Thamirabarani River

About Thamirabarani River

• Thamirabarani River is a rare perennial river of southern India that flows entirely within Tamil Nadu.
• Other Names: The river is also known as the Tamraparni River and Porunai River, and its name refers to the copper-like colour of its waters.
• Origin: The river originates from the Agastyarkoodam Peak in the Pothigai Hills of the Western Ghats.
• Course: The river flows for nearly 128 km, initially moving northward and later turning eastward through Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) districts before draining into the Gulf of Mannar.
• Nature: It is a rare perennial river that is fed by both the southwest and northeast monsoons.
• Tributaries: Its major tributaries include the Servalar, Manimuthar, Gadananathi, Pachaiyar, Chittar, Ramanathi, and Koraiyar rivers.
• Major Waterfalls: The river forms Banatheertham Falls, Agasthiyar Falls, and Kalyana Theertham waterfalls.
• Major Dams: Important dams on the river include Papanasam, Karaiyar, Manimuthar, Servalar, and Gadananathi dams.
• Biodiversity Hotspot:
  • Rich Fish Diversity: The river is one of the richest rivers in the world for fish and is dominated by native snakehead fish species.
  • Otter Habitat: It is inhabited by all three otter species found in India—the Eurasian otter, the smooth-coated otter, and the Asian small-clawed otter.