It is one of the most treacherous rivers in Kerala due to its flash floods, heavy undercurrents and woods and debris it carries from the mountains.

78 km long, originates in the Western Ghats main tributaries are Theekoy aaru from Vagamon hills, Poonjar Aaru and Chittar, flowing westward through the city of Kottayam and other towns like Poonjar, Teekoy, Erattupetta, Bharananganam, Pala, Mutholy, Cherpunkal, Kidangoor and Kumarakom before emptying into the Vembanad Lake on the shore of the Indian Ocean.

[citation needed] The river finds mention in Arundhati Roy's Booker Prize-winning novel, The God of Small Things.

Some of them are: The river is also mentioned in the Booker Prize winning book "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy.

The annual Aaraattu, (Holy Bath) of deity Lord Shiva at Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple is performed at banks surfaced at Peroor, Neericadu and Thriruvanchoor villages of Meenachil River.

The annual Aaraattu rituals of many other deities are also performed on banks of Meenachil River.Kumaranallor temple too has historical connection to the river.

Rakuli (Denha) perunnal is a major celebration on the banks of Meenachil river at St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala.