River Nila – More than just a river

It begins in the Trimurthy Hills inTamil Nadu. Flowing west, it crosses through the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram. Its tributaries are plenty and form a lifeline through the areas they flow through. It is the longest river of Kerala and is also known by its official name – Bharathapuzha. Annually, it receives about 2,300mm of rainfall; and most of it during the monsoon. At other times, the river goes practically dry. The river empties into the estuary at Ponnani and finally, into the Arabian Sea.

The famous Malayalam litterateurs of Kerala—like, Ezhutahchan, Vallathol, M.T. Vaasudevan Nair and Balamani Amma—have drawn inspiration from the Nila. Vallathol Narayana Menon set up the cultural centre of Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, close by. The river has rich historical accounts and anecdotes.

Eco-tourism spots like the Silent Valley National Park and Nelliyampathy are located near the Nila’s tributaries.