List of 44 Major Rivers in Kerala with Map & Lakes

​Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is endowed with a rich network of rivers traversing its diverse landscapes. The state boasts 44 major rivers, with 41 flowing westward into the Arabian Sea and three eastward into neighboring states.

This article offers an overview of the rivers in Kerala, highlighting their origins, lengths, and the districts they flow through. As part of the Rivers of India, these rivers hold significant geographical and ecological value. A table lists each river’s name, source, and length for easy reference.

Total Number of Rivers in Kerala

• Total Rivers: 44 major rivers
• Flow Direction:
  • 41 rivers flow westward into the Arabian Sea or Kerala’s backwaters
  • 3 rivers flow eastward into neighboring states
• Origin: Most rivers originate from the Western Ghats
• Characteristics:
  • Short length and narrow breadth
  • Rapid flow due to hilly terrain
  • Entirely monsoon-fed, leading to seasonal variations

Classification of Rivers: West-Flowing and East-Flowing

West-Flowing Rivers (41)

These rivers originate from the Western Ghats and flow westward, eventually emptying into the Arabian Sea or the Kerala backwaters.​

East-Flowing Rivers (3)

Only three rivers from Kerala flow eastward, eventually joining the Kaveri River system:​

• Kabani River: Flows into Karnataka; joins the Kaveri River
• Bhavani River: Flows into Tamil Nadu; merges with the Kaveri River
• Pambar River: Flows into Tamil Nadu; contributes to the Kaveri basin​

Longest & Shortest Rivers in Kerala

• Longest River: Periyar River – 244 km
• Second Longest: Bharathapuzha River – 209 km
• Third Longest: Pamba River – 176 km
• Shortest River: Manjeswaram River – 15 km​

Map of Rivers in Kerala

List of Rivers in Kerala

Below is a table detailing the major rivers in Kerala:​

Sl. No.	Name of the River	Origin	Length (km)
1.	Manjeswaram	Balepuni	15
2.	Uppala	Virakamba Hills	50
3.	Shiriya	Ankekundi	67
4.	Mogral	Kanathur	34
5.	Chandragiri	Pattighat	105
6.	Chittari	Chettiamchal	25
7.	Nileswaram	Kinanur	46
8.	Kariangode	Padinalkad	64
9.	Kavvayi	Cheemeni	31
10.	Peruvamba	Pekkuru	51
11.	Ramapuram	Iringal	19
12.	Kuppam	Padinalkad	82
13.	Valapattanam	Brahmagiri	110
14.	Anjarakandy	Kannoth	40
15.	Thalasseri	Kannoth	28
16.	Mahe	Wynadhills	54
17.	Kuttiyadi	Narikotta	74
18.	Korapuzha	Arikkankunni	40
19.	Kallayi	Cherikkulathur	40
20.	Chaliyar	Ilambalaari	169
21.	Kadalundi	CherakombanMala	130
22.	Tirur	Atavanad	48
23.	Bharathapuzha	Anamalaihills	209
24.	Keecheri	MachadMala	51
25.	Puzhakkal	MachadMala	29
26.	Karuvannur	Pumalai	40
27.	Chalakkudy	AnamalaiHills	130
28.	Periyar	Sivagiri	244
29.	Muvattupuzha	Taragamkanam	121
30.	Meenachil	Araikunnumudi	78
31.	Manimala	Tatamala	90
32.	Pamba	Pulachimalai	76
33.	Achenkovil	Pasukidamettu	128
34.	Pallichal	Kodumon	42
35.	Kallada	Karimalai	121
36.	Ittikkara	Madathurikunnu	56
37.	Ayroor	Navayikulam	17
38.	Vamanapuram	Chembunji	88
39.	Mamom	Panthalacode hills	27
40.	Karamana	NedumangadHills	68
41.	Neyyar	AgasthyaHills	56
42.	Kabani	Wayanad	240
43.	Bhavani	Nilgiri	215
44.	Pambar	Anamudi	31

Major Lakes in Kerala

1. Vembanad Lake
2. Ashtamudi Lake
3. Sasthamkotta Lake
4. Pookode Lake
5. Vellayani Lake

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)