Vaigai River

Vaigai is a semi-perennial river in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It flows through the districts of Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram in the southern part of the state. The city of Madurai is situated on the banks of the river. The river is 295 km (183 mi) long, with its drainage basin spread across 7,009 km2 (2,706 sq mi). Vaigai originates in Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats, and flows north through the Cumbum Valley, between the Palani Hills to the north and the Varusanadu Hills to the south. It rounds the eastern corner of the Varushanad Hills, and turns southeast, running through southern Tamil Nadu. The river empties into the Palk Bay near Alagankulam in the Ramanathapuram district. During the 20th century, the river basin was extensively developed for irrigation, flood control, and the generation of hydroelectric power.