Tamiraparani River (also spelt Tampraparani, Tamraparni, and Tamiravaruni) originates from the Periya Pothigai Hill of the
Western Ghats, above Papanasam in
Ambasamudram,
Tirunelveli District. Traversing the district of Tirunelveli, the river joins the Gulf of Mannar in the
Bay of Bengal at Punnaikayal near
Tiruchendur.
It has a great number of tributaries such as the Peyar, Ullar, Karaiyar, Servalar, Pampar, Manimuthar, Varahanathi, Ramanathi, Jambunathi, Gadananathi, Kallar, Karunaiyar, Pachaiyar, Chittar, Gundar, Aintharuviar, Hanumanathi, Karuppanathi, and Aluthakanniar.
A symbol of Tamil culture and civilization, Tamiraparani has found mention in Sanskrit literature of earlier times. It is referred to as Porunai Nathi in vernacular poetic literature.
Papanasam Waterfalls is on Tamiraparani River.
