Muvattupuzha River

About Muvattupuzha River

Muvattupuzha River is one of the important rivers in Ernakulam District of Kerala. Muvattupuzha is the river there cutting the city into three segments. This river is a union of three streams, Thodupuzha river, Kaliyar river and Kothamangalam river.These three small rivers conglomerate at Muvattupuzha to transform to the big Muvattupuzha river and there from flows smoothly to rest at the Vaikom backwaters embracing the various interior areas of Ernakulam and Kottayam districts. Since the merger of three rivers realizes at this place, this area was named Muvattupuzha, meaning the place where three rivers unite.Muvattupuzha is a municipality in Ernakulam district in the Indian state of Kerala.Muvattupuzha which means ‘Moo’, which stands for ‘three’, ‘aaru’ - river, and ‘puzha’, which also means a river. ‘Aaru’ is a word that is usually used to rivers in the southern half of Kerala, while ’puzha’s are northern rivers. The three rivers in this case are the Kothamangalam river or Kothayaar, Kaliyar and Thodupuzhayaar, which merge to form a single river. Thus it is called Thriveni Sangamam or Centre Point in Malayalam.The famous Thommankuthu Waterfalls is situated in the river Muvattupuzha. Besides, a dam for irrigation purpose is built across this river.The Muvattupuzha River which passes by and Chakkippara , a hilltop and an elegant picnic spot, add flavor to its beauty.

Interesting things to Visit

Thiruvumplavil MahaDevaKshethram:

Thiruvumplavil MahaDevaKshethram , Anicadu an ancient temple which attracts a huge crowd on the Sivarathri and the Pithrutharpanam .It’s kulambutheertham (water coming out as a stream from a hole in the shape of feet of a cow in the rock) which serves the water for the kshethrakkulam is considered holy.

Triveni:

This the centre of the where these three rivers joins Thodupuzha river, Kaliyar river and Kothamangalam river.

Maniyanthram hills:

Maniyanthram hills is 22 km from Muvattupuzha near to Vazhakulam, We can really enjoy the beautiful series of gentle hills, valleys and green slopes from the top station of Maniyanthram hill!

Puzhakkara Kavu temple:

The Puzhakkara Kavu, one of the most important temples dedicated to Bhagawati, is situated on the banks of the Muvattupuzha.

Bhoothathankettu dam:

Bhoothathankettu dam is a scenic dam site and tourist spot situated in the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam, Thattekad and 50 kms away from the main city of Ernakulam. It is a popular picnic sport with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near by. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is about 13kms from Kothamangalam and about 71kms from Kochi Airport. Without guide or special permissions it’s a dead end.The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. Ali described Thattekad in the 1930’s as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas.

Paittingattilkadavu:

Paittingattilkadavu a very nice place to have bath and sight seeing. River-side Park with rare Butterflies Near Latha Theatre.boating through river.

Check Dam at Rakkad:

Check Dam at Rakkad six Kilometres from Muvattupuzha town. It is a very beautiful place with a waterfall across Muvattupuzha river. You can see Sreekrishna swami Temple near the river.The check dam situated in rackad,rackad is a beautiful villege.Nice to watch

Nearest Visiting places

Hill Palace Museum:

This is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. In addition there are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants around the area.

Kodanad:

It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.

Willington Island:

This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. Willington Island has a naval base, a railway terminus, a port, and customs offices.This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to indulge in.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Malayatoor:

Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church built on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill. This hill is dedicated to St. Thomas. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine to participate in the annual festival of Malayatoor Perunnal, in the month of March. St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.

Chendamangalam:

Chendamangalam is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala.

Mangalavanam-“ The green lung of Kochi city“

The ecologically sensitive Magalavanam is safely tucked away behind the Ernakulam High Court. This evergreen forest land in the heart of Kochi is a green oasis for many migratory birds as a nesting ground. Visitors to Mangalavanam are captivated by the sheer variety of migratory birds that have nested atop the huge trees.

Cochin Carnival:

Cochin Carnival, December 2 to the New year day, attracts a number of domestic and international tourists each year.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow:

Founded in 1862, this graceful colonial abode, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and native building style, was the office of the coffee merchants, the Pierce Leslie and Company.

Santa Cruz Basillica Church:

This is Built by the Portuguese, this church was elevated in its rank to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, and later was declared as a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Vasco House:

Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi.

Chottanikkara Temple:

Numerous stories attest to the early history of this 10th century temple, where tormented devotees found solace in the diety, Bhagavathi. Today it remains one of the most popular pilgrim sites in Kerala, devotees still floak here seeking liberation from torment.

Parikshith Thampuran Museum:

This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.

Vamanamoorthy Temple:

Inscriptions from the 10th to the 13th century are found in this temple in Thrikakkara, near Ernakulam.

Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple:

The original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 AD according to the inscriptions found here.

Dutch Palace:

This palace was Originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is located at Mattancherry. It was presented to the Kochi Maharaja in 1555 AD and later taken over by the Dutch who carried out repairs.

Children’s Park :

A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.

Marine Drive:

Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Jewish Synagogue:

The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568 is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Jawahar Petrol Pump
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.

Petrol Pump
NH 49, Puthencruz, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
SH 16, Perumbavoor, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Pookkattupady Kizhakkambalam Road
Ernakulam, Kerala State.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Delight
1/662, Parade Ground Post Office Road
Fort Kochi, Ernakulam
Kerala 680001
Tel: 0484 2217658.

Hotel Yuvarani Residency
MG Rd, Ernakulam
Kerala 682011
Tel:0484 2377040.

Sea Lord Hotel
Shanmugham Rd, Marine Driv
Ernakulam, Kerala 682031
Tel: 0484 2368268.

Bharat Hotel(BTH)
D.H.Road, Ernakulam
Kerala 682016
Tel:0484 2353501.

Hotel Abad Metro
Rajaji Rd, Ernakulam
Kerala
Tel:0484 2364032.

Star Homes
Fr Mulavarickal Road Konthuruthy Thevara
Kochi, Kerala 68201
Tel: 0484 2323051.

Hotel Sealord
Shanmugham Rd, Marine Drive
Ernakulam, Kerala 682 031
Tel:0484 2382472.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Kuruppampady Police station
Kuruppampady, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Perumbavoor Police Station
Perumbavoor, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Police Station
Thodupuzha udumbannoor rd(TU rd)
Karimannoor, Idukki
Kerala
Tel: 04862 262434.

Nearest Hospital:

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 68230
Tel: 0484 2302666.

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad, Kizhakkambalam
Ernakulam, Kerala 680562
Tel:0484 2680511.

Rcm Hi-Tech Multi Speciality Hospital
Rcm Hospital Complex
Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2776318.

Hail Mary Hospital
Near Perumpilly Church, Mulanthuruthy
Ernakulam, Kerala 680314
Tel: 0484 2740315.

RCM Hospital
Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2776319.

Kurian Dr Kv
1/129, Mulanthuruthy
Ernakulam, Kerala 680314
Tel: 0484 2740275.

Link:

http://muvattupuzhaonline.blogspot.com/2009/07/muvattupuzha-online.html
http://photosgodsowncountry.blogspot.com/2008/03/muvattupuzha-river-near-piravom.html
http://aboutmuvattupuzha.blogspot.com/2008/06/rivers-in-muvattupuzha-great-thriveni.html
http://shirasch.blogspot.com/2007/07/muvattupuzha.html
http://velloorkunnathappan.blogspot.com/2008/03/velloorkunnam-maha-deva-temple.html

Location info

• Address: Muvattupuzha , Ernakulam(kochi), Kerala, India.

• District: Ernakulam district.

• Nearest City: Kalady, Kothamangalam,Thodupuzha,Perumbavoor and Ernakulam(kochi) .

• Best time to visit: September to May.

Climate & weather

The climate is tropical and Temperature is between 31.3oC and 25.8oC

Things to do at Muvattupuzha River

you can take the bath, swimming,fishing and boating.The famous Thommankuthu Waterfalls is situated nearby to this river.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Best time to visit Muvattupuzha River

The best time to visit Muvattupuzha River is from November to February with pleasant weather. The river is fullest during and after the monsoon (July–November). Summer months (March–May) see reduced water levels. Boating and riverside picnics are best in the post-monsoon months.

Timings & opening hours

River areas are accessible 24 hours. Boating and bathing are recommended only during daylight hours (6:00 AM–6:00 PM). Some riverside temples and ghats have specific access timings.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to riverside areas is generally free. Boating or rafting charges, if available, vary by operator. Rivers flowing through forest areas may require forest entry permits.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for riverside walks and photography. Additional time for boating, fishing, or picnicking if available.

Safety tips

Be cautious of strong currents and depth variations when near the river. Do not attempt to cross the river during heavy flow. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar stretches. Be mindful of slippery riverbank rocks. During monsoon, water levels can rise rapidly — avoid riverbanks during heavy rain.

Things to carry

Comfortable footwear, drinking water, camera, light snacks, mosquito repellent, a towel if you plan to wade, and an umbrella or rain cover for your bag. For riverside picnics, carry a ground sheet or mat.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Muvattupuzha River

Muvattupuzha River is part of Kerala’s extensive river network — the state has 44 rivers, 41 of which flow westward to the Arabian Sea and 3 eastward. These rivers originate in the Western Ghats and have shaped Kerala’s geography, agriculture, and culture. Rivers have been central to Kerala’s civilisation — providing water for rice cultivation, serving as trade routes, and inspiring countless works of literature and folklore. The riverbanks are dotted with temples, churches, and settlements that have flourished for centuries.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go boating on the river? — Boating availability depends on the river’s width, depth, and current. Some rivers offer boat rides, especially wider stretches. Inquire locally. Is the river safe for swimming? — Swimming in rivers requires caution. Some stretches are safe, while others have strong currents. Check locally and avoid swimming near dams or after heavy rain. What is the best time to visit? — Early morning for the best light and bird sightings. Post-monsoon (October–January) offers the best water levels and scenic beauty.