Chalakudy River, locally known as Chalakudy Puzha is the fifth-longest river in Kerala. Chalakudy river has its origins in the Anamalai region in Tamil Nadu, from there it flows into Kerala through Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam districts. Chalakudy River is said to have numerous tributaries such as Parambikulam, Kuriyarkutti, Sholayar, Karapara, and Anakayam. In Thrissur, the Chalakudy river is extremely precious and significant for being the source of the major waterfalls of the district, Athirapally Vazhachal Waterfalls.
Chalakudy River is very rich in its marine diversity. It contains almost 98 species of freshwater fishes in its waterbed. Among these, around 35 are endemic species in the Western Ghats and the remaining are also vulnerable. Chalakudy river also provides fertile soil much needed for the riparian vegetation on the river banks. A lot of evergreen and semi-evergreen plant species are grown widely on the banks.
There are two hydroelectric projects based on the Chalakudy River they are, Sholayar Hydroelectric Project and the Peringalkuttu Hydroelectric Project. Thumboormoorthy Dam is built across the Chalakudy river for irrigation purposes. It can be widely said that the Chalakudy river plays a major role in natural vegetation, water resourcing and enhancement of tourism in our State. It is indeed a great experience to sit on the banks of the Chalakudy river, cherishing the natural splendour of the river along with the surrounding greenery.
