Vaigai River: Map & Origin with Tributaries

The Vaigai River is one of the major rivers in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It originates from the Western Ghats in the Periyar Plateau and flows towards the southeast, through the districts of Madurai, Dindigul, and Theni, before finally emptying into the Palk Strait of the Bay of Bengal. The river has a total length of 258 kilometers and covers a drainage area of 7,121 square kilometers.

River Name	Vaigai
Location	Tamil Nadu, India
Nickname	Shiva Ganga, Kritamaala
Origin	Varusanadu Hills, Periyar Plateau
Endpoint	Empties into the Palk Strait near Pamban Bridge, Ramanathapuram district
Length	258 km
Area	7121 sq. km.
Tributaries	Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaaga Nadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal, Upparu
Notable Feature	Vattaparai Falls

Origin & Course of Vaigai River

The Vaigai River has its origin in the Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats, located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. It is formed by the confluence of the rivers Suruliyar and Manjalar, which originate from the Periyar Plateau. From its origin, the river flows in a southeast direction, passing through the districts of Madurai and Dindigul, before finally emptying into the Palk Strait of the Bay of Bengal.

Map of Vaigai River

Facts of Vaigai River

• Vaigai River is one of the major rivers in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
• It originates from the Western Ghats in the Periyar Plateau and flows towards the southeast, covering a total length of 258 kilometers.
• The river covers a drainage area of 7,121 square kilometers.
• The major tributaries of the Vaigai River include Siruliar, Varaha Nadhi, Gundar, and Thenkaraiyar.
• Vaigai Dam is one of the major dams constructed across the river, which is used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
• The river has several waterfalls along its course, including Kumbakarai Falls, Suruli Falls, Thalaiyar Falls, and Vaigai Dam Falls.
• This river is a significant source of water for Madurai city, which is often referred to as the “Temple City” due to the presence of several ancient temples along the river’s course.
• The river has cultural and historical significance and is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the country.
• The Vaigai River is a lifeline for the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, providing irrigation facilities for the agricultural lands and supplying drinking water to the people residing along its course.

Tributaries of the Vaigai River

Name of Tributary	Location	Length	Description
Siruliar River	Western Ghats	35 km	The river originates from the Western Ghats near the town of Kodaikanal and merges with the Vaigai River near Andipatti.
Varaha Nadhi	Palani Hills	128 km	The river originates from the Palani Hills and joins near the town of Theni.
Gundar River	Western Ghats	80 km	The river originates from the Western Ghats and merges with the Vaigai River near Narasingapuram.
Thenkaraiyar River	Western Ghats	41 km	The river originates from the Western Ghats and joins the Vaigai River near Kamudi.
Kottagudi River	Anamalai Hills	42 km	The river originates from the Anamalai Hills and joins near Melmangalam.

Significance

The Vaigai River is a lifeline for the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. It provides irrigation facilities for the agricultural lands in the surrounding areas and supplies drinking water to the people residing along its course. The river has been a significant source of water for Madurai city, which is often referred to as the “Temple City” due to the presence of several ancient temples along the river’s course.

Conclusion

The Vaigai River holds immense significance for the people of southern Tamil Nadu. The river not only provides water for irrigation and drinking purposes but also has a cultural and historical significance. The beauty of the river, along with the waterfalls and dams, makes it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the country. The government should take measures to preserve the river and ensure its sustainability for generations to come.

Thank You!

Related Links:

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