Pamba River: Map of Kerala

Pamba River, also called the Dakshina Bhagirathi (Ganga of South), is the third-longest river in Kerala. It originates from Pulachimalai Hill in the Western Ghats. Moreover, it has a total length of 176 km and flows through the districts of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, eventually merging with the Vembanad Lake.

Origin & Course of Pamba River

The Pamba River originates at Pulachimalai Hill in the Peerumedu Plateau of the Western Ghats, at an altitude of 1,650 meters. Flowing 176 km through the districts of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, it joins the Vembanad Lake, with some branches reaching the Arabian Sea.

The river’s basin spans 2,235 square kilometers and is bordered by the Western Ghats to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. As it flows through key towns like Ranni, Aranmula, and Kozhencherry, with the Sabarimala Temple located approximately 10 kilometers from the river.

Major branches of the river include:

• Varattar (flows into the Manimala River)
• Branches at Kuthiathode and Karichal
• Perunthenaruvi Waterfall (between Vechoochira and Athikkayam)

Tributaries

Some of the major tributaries of the river include:

• Manimala River
• Achankovil River
• Azhuthayar
• Kakkiyar
• Kallar
• Utharappalliyar
• Kolarayar
• Thanungattilthodu

Basin Details of Pamba River

Pamba River is the third-longest river in Kerala, after the Periyar and Bharathapuzha rivers.

• Basin Area: 2,235 square kilometers (863 square miles).
• Boundaries:
  • East: Western Ghats
  • West: Arabian Sea
  • North: Manimala River Basin
  • South: Achankovil River Basin

Religious & Cultural Significance

The Pamba River has profound religious importance for both Hindus and Christians:

Hindu Significance

• Sabarimala Pilgrimage: Devotees of Lord Ayyappa bathe in the sacred waters of Pamba before climbing to Sabarimala Temple.
• Cherukolpuzha Convention:
  Held annually at Cherukole on the river’s sandbanks, this Hindu religious convention is a major gathering in February.
• Pamba Snan (Holy Bath): Bathing in the river is believed to cleanse sins and bless devotees.

Christian Significance

• Maramon Convention: Started in 1896, the Maramon Convention at Maramon near Kozhencherry, held on the banks of Pamba, is Asia’s largest Christian gathering.

Dams and Hydroelectric Projects

• Kakki Dam: Built on the Kakki tributary for water storage and hydroelectricity.
• Pamba Dam: A Key part of the Sabarigiri Hydroelectric Project, one of Kerala’s largest.
• Moozhiyar Reservoir: Built by the Moozhiyar Dam, it supports the Kakkad Hydro Electric Project.
• Veluthode Reservoir: Created by the Veluthode Dam, it helps supply water for the Kakkad Hydro Electric Project.

Feel free to share your feedback or leave a comment below! We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on the Pamba River.