The source of the Periyar lies high in the Western Ghats. It is variously claimed to be located in Kerala and in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. The state of Kerala has asserted during the hearings on the Mullaperiyar issue in the Supreme Court of India that the Periyar originates in Kerala, flows entirely through Kerala and joins the sea in the Kerala. This has also been admitted by the state of Tamil Nadu in the court. The source of the river lies in the remote forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Various sources indicate the origin of the river to be Chokkampatti Mala, a peak on the southern boundary of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.