10 Major Rivers in Tamil Nadu with Map
Tamil Nadu, the 10th largest state in India with an area of 130,058 km², is located in the southern part of the country. It is bordered by Karnataka to the northwest, Kerala to the west, Andhra Pradesh to the north, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. Rivers in Tamil Nadu are mostly seasonal and rely heavily on the northeast monsoon. The state has 17 major river basins, with the Cauvery Basin alone covering about 35,000 km²—more than a quarter of Tamil Nadu’s total area. Further, most rivers flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
Table of Contents
Longest and Shortest Rivers in Tamil Nadu
The Cauvery River is the largest and longest river in Tamil Nadu, with a total length of 800 km from its origin to its outfall into the Bay of Bengal. Of this, 320 km flows through Karnataka, 416 km flows through Tamil Nadu, and the remaining 64 km is the final stretch before it meets the sea.
On the other hand, the Pambar River holds the distinction of being the shortest river in Tamil Nadu, with a length of only 24 km. Originating from the Western Ghats, it flows into the Vaigai River.
- Longest: Cauvery
- Shortest: Pambar
River Map of Tamil Nadu
List of Major Rivers in Tamil Nadu
1. Cauvery River
The Cauvery River is the most important river in Tamil Nadu, originating from Talakaveri in the Coorg district of Karnataka. It enters Tamil Nadu and flows for about 416 km through fertile plains before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
- Total length: 800 km (416 km in Tamil Nadu)
- Tributaries: Bhavani, Amaravati, Noyyal
- Major Dam: Mettur Dam
- Significance: Backbone of agriculture in central and delta regions
2. Vaigai River
The Vaigai River originates from the Varusanadu Hills in the Western Ghats. It flows eastward through districts like Theni, Madurai, and Sivaganga.
- Length: 258 km
- Tributaries: Suruli, Varaha, Manjalar
- Usage: Irrigation and domestic supply in southern Tamil Nadu
3. Palar River
The Palar River starts in the Nandi Hills of Karnataka and covers approximately 320 km in Tamil Nadu.
- Flows through: Vellore, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu
- Nature: Seasonal and rain-fed
4. Bhavani River
A major tributary of the Cauvery, the Bhavani River originates in the Silent Valley of Kerala. It enters Tamil Nadu and travels through Erode district.
- Length: 217 km
- Dam: Bhavanisagar Dam (one of Asia’s largest earthen dams)
- Usage: Agriculture and hydropower
5. Tamaraparani River
The Tamaraparani River is one of the few perennial rivers in Tamil Nadu. It originates in the Agasthiyar Hills and supports agriculture year-round.
- Length: 128 km
- Flows through: Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi
- Tributaries: Manimutharu, Gadananathi
6. Noyyal River
Originating from the Vellingiri Hills, the Noyyal River is a tributary of the Cauvery. It flows mainly through the Coimbatore region.
- Length: 180 km
- Concern: Affected by industrial pollution
- Use: Irrigation and domestic water supply
7. Amaravati River
The Amaravati River begins in the Anamalai Hills and joins the Cauvery near Karur. It’s an essential water source in western Tamil Nadu.
- Length: 282 km
- Major Dam: Amaravathi Dam near Udumalpet
8. Chittar River
The Chittar River, a tributary of the Tamaraparani, originates from the Courtallam Hills. It supports agriculture in southern Tamil Nadu.
- Flows through: Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts
- Use: Local irrigation systems
9. Ponnaiyar River
Originating in Karnataka, the Ponnaiyar River flows into Tamil Nadu through Krishnagiri and eventually reaches the Bay of Bengal.
- Length: Around 400 km
- Major Dam: Sathanur Dam
10. Vaippar River
The Vaippar River originates from the Varusanadu Hills and flows through arid regions before draining into the Gulf of Mannar.
- Length: 130 km
- Districts covered: Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi
Important Dams on Tamil Nadu Rivers
| Dam Name | River | District |
|---|---|---|
| Mettur Dam | Cauvery | Salem |
| Bhavanisagar Dam | Bhavani | Erode |
| Amaravati Dam | Amaravati | Karur |
| Vaigai Dam | Vaigai | Theni |
| Sathanur Dam | Thenpennai | Tiruvannamalai |
To explore more about the river systems beyond Tamil Nadu, check out our detailed articles on the Rivers of Kerala and Rivers of Karnataka with Map.
