PALAR RIVER

river in southern India. It rises near the Ponnaiyar River, southwest of Chintamani, in Karnataka state, and flows 183 miles (295 km) southeastward through Tamil Nadu state to the Bay of Bengal, south of Madras. Its major tributaries are the Ponnai and Cheyy ar rivers. The flow of the Palar is irregular, with considerable variations from year to year. Although it generally does not flood, heavy rains have caused the river to remain in flood for as long as six months. The river has been dammed for irrigation, especially along its course in Tamil Nadu. The largest communities along its banks are Vellore, Arcot, and Chingleput.