Complete Guide to Kaveri River System, Origin, Basin & Ecology

Kaveri River, also called Cauvery River, is one of the Major Rivers in South of India and is often called the “Ganges of the South” for its sacredness and importance. Kaveri River System Originates from the Talakaveri, in the Brahmagiri Hills of the Western Ghats, in the Kodagu District of Karnataka, at an elevation of about 1,341 Meters. The river flows for about 800 kilometers before merging with the Bay of Bengal. The Kaveri River System is important for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power in southern India, supporting millions across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.

Kaveri River System

The Kaveri River flows through the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Kaveri is a perennial river, meaning it flows all year round, mainly fed by Monsoon Rains – the Southwest Monsoon in Karnataka and the Northeast Monsoon in Tamil Nadu. Along its journey, it is joined by several important tributaries like Hemavati, Shimsha, Arkavati, Bhavani, Kabini, and Amaravati. Originating in Karnataka, it flows southeast through Tamil Nadu, forming several waterfalls, including the famous Shivanasamudra Falls. It forms a broad delta in Tamil Nadu before entering the Bay of Bengal. The river is vital for irrigation in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Kaveri River System Details

Kaveri River flows through three South Indian States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, and also through the Union Territory of Puducherry. Originating in the Kodagu (Coorg) District of Karnataka, it flows for approximately 800 km before merging with the Bay of Bengal, near Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu.

Kaveri River System Origin

The Kaveri River originates at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri Hills of the Western Ghats, located in Kodagu (Coorg) District, Karnataka, at an altitude of about 1,341 meters. Although the source is considered sacred, the river initially flows underground for a short distance before emerging and flowing generally southeast across southern India. The Kaveri forms one of the most fertile deltas in India, the Kaveri Delta in Tamil Nadu, known as the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu.” The delta is rich in Alluvial soil and supports extensive agriculture, especially the cultivation of paddy (rice), sugarcane, and bananas. The Kaveri Delta system covers a large area and is critical for food security in Tamil Nadu.

Also Read: Dams in India

Kaveri River System Tributaries

Kaveri River has 21 major tributaries. Major tributaries include:

Kaveri River System Catchment Area

The Kaveri River basin covers approximately 81,155 Sq. Km. spanning across four states and a Union Territory. The basin supports diverse ecosystems, industries, and agriculture.

Kaveri River System Ecology

The Kaveri Basin is divided into Two Main Ecological Zones: Forest and Agricultural land. Its forests include dry deciduous, evergreen trees, and grasslands. Around 12,850 sq. km of forest was lost between 1965 and 2016 due to human activities. The region hosts diverse plant species such as the Arjun tree, Tamarind, Banyan, and Peepal trees. Several protected areas within the basin support key wildlife like tigers and elephants. Other fauna include Indian bison, leopards, sloth bears, Nilgiri tahr, grizzled giant squirrels, and various deer species. The basin is rich in birdlife, including painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, and ibises. It also supports aquatic species like the mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, and the endangered Hump Backed Mahseer Fish.