Kerala is one of the most popular places to visit in India. Bordered on the east by the Arabian Sea and crisscrossed by 44 rivers, Kerala offers lush green surroundings like no other state in the country. The beautiful Western Ghats are also the starting point for many rivers that lead to a large network of streams, canals, inlets, estuaries, rivulets and backwaters for which Kerala is quite famous. Take a trip to Kerala to explore the serene beauty of the state.

Why visit Kerala?

A famous destination among honeymooners, Kerala is a place preferred by tourists in India. Bewitching backwaters, rolling hills, tea estates, mountainous terrain and wooden houseboats are the primary attractions in the state. The lush greenery of the God’s Own Country is sure to give you peace of mind. The rich flora in Western Ghat reserves would surely leave you enthralled. The state of Kerala also has rich culture and heritage. 

Alleppey in Kerala is known as the 'Venice of the East' for its backwaters. Backwaters are the gentle stretches of lakes, canals and lagoons parallel to the coast of Arabian Sea. Kerala has the most picturesque backwaters with the most stunning beaches. Apart from Alleppey, Cochin, Kollam, Kottayam and Kumarakom are the major backwater destinations in the state. You can stay at the luxurious water resorts in Kerala to enjoy the views of the flow alongside.

The list of important rivers in Kerala

Kerala is the state that offers you immeasurable joy and picturesque frames for your Insta uploads. The peaceful backwaters coupled with azure beaches could allure anyone and are the best places to visit in Kerala. Some of the best beaches you can visit here are Kappad, Varkala, Kovalam and Cherai. Also, some of the best hill stations in Kerala are Munnar, Vagamon and Ponmudi. Now, let us come to the beautiful and important rivers in Kerala.

Below is the list of seven of the important rivers in Kerala: 

• Periyar River 

The longest river in Kerala, Periyar provides drinking water to many of the major towns of the state. That is the reason why the perennial river is one of the most important rivers and one of the best places to visit in Kerala. 

The 225-km-long river flows in the southern region of the state. It starts its journey in the Western Ghats and goes up to join the Periyar Lake in the north. In fact, the river gets its name as it passes through Periyar Lake. The lake is spread across an area of 31 square km and is situated at a height of 2800 feet inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar Lake, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the peace of nature. 

• Bhavani River 

Bhavani River is a primary tributary of the Kaveri River in India. It starts from the Nilgiri Hills, passes through Silent Valley National Park in Kerala and further flows to Tamil Nadu. Many dams like Siruvenu, Kodiveri, Mannarkkad, Bhavanisagar and Kanjirapuzha are constructed across the river. Among them, the 80-km-long Bhavanisagar is one of the largest earthen dams in the world.

Bhavani river is surrounded by amazing greenery and offers a tranquil site and scenic views. The best time to visit Bhavani river is during the monsoon when nature is in full bloom. 

• Bharathapuzha River 

Bharathapuzha or Ponnani river can be your ideal escape spot to spend time with nature. Relish in its scenic surroundings and feel the cool breeze sitting on its banks. Many people come to this river during Karkidaka Vavu festival to pay tribute to their deceased fathers. Also, you can find houses of multiple renowned poets on the banks of Bharathapuzha River. The Kozhikode airport is the closest one to the river. 

• Pamba River 

Pamba River flows from districts such as Kozhencherry, Karthikappally and Kuttanad. But the best place to see the river is at Vembanad Lake where it ends. You can take a flight to Kochi to visit the famous Vembanad Lake. One of the most amazing things to do in Kerala is to experience a houseboat cruise over Pamba River. 

You can admire the greenery in the islands and lagoons while boating on the river. If you go boating in the evening, you can get the gorgeous sight of the sun setting into the horizon. You can head to the holy Sabarimala Temple located on the banks of the river after boating. 

• Kavvayi River 

Kavvayi river originates from Cheemeni hills and its backwaters are the third largest in Kerala. An island is located at the confluence of River Kavvayi and three of its tributaries. You must visit the island at Kavvayi backwaters while visiting Kerala. Also, the scenic Mattupetty dam is nearby. It is a well-known picnic spot that offers a fun-filled boat ride. 

• Chaliyar River 

Starting from the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri mountains, the Chaliyar or Chulika river is one of the important rivers in Kerala as it is the only river that does not dry up during the drought season in March and April. Chaliyar River is also known by local names like Beypore River and Nilambur River.The river flows through the Malappuram district and enters Kozhikode before it merges with the Lakshadweep Sea. 

• Kabini River 

Next on our list of the Kerala famous rivers is the ni River. It originates from Wayanad. You can take a cab ride to Sargur to watch the reservoir this river creates. Animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, deers and many other wildlife creatures can be spotted near the reservoir around the river. You can book a houseboat in Wayanad to explore the scenic beauty of the tranquil Kerala backwater. 

Kerala is one of the most amazing states to visit in India. Bewitching backwaters and wooden houseboats are the major sources of attraction here. Explore the beauty of the state and its rivers for peace of mind. You can stay at Club Mahindra Poovar in the charming sunshine hill town of Poovar. Club Mahindra Ashtamudi is another fairy-tale destination with floating cottages and luminous backwaters where you can stay on your trip to Kerala.