About:

The Bharathapuzha River The Bharatapuzha River, also known as the Periyar River, is one of the major rivers in the state of Kerala, India. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows through the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The river is known for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance.These irrigation projects irrigate an area of 773 square kilometers.The illusion behind the name is that the river feeds people like their own mother – (the water is pure and can be used for drinking, irrigation or other purposes).The major towns situated on the bank of the Bharathapuzha River are Palakkad, Parli, Killikkurussimangalam, Ottappalam, Shoranur, Pattambi, Thrithala, Thiruvegappura, Kudallur, Pallipuram and Kumbidi.The Parudur village and the town of Pallipuram are situated at the meeting point of Thuta River also called Thutapuzha. For the first forty kilometers, Bharathapuzha River flows in the northwards direction till Pollachi. The Kannadippuzha and Kalpathippuza, the tributaries of Bharathapuzha meet at Parli and flows in the west direction as Bharathapuzha River. The Bharathapuzha River then surrenders itself into the Arabian Sea at Ponnani.

There are several dams constructed across this river of which the Malampuzha dam is the largest built across Bharathapuzha and its tributaries. Other dams constructed are Walayar dam, Mangalam dam, Pothundi dam, Meenkara dam and Chuliyar dam.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

The Bharatapuzha River has a long history and has played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of Kerala. It has been associated with various legends and myths and has been an important source of water for agriculture and irrigation. 

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Bathing & Rituals:

Participate in traditional bathing rituals, especially at famous ghats along the river, considered sacred by locals.

Bird Watching:

Spot various migratory and native birds, especially during the winter season, near the riverbanks

Photography:

Capture the serene landscapes, temples, and rural life along the riverbanks, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Jungles of Sahya Ranges:

These Sahya Ranges are famous for its evergreen forests.

Padagiri:

Nelliyampathy has the highest peak at Nellikotta which is also called Padagiri. The hills dipped in the pristine beauty of nature are sprinkled with picturesque tea, coffee, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations. The hills of Nelliyampathy are a delight to adventure lovers and trekkers.

Seethakunda:

Seethakundu offers a fantastic view of the valley below-a wide angled panoramic picture of about one third of Palakkad, as beautiful as the green Valleys of Kodaikkanal.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

By Air:

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 100 km away from the river’s mid-region near Shoranur.

By Train:

The major railway station is Shoranur Junction, a key railway hub that provides access to the river..

Road Transport:

Almost all the major cities and towns of south India are well connected by an excellent Buses, Rickshaws amd taxis.

Nearest Visiting places:

Silent Valley National Park :

About 30 km from Palakkad, it offers boating, a ropeway ride, and beautiful gardens./p>

Malampuzha Dam & Gardens:

Palakkad Fort was built by Hyder Ali, the mighty ruler of Mysore, in the year 1766 A.D. The fort was primarily built to speed up the communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. The region, during those days had a great strategic importance. The fort however fell into the hands of British Empire in the year 1784 after a siege that lasted 11 days. With the Zamorin's capture of the fort, the dispute and the battle was not meant to end there. The British recaptured the fort in the year 1790 A.D. and with that established their stronghold in the region.

Guruvayur Temple:

: Located about 45 km from Thrissur, one of the most famous Krishna temples in India.

Silent Valley National Park:

It is a dense rain forest located along the western corners of Nilgiris having an area of around 90 square kilometers. Silent Valley got this name because of the poetic silence at this forest and it is just because of the absence of cicadas, which is common in all forests. The forest is famous for the very rare Lion-Tailed Macaque. The Silent Valley also known as Sairandhri Vanam. According to Hindu mythology Sairandhri is the other name of Draupadi who is the wife of Panadavas in Mahabharatha epic. Trekking is possible at this forest with a permission.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

There are several petrol pumps available in towns like Shoranur, Ottapalam, and Palakkad along the banks of the Bharatapuzha River.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Bombay Hotel
Ponnani, Malappuram
Kerala.

Travellers Bungalow
Tirur, Malappuram
Kerala.

Hotel Woddbine
Malappuram, Malappuram
Kerala.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Thondamuthur Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel: 0422 2617258.

Town Police Station
Pollachi, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu.

Kalpakangeri Police Station
Vailature Puthanathani Road
Kalpakanchery, Kerala State.

Tirur Police Station
Tirur, Malappuram
Kerala.

Pattambi Police Station
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Kodakkal CSI Mission Hospital
Tirur Kuttipuram Road
Kerala.

Najath Hospital
Chanthappadi, Ponnani P.O
Malappuram, Kerala 679577
Tel: 0494 2666756.

Najath Hospital
Malappuram, Kerala
Tel: 0494 2666756.

Link:

http://platform7.blogspot.com/2009/07/bharathapuzha-and-railways.html
http://thedailyjibster.blogspot.com/2009/01/killing-bharathapuzha.html
http://schmoozeby.blogspot.com/2007/01/friday-15-dec-2006-encounter-with.html
http://ekg-boisterousworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/nila-river-bharathapuzh.html