated waters of Periyar falls through a drop of about 669.2 metres (2195 feet) while generating power in the underground power house. The tail waters flowing to Kudayathurpuzha through tunnel and open channel will later be diverted for irrigation purposes in the Muvattupuzha Valley.

News 



Kochi braces for opening of Idukki dam

Officials say a warning will be issued six hours before the shutters are opened to give people enough time to move to higher ground
The district on Saturday was in preparatory mode for the possibility of opening the shutters of the Idukki dam. The water level in the dam by Saturday evening stood at 2,401.5 ft, a foot and half short of the dam limit.
The authorities said they would analyse the situation on Sunday and would have to open the dam if the level rose any more.
Officials of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) said they would issue a warning six hours before the dam opened. This would give people enough time to move to higher ground.
“It is possible that check dams on the Periyar may get blocked by the dirt and bits of trees flowing down the water. We have alerted all the local bodies at such places so they can warn the people,” said KSEB Dam Safety chief engineer K.K. Karuppan Kutty. Officials said all preparations had been made to evacuate people in case the dam is opened.
A meeting of officials from different departments held on Saturday afternoon also decided to hold meetings at ward level at areas with risk of flooding. “This is to ensure that the people are made aware of the risk and the evacuation measures in place,” Mr. Kutty said.
Office-bearers of the Aluva municipality visited areas on the banks of the Periyar to oversee safety measures and inform people. “The KSEB has informed us that the water level could rise only by three or four feet maximum. It will also be about four hours before the water reaches Aluva. So we have enough time to evacuate people if necessary,” said M.T. Jacob, chairman of Aluva municipality.
Thottakkattukara and Chembakassery are two areas in Aluva that could possibly be flooded in case the shutters of the dam are opened. Mr. Jacob said preparations had been made at schools, flats and a church in the area in case people had to be evacuated. Arrangements to bring food to those evacuated had also been made, he said.
The international airport at Nedumbassery has also set up an emergency management cell to prepare for possible flooding.
“We have checked all canals through which water flows out and have also dug new canals temporarily. Equipment to pump water out is also on standby,” said a spokesperson for the airport.

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As Idukki dam opening looms, officials prepare for the worst

Around 100 families will be shifted to safety in the event of opening of the Idukki dam shutters.
A meeting of the district disaster management authority held on Friday also decided to activate the emergency and rescue operation measures in the wake of apprehensions that the water will be released from the dam within two days.
According to an official communication, the control room of the Kerala State Electricity Board will alert the district administration at least six hours before raising the dam shutters.
It will take another six hours for the water to reach Kothamangalam, Perumbavoor and Aluva areas. In effect, the administration would get 12 hours for emergency relief works, said the communication.
The low-lying areas of the Periyar face the threat of flooding. Water level in the canals in the area may go up in case of the opening of the dam shutters.
Tahasildars were instructed to rehabilitate people to safe areas in the event of flooding. Announcement squads will be deployed for alerting people.
The service of officials of Revenue, Police, Fire and Rescue and Irrigation departments will be made available for emergency relief and rescue works, the communication said.
Evacuation or rehabilitation will be required in Kochi, Aluva, Paravur and Kothamangalam taluks. The tahasildars were also asked to find out the number of families that will have to be moved to relief shelters.

A general caution has been sounded in the wake of the emergency situation, said an official who attended the meeting.


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Idukki dam shutters may not be opened

Shutters of the Idukki arch dam may not be opened just yet, in the light of a sustained weakening of rains in the catchment areas.
Water level in Kerala’s largest reservoir now stands at 2,401.7 feet, merely 0.8 feet away from the threshold when the protocol for opening of the shutters gets triggered.
The full reservoir level is 2,403 feet, but the impounded water will not be allowed to get to that level, according to the Kerala State Electricity Board, which owns and operates the dam.
The spill ways of reservoir are built into the Cheruthoni dam, located 1 km west to west of arch dam. There are five shutters here, two of which would be opened when required.
Cheruthoni joins the Idukki arch dam and the Kulamavu dam to hold back water to create an artificial lake of 60 sq km at a height of 2,300 km above sea level.
The water stored is used for production of electricity at the Moolamattom power house, which is reputedly the biggest underground power station in the country.
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Idukki dam close to brim, likely to be opened

Idukki/ Kochi: With the water level in Kerala's largest hydro electric reservoir Idukki rising close to the Full Reservoir Level due to incessant rains, the authorities today sounded the possibility of draining excess water down the Periyar river.
In Kochi, an emergency cell was constituted at the international airport at nearby Nedumbassery to ensure that operations are not affected in case there is flooding if the shutters of the Idukki dam are opened.
The Idukki district administration held an emergency meeting and worked out a contingency plan to ensure the safety of people living in downstream areas close to the dam.
The Kerala State Electricity Board also monitored the situation and decided on the modalities of opening at least one of the shutters if the water level rose further.
According to KSEB Chief Engineer (Dams) K K Karappankutty, the water mark in the dam had touched 98 per cent of 2,403 feet and if it rose by one more feet, one or two shutters would have to be opened.
This would not pose any danger to people in the area though they would be informed of the situation in advance.
Though there was a let up in rains in catchment areas, the inflow is still on and if the current situation continued the shutters would be opened to release water through Periyar, a major lifeline of Kerala, stretching upto Aluva near Kochi.
If the dam's shutters are opened, the Periyar could get swollen but it would not pose any serious threat to people living on the banks, officials said.
They said the dam was opened in a similar situation some 21 years back without causing any danger to people downstream.
State Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash said in the state capital there was no need for panic as the official machinery had been fully geared up to ensure safety of the people.
A contingent of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been requisitioned as a precautionary measure.
State Electricity Minister Aryadan Muhammad said if it was essential to release excess water it would be done only during the day time.
Meanwhile, a report from Sabarimala said nearly 3,000 Ayyappa pilgrims have been stranded at the "Sannidhanam" and the base camp downhill as the river Pampa is overflowing due to opening of shutters of the upstream Muzhiyar dam.
The pilgrims, returning home after worshipping at the hill shrine which opened for the monthly poojas, got held up as they could not cross the swollen river as the 'Thriveni bridge" got submerged, police sources at Sabarimala said.

However, they are safe and police and fire force personnel have started helping them cross the bridge in small batches to get to the road where buses and private vehicles are parked.

UPPALA RIVER

Uppala River is also known as Kalai River, originates from the Veerakamba Hills in Karnataka.Uppala river enters Kerala through kasargod thaluk in Manjeshwar and through Uppala to ends to the Arabian Sea. The length of the river is about 50 km. 

The Uppala River originates at about 150 m height from the sea level. Uppala is a populated place in Kerala. The people speak many languages because of the boarder of different states. Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu, Hindi, Konkani and Urdu languages are very common to all people. Mangalore is the nearest city to uppala. 

KARUVANNUR PUZHA

The Karuvannur River or Karuvannur Puzha is in trissur district , Kerala which originates at Pumalai Hills in Chimmony Wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats.The river is 48 kilometres in length.

The Kurumali River or Kurumali Puzha is a tributary of the Karuvannur River. Kurumali River joins with Manali River at Palakkadavu and forms Karuvannur River.Kurumali River originates as the Chimmony Aar from Pumalai about 1116 m from Sea Level in the Western Ghats.Chimmony Dam was completed in 1996. It is constructed across Chimmony river, a tributary of Karuvannur river.Karuvannur Puzha on it flows splits in to two and one joins with Periyar river and other reaches in enamakkal

Anjarakandy

The river Anjarakandy is flowing through the Anjarakandy in Kannur district. This place is prominent for its Cinnamon estate.Cinnamon Valley, Anjarakandy

Spread over nearly 200 acres, the cinnamon valley on the banks of the Anjarakandy River, is considered the largest cinnamon plantation in Asia. The white pepper grown here is very popular in Britain and other Western countries.Cinnamon Valley is located in the cool breeze place of Western Ghats in Kerala

. It is the heavenly place for those who love nature. It is located on the banks of the Anjarakandy River. It covers an area about 200 acres. This place is enclosed with the dense forest and along with many different varieties of plants like coffee, tea, cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and nutmeg. 

The white pepper planted in this place is a very rare type seen only in Britain and in other western countries. In Asia it is the largest place for cinnamon plantation.

TIRUR RIVER

Tirur River originates from Athvanad village of Tirur taluk and flows 48 km upto Thirunavaya and joins with bharathapuzha to ends up it flows in Arabian Sea ponnani in Malappuram disrtict.

Tirur  town is a most important business centres of Malappuram district  and is a trading centre of fish and betel leaf in the region. 

Betel leaf combined with areca nut and and slaked lime paste/or cured tobacco for making pan and chewing Pan. Pan is a stimulator using in many asian countries with has its combinations with variety of taste and style of chewing turn to be a traditional behaviour of people.    Betel leaf  with areca nut  synonymously indicates in marriages and all the mangala karma's (to start or to enter a new way of life giving dakshina(gift) with betal leaf and areca nut to the elders and supporters  for a good future and success). Pookkottur is a beautiful village in Malappuram was the centre of the Malabar Rebellion of 1921 that shook the British administration in the erstwhile Malabar district of Madras Province.Ponnani is a smallest taluk primarily as a fishing harbour and an oldest ports in southern India. Ponnani town  has so many mosques.

NILESWARAM RIVER

Nileswaram River rose from the Hosdurg taluk of Kasargod District and flows 46 km all the way through Nileswaram and finally joins with the Tejaswini river or Kariyankode River at Kottapuram. Nileshwaram lies between these two rivers of Nileshwaram and Karyangodu and finally reches to the west in the arabian sea.

The name "Nileshwaram" comes from the name of Lord Shiva and is the Cultural capital of Kasaragod District.Gowda Saraswat Brahmins the Konkani people speaks konkini live here in large numbers.They are the first Rigvedic Brahmins. Their name comes either from thier spiritual leader the sage saraswat muni or from the extict river saraswathi in indian mythology.

Neeleswaram Thaliyil Sree Neelakanteswara Temple is an old temple in Nileswaram.Legend says that Lord Parasurama constructed the temple to facilitate Sage Neela to consecrate the idol. The tall Sivalinga, lord Ganapathy, and the lord Sastha are there in this temple.It is just near the railway station. Neeleswaram Royal palace is now become a  remarkable folk-lore centre for cultural activities and is well protected by the Archaeological Department. Neeleswaram is a small town rich with the Hosue of prayers and folk Arts. The picturesque festivals and the cultural programmes makes Neeleswaram quite distinctive. 

PALLIKKAL RIVER

Pallikkal river flowing for 42 km and ends in the Kallada river. Many people depend this river for irrigation and fishing. Mynagappally is a beautiful village with paddy fields in Kunnathoor taluk of Kollam district. Its western border is separated by Pallikkal River from Thodiyoor panchayath. A part of pallikkal river starts here. 

The view of river in the evening is mind boggling.The place is blessed with natural beauty, resourses and peace. Religious and communal harmony maintaining by this place is famous. North Mynagappally is well connected by road system. The district has three important rivers, the Kallada river that flows for 151 km, the Ithikara river that flows for 56 km and the Pallikkal river flowing for 42 km.A branch of Kallada Irrigation Project  canal is passing through the North Mynagappally - Somavilasam, Anoorkavu- and ends in the pallikkal river. The famous Appuppankavu temple near the river side  celebrates the  Kayal vilakku festival which is the art with lamps in river and is very nice to see in the river at night. Karoor kadavu bridge built across the Pallikkal river and Karoor kadavu masjid is situated near the Pallikkal river provides religious education to children in the locality.

Kallai River

Kallayi is one of the rivers in Kerala, India. It originates in Cherikkulathur in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 45 m and is 40 km long. It is linked to the Chaliyar River by a man-made canal on the south side of the small timber village of Kallayi lying on its banks.Its basin is located in the Kozhikode District. It runs only 22 kilometers to meet the Arabian Sea, but long history of culture, tradition and foreign trade runs through the veins of this great river. It was the first and most prominent navigable waterway during 6the reign of Zamorins.Strong granite rock structures were erected during this period to make this waterway safe for navigation.

In those days this was the main route for timber, hill produces and spices from nilambur forest to reach the commercial port of Calicut.Rafts and country boats were used for transporting goods.There was a link route to elathur via kanoli canal, a man made waterway connecting korapuzha river and the kallai river.Kallai gained its international fame for its timber trade. Foreign traders, especially Arab, Chinese and Japanese came to Kozhikode mainly for the timber. Hundreds of Timber mills sprouted up along the banks of Kallai River. The salty water of this river was believed to render extra strength to the timber. Logs that came from different places were left to stay in the water for several days. Huge cranes used to lift these logs were a common sight along the river bank.Constant encroaching of the banks of the river by land owners has cause the river to slow its flow which has caused pollutants to be concentrated in certain areas.

Korapuzha

Korapuzha is also called Elathur River originates in the mountains of Wayanad district flows 40 km and empties into the Arabian Sea at Elathur. Korapuzha is formed by the confluence of two streams, Agalapuzha and Punnoorpuzha.
 The river is a popular water sports and boating destinations in Kerala. This river is the venue of  ‘Korapuzha Jalotsav’ the Water festival of kerala. It flows through various cities such as Vadakara, Beypore, Kallai, Kozhikode and kappad beach and is 19 km away from the river side.

The Punnurpuzha, which forms a part of the important West Coast Inland Navigation System, originates from Arikkanakunnu. But the Agalapuzha is more or less a backwater.Kappad is the place where the first European Vasco da Gama a Portuguese explorer set foot 500 years ago. The Korapuzha is generally considered as the boundary between the North Malabar and South Malabar in the erstwhile district of Malabar.

MORGAL RIVER

Kinnimani Poomani Daivastana temple in Bedradka, the Chowki, Eriyal, Kottakkunnu and Mogral Puthur jamma masjids are prominent among them.The historic Kavu Matha is in this panchayat. |

This was the home of Sri Trivikrama Panditacharya and Sri Narayana Panditacharya, the great Gruhastha disciples of Sri Madhva and the authors of many priceless works. Their brundavanas are also located here. Kavu matha is located 4  | 

Mogral River originates from Kanathur in Karadka reserve forest in Kasaragod district. The river has a length of 34 km of which a distance of 20 km from the sea mouth is tidal. It has a drainage area of 132 square meters.  |

 It flows in a north-westerly direction through Bettipadi and Muliyar where it is joined by another stream rising from the northern part of Karadka reserve forest. It gets its name from Mogral village is a part of Kumbla gram panchayat. |

The rivers flows very slowly with many bend and curves from Yedhir onwards especially though plane areas of Madhur and Patla.The river empties into the Arabian Sea in Mogral Puthur after forming a long stretch of back waters about 5 km in length.There are several mosques and temples across the panchayat.|

5kms from Mangalore and 2kms from Kasaragod, near the chowki stop. |

KAVVAYI RIVER

Three streams coming from the north join the main stream. The river enters the backwaters at Udamanthai. It has a  catchment area of 143 sq. km.
Kavvayi or  the Kavil Pattanam is a small island, 4 km west from Payyanur municipality in the Kannur district.This village is one of the most attractive tourist area in kerala by its natural beauty.It is surrounded by river and tourist called it as Hawaii  During the past the city center of Kavil Pattanam was the main town because of the waterways through Kavvayi River and its big seaport.The island is connected to Payyanur by a small bridge on the Kavvayi River.  

 MBM and Kochen Island are the two very small islands other than  Kavvayi Island in between Kavvayi lake.You can walk from one end of the island to the other end in just 15 minutes which leads to the placid stretch of Kavvayi backwaters. 

The surrounded  small islands which are accessible only by ferry or boats. The population is mainly Muslim.Kavvayi is surrounded by small islands called Kadappuram, which directly face the Arabian sea. Access to these small islands is only by small boats or traditional thonis.China and other countries used to visit this port and were anchored in the nearby river Changoorichal in the history and later this port retained its position during the rule of British East India Company. They established Magistrate court and registrar office in Kavvayi only.The vitalizing breeze from  the Arabian sea, the wonderful beauty of this village and the seaport have attracted by the tourists to spend their holidays here. Kotta Kunnu  (Fort Hill) is the main attractive place but now the hills have been accomidated by the local people.

Kavvayi river originate from Cheemeni hills and flows 31 km westward to Kavvayi lake at an altitude of +385 m and flows past Alpadampa, Vadasseri, Udamanthai before emptying in to the Kavvayi backwaters.

Thanikkudam river

Thanikkudam river is a small river flows 29 kms originates from the slopes of Vazhani ranges and Chenkalli and is oriented in a north-east to South-west direction.In Trissur district which divides the Thanikkudam village into two areas.

The mansoon overflows the thanikkudam river and naturally the water reaches the shrine and submerges the idol. Devotees take a holy dip in the water along with the idol, and believes it will bring them prosperity. The area is also wound around by the Right Branch Main Canal of the Peechi hydro-irrigation project system.The river has become mostly perennial over the last few decades owing to the change in climate and land use. However, it has important effect on the lifestyle, water use and weather of the place.Kerala Agricultural University,Vellanikkara is located 6 km away. Meppadam Hills, Thanikkudam is an upcoming residential area,with a very large Rubber estate and sheet processing plant and textile Cotton Spinning factory.

Mamam river

Mamam river originates in panthalacode hills in Trivandrum district and flows 27 km westward direction and ends up at Anchuthengu (anchengo) lake. Mamam river catchment areas is 114 km². Attingal is surrounded by Vamanapuram river and Mamam river. 

Mamam river flows through the southern part of Mudakkal Panchayat. Kizhivilam panchayat is also at  the bank of this river. Mamam river divided in to two at Andoorkonam of Attingal near Kunnathu Mahadeva Temple and  flows towards westward  reaches at Vamanapuram river and other part flows southward and continues its flow after Changanam Check Dam. It is a small dam which  built across this minor channel and then through Enchakkal the Mamam river flows toward west ward to ends up at Anchuthengu lake. 

Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Temple, a 500-year-old shrine dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, is easily accessible from here. Trivandrum International Airport is about 5 km away from here. Sarkara Devi Temple, Nakramcode Devi Temple, Varkala beach is 17 km away and Anjengo Fort are major tourist attractions near Attingal.The historical fort of Anchuthengu is about 10 km from Attingal town and the famous Siva temple Avanavanchery Sri Indilayappan Temple is within the Attingal municipal area.The Attingal Palace had an important role in the history of Kerala. It played a significant role in the growth of the Tranvancore Dynasty. The walls of the palace are adorned with murals. The main edifice of the palace is now under the control of the Devaswom Board.One of the major highways, NH 47, passes through Attingal. Varkala Railway Station (15 km), Chirayinkeezhu Railway Station (6 km), and Kadakkavoor Railway Station (6 km) are the nearest railway stations.There are two bus depots, one for use by private bus operators and the other for use of State Transport Corporation.

Travelers are voting Veli Lake and Padmatheertha Pond as the best lakes near Anchuthengu.There are 3 lakes near Kollam a city just 35 km from Anchuthengu and 2 lakes near Punalur which is 36 km distant. The most popular of these are Ashtamudi Lake near Kollam and Paravur Kayal in Punalur.

PONNAYAM RIVER OR THALASSERY RIVER

Thalassery or Ponnayam River originates and flows 28 km from the western cliffs of Kunnoth forest and  finally joins the Arabian Sea.It is also called Kuyali Puzha.It has one tributary and is Muriya.
Kannur District is mainly drained by Valapattanam, Ancharakandy,  Thalassery, Kuppam, Ramapuram, Mahe, Perumba and Kavai Rivers.

Thalassery is at the bank of this river and Kunduchira dam is at Moozhikkara. The geography of Thalassery is adorned with four rivers, seven hills and a long coast line.
Thalassery was a major commercial center during the British rule of India.Govt. Brennen College founded in 1851 is one of the premier educational institutions in Kerala.Herman Gundert, a German missionary who wrote the first Malayalam-English dictionary in 1872 lived in Thalassery.Muzhappilangad beach, Moppila Bay, Sree Ramaswami temple, Overbury's Folly, Odathil Palli, Fort St. Angelos,Thalassery Pier (Kadalpaalam),Thalassery Fort, Ezhimala, Payyambalam Beach Resort,Thalassery cricket Stadium,Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu,Centenary Park,Dharmadam Island,kadavathur,Sri Jagannaatha Temple,Mariamman Kovil, Malayalakalagramam, Pilakool,Pythal Mala, Pazhassi Dam are the best spot for tourism.Thalassery has a railway station and NH-17 road passes through thaluk.The nearest airport is Kozhikode Internatianl Air port

Chittari Puzha

This is the combination of the small rivers from Cherambe, Thayakolam, and Pulloor in the Kasargode district and meets the Arabian Sea in the west.Chittari River originates from Chettiamchal at an elevation of 91 m and flows through Kasaragode and drains into Arabian Sea. Its main tributaries are Kalnad, Bekal and Chittarithode.Bekal River originates from Kaniyadka. It has a catchment area of 48 Km2. Kalnad River arises from Chattanchal with a catchment area of 32 Km2.It has a catchment area of 145 Km2.Chithari, a coastal village in Kasargod District, is located 4 km north of Kanhangad city. The name Chithari means 'place surrounded by river'. As the name suggests, the Chithari River originates from the eastern hills and surrounds the village from three sides and drains into the Arabian Sea. In earlier days the river-sea joining lands were abundant with these forests. The Bekal Fort is 5 km away.Kudru - Island a deposit of sediment at the mouth of a river or tidal inlet or island formed by sediment at the mouth of Chittari river.This island is very beautiful and so it is a favourite tourist spot. This place is famous for Sri Kudru Mookambika Temple.

lace for you. The Chithari beach in Kerala is still unexplored and you won't find many tourists there.Nearest railway station is at Kanhangad at a distance of 5 kilometers. 
The beach has a historic fort located on its borders, known as the Bekal fort. Though mostly in ruins, it makes a great place for a quiet moment with nature. The island is accessible by a boat and you may find some boatmen and locals sitting here and there to take you to the island. This beach is being promoted as a part of Bekal Tourism Project and is soon to become a hot tourist destination.

Ramapuram river

Ramapuram river is the smallest stream in Kannur district having 19 Kms length and originates from Iringal. Out of 44 rivers in Kerala 7 are in Kannur district. 

They are Ramapuram river, Kuppam river, Peruvamba river, Valapattanam river, Ancharakandy river, Thalassery river and Mahe river. The Ramapuram River  which drains in to the Kavvayi backwaters. It has its source in the hills coming in the village limits of Iringal at an altitude of 57 m above Mean Sea Level with catchment area of the basin is 52 Km2.

AYIROORPUZHA , VARKALA

The Sankaranarayana temple is situated here.Ayiroor is on the banks of the river Ayiroorpuzha, one of the smallest rivers in Kerala. On the southwest side of this village is the Edavanadayara lake.Ayiroor is a village in Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of Kerala, India.This village is famous for its temples. There are three famous temples in this village: Anjumurthy temple, Paalakunnil Temple, Thrimpallur temple, ValiyaVeettil Temple and Kochu Thampratti temple. The name 'Ayiroor' itself originates from 'Anjumurthy', which means five idols.

It originates at Navayikulam, flows through M.C.Road into the Edava-Nadayarakayal.The term “navaya” means “the place where Vedic scriptures are taught”. Therefore, it is believed that Navaikulam was an ancient center of excellence and wisdom. 

In the Ayiroor village, a place named 'Ayroor' located more than 100 Feet above the sea level,is one of the beautiful place to watch. Hills and valleys and the famous St.Thomas Church are main attractions of Ayroor.St. Thomas Latin Catholic church stands against the serene and scenic backdrop of Ayroor-Hariharapuram village, fondled by the incessant breeze blowing from springs, streams and paddy fields, and cradled by the rhythmic murmurs from Edava- Nadayara backwaters. Named after Christ’s most reasonable disciple, St. Thomas, it showers God’s blessings to all who comes in its vicinity since its inception in 1911. As it lies on the south- west tip of Thiruvananthapuram Latin Arch Diocese, on the boarder line of Trivandrum- Kollam districts, this church had been a part and parcel of Kollam Diocese, till 1937. The Christian tradition and saga of this village could be traced even to two centuries back. Much before the inception of the present church, there existed at a near-by place called ‘Kayalpuram Pandakashala’,a thatched church since 1840, which is said to have, somehow, burnt down in 1895. 

Manjeswaram River

Manjeswaram river is the shortest river in kerala and it has only 16 km length . The river originates from Balappooni hills and falls in to the Uppala Lake in Kasargode district.

At the mouth of the river, one can behold the ruins of an ancient dismantled stone temple which is now a small fish landing center  The Manjeswaram estuary is rich with diverse aquatic and avian life. It is home to hordes of beautiful and rare bird species. Shore birds and waders are abundant here. Plenty of Egrets, Pond Herons and Reef Egret  Green and Red Shanks were active inside the estuary as well as on the sea shore.Manjeswaram was a thriving port town and attracted many cultures and people to its beautiful banks.  The Arabs, Jains and Konkan Brahmans and Baniyas came and settled in this little cosmopolitan town and made it truly multi-cultural.  Many Jain Bastis and temples and old buildings still survive along its old streets. Manjeswaram is an ancient town located 15kms north of Kasargode town on the banks of  Manjeswaram river. Manjeswaram is famous cashew growing place. It is a prominent pilgrim center of all castes and creeds because of the numerous mosques, temples and churches.

 Kasargode is a land of dozen rivers, the district is blessed with a large number of estuaries. Estuaries are sensitive ecosystem formed as a result of merging of a river or lake with the sea. Manjeswaram river  joins the Arabian Sea at Manjeswaram estuary between Bengara and Manjeswaram.