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15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
Discover India’s Lifelines: The Rivers Charting Our Civilization
Immerse yourself in the flow of India’s majestic rivers. From the sacred Ganges to the enigmatic Brahmaputra, each river carves a path through landscapes and cultures, nurturing cities and civilizations along its banks. Here’s your quick guide to the rivers that define the heart and soul of India.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
Here’s the rewritten table for clearer presentation:
Table: Summary of Major Indian Rivers
| S.No. | River | Origin | Ends in | Major Cities on the Banks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ganges | Gangotri Glacier | Bay of Bengal | Varanasi, Allahabad, Haridwar, Patna |
| 2 | Brahmaputra | Angsi Glacier (Tibet) | Bay of Bengal | Guwahati, Dibrugarh |
| 3 | Indus | Tibet, Kailash Range | Arabian Sea | Leh, Kargil |
| 4 | Godavari | Triambakeshwar, Maharashtra | Bay of Bengal | Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Rajahmundry |
| 5 | Narmada | Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh | Arabian Sea | Jabalpur, Harda, Bharuch |
| 6 | Krishna | Near Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra | Bay of Bengal | Sangli, Vijayawada |
| 7 | Yamuna | Yamunotri Glacier | Ganges River | Delhi, Agra, Mathura |
| 8 | Mahanadi | Hills of Southeastern Chhattisgarh | Bay of Bengal | Rajim, Sambalpur, Cuttack |
| 9 | Kaveri | Talakaveri, Karnataka | Bay of Bengal | Tiruchirapalli, Erode |
| 10 | Tapti (Tapi) | Satpura Range near Multai, Madhya Pradesh | Arabian Sea | Burhanpur, Bhusawal, Surat |
| 11 | Sutlej | Lake Rakshastal in Tibet | Indus River | Ferozpur, Rupnagar |
| 12 | Chambal | Vindhya Range Near Mhow, Madhya Pradesh | Yamuna River | Kota, Gwalior |
| 13 | Beas | Beas Kund, Himachal Pradesh | Sutlej River | Mandi, Kullu, Amritsar |
| 14 | Tungabhadra | Koodli (where Tunga and Bhadra rivers meet) | Krishna River | Harihar, Hospet, Hampi, Kurnool |
| 15 | Sabarmati | Aravali Hills near Udaipur, RJ | Arabian Sea | Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar |
GANGES
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
Flowing from the Gaumukh at the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas, the river initially bears the name Bhagirathi. It transforms into the Ganges at Devprayag, where it converges with the Alaknanda.
Stretching across 2,525 kilometers, the Ganges stands as one of India’s lengthiest rivers. Referred to as the Ganga, it holds profound religious significance in Hinduism, revered as the Goddess Ganga by devotees.
Originating in the western Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Ganges courses through the expansive Gangetic plains of India before traversing into Bangladesh and finally joining the Bay of Bengal.
Its principal tributaries include the Ghaghara, distinguished for its substantial water volume, and the Yamuna, notable for its extensive length.
Among the notable cities nestled along its banks are Varanasi, Allahabad, Haridwar, Kanpur, and Patna.
The National Mission For Cleaning Ganga,India
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
BRAHMAPUTRA
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Brahmaputra River, stretching across the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, extends beyond borders to flow through Bangladesh and China.
This mighty river holds the title of India’s largest in terms of water flow, coursing through a distance of 2,900 km from its origin to the point of convergence.
Its journey begins at the Angsi glacier near Mount Kailash in Burang County, Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. From there, it winds through southern Tibet before entering Arunachal Pradesh.
As it continues its path through the Assam Valley, it is named the Brahmaputra River, then flows southward into Bangladesh where it merges with the Padma River. From this confluence, it becomes the Meghna River, ultimately emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
Key cities such as Guwahati and Dibrugarh thrive along its banks, marking significant points in its course.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
INDUS
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
Originating from the Tibetan plateau near Lake Mansarovar in the Kailash Mountain range, the Indus River embarks on a monumental 3,180 km journey. Its historical significance as the cradle of the ancient Indus Valley civilization cannot be overstated.
India derives its name from this majestic river, which is revered as one of the seven sacred rivers in the country. Flowing through Ladakh towards the Gilgit-Baltistan region, it eventually merges with the Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan.
The majority of the Indus basin catchment area, over 60 percent, lies within Pakistan. Governed by the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan, India is permitted to utilize 20 percent of the total water carried by the river.
Among its significant tributaries are the Kabul River, Jhelum River, Chenab River, Ravi River, Beas River, and Sutlej River, all contributing to the grandeur and vitality of the Indus River system.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
GODAVARI
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Godavari River, stretching 1,465 km, holds the title of being Southern India’s longest river and is often referred to as ‘Dakshina Ganga’, translating to “Ganges of the South”.
Originating in the Western Ghats near Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra’s Nashik district, this revered river features prominently in Hindu scriptures, meandering through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha before merging with the Bay of Bengal.
Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari rivers contribute from the left bank, while Pravara, Manjira, and Manair rivers feed from the right bank.
The Godavari forms the third largest river basin in the Indian subcontinent, following the Ganges and Indus.
Noteworthy for its biodiversity, the Krishna Godavari Basin serves as a crucial nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle and shelters the endangered fringed-lipped carp (Labeo fimbriatus).
The Godavari delta hosts the country’s second-largest mangrove formation, known as the Coringa mangrove forests, with a portion converted into the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its diverse reptile population.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
NARMADA
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
Originating from the Amarkantak range in Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada River is renowned as the largest westward-flowing river in Peninsular India. Spanning 1,312 kilometers across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, it finally meets the Arabian Sea.
Esteemed as one of India’s seven sacred rivers, the Narmada is celebrated in Hindu scriptures. Along its journey, it showcases several majestic waterfalls such as Dugdhdhara, Dhardi Falls, Kapildhara, and the stunning Dhuandhar Falls near Jabalpur.
Communities thrive along its banks in cities like Jabalpur, Harda, Mandla, Bharuch, and Omkareshwar. The Narmada Valley, home to diverse wildlife, hosts protected areas like Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks, where tributaries Hallon and Banjar meander through lush forests.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
KRISHNA
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Krishna River, also known as Krishnaveni, originates in the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. Spanning approximately 1,400 kilometers, it traverses through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and eventually merges into the Bay of Bengal near Koduru in Andhra Pradesh. Among its notable features, the Tungabhadra River stands as its largest tributary on the right bank, while the Bhima River, stretching 861 kilometers, holds the title of its longest tributary.
Ranking as the fourth-largest river basin area in India, following the Ganges, Godavari, and Brahmaputra, the Krishna River nurtures a fertile delta region, contributing significantly to India’s agricultural landscape. Across its course, numerous dams have been constructed for irrigation and power generation purposes, with prominent examples including the Srisailam Dam and the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
Major urban centers along the Krishna River include Sangli in Maharashtra and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, showcasing the river’s importance to human settlement and economic activities. The river basin also sustains diverse vegetation and supports wildlife sanctuaries renowned for their biodiversity, such as the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Chandoli National Park. Additionally, the Krishna estuary is home to the last remaining Mangrove forests, now protected as the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
YAMUNA
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Yamuna River, renowned as the primary tributary of the Ganges in India, originates from the Yamunotri glacier nestled in the Lower Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It meanders through Uttarakhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, covering a distance of 1,376 kilometers. Eventually, it merges with the Ganges at Sangam in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, a revered site for Hindus, especially during the Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years.
Worshipped as the goddess Yamuna in Hinduism, the river holds significant spiritual importance. Its largest tributary, the Tons River, flows through the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Besides being a sacred water body, the Yamuna is also a popular destination for thrilling water-based adventure activities like white-water rafting in Uttarakhand.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
MAHANADI
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
Originating from an elevation of 442 meters (1,450 ft) in the southeastern hills of Chhattisgarh, the Mahanadi River stands as one of India’s prominent waterways. Its name, derived from Sanskrit, reflects its grandeur, with “maha” meaning ‘great’ and “nadi” meaning ‘river’.
The river initially flows northwards through Chhattisgarh’s Raipur district, later veering eastward upon meeting the Seonath River as it enters Odisha. In Odisha, it boasts the distinction of hosting the world’s largest earthen dam, the Hirakud Dam, near Sambalpur city. Behind this monumental dam stretches the Hirakud Reservoir, a sprawling body of water extending over 55 kilometers, making it one of Asia’s longest artificial lakes. The Mahanadi continues its journey, traversing through Cuttack and Puri districts before ultimately converging into the Bay of Bengal.
Winding its way through diverse landscapes, the Mahanadi River serves as a lifeline for the regions it traverses. Its waters not only sustain agriculture and local communities but also facilitate hydroelectric power generation and provide avenues for transportation.
The presence of the Hirakud Dam not only regulates water flow but also offers opportunities for irrigation, flood control, and recreation. As the river gracefully merges into the Bay of Bengal, it leaves behind a legacy of nourishment and utility, symbolizing the symbiotic relationship between nature and human civilization along its banks.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
KAVERI
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Kaveri River, originating from the Western Ghats in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, is the largest river in Tamil Nadu. Spanning 805 kilometers, it courses through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. En route, it forms two islands at Srirangapatna and Shivanasamudra.
Descending from a height of 98 meters at Shivanasamudra, the river creates the breathtaking Shivanasamudra Falls, where India’s second hydroelectric plant was established in 1902, providing power to Bengaluru. Notably, the first such plant was set up in Darjeeling in 1898.
Among its main tributaries are the Hemavati and Kabini rivers. Hindus hold the Kaveri River in high esteem, with a temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveri at Talakaveri, a key attraction in Coorg.
Tamil literature reveres the river, considering it one of India’s most cherished. Serving as the lifeline for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, it provides drinking water, irrigation, and electricity. The fertile Kaveri delta is vital for agriculture.
Additionally, the river is home to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, a renowned avian refuge in Karnataka.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
TAPTI
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Tapti River, flowing westward through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat covering a distance of 724 km, originates from the Gawilgarh Hills in the Satpura range of the central Deccan plateau. It eventually empties into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat.
Being one of the three peninsular rivers in India running from east to west, alongside the Narmada and Mahi rivers, the Tapti River is of significant geographical importance. Its main tributaries include the Purna, Girna, Panjhra, Bori, Waghur, and Aner rivers.
According to legend, the river Tapti is believed to be the daughter of Surya, the Sun god, and Chhaya, the goddess of shadow.
Several major towns, including Bhusawal in Maharashtra, Surat in Gujarat, and Betul, Multai, and Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, are situated along its banks.
On the southeastern bank of the river lies the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Amravati district, which was among the first nine tiger reserves designated under Project Tiger.
The Tapti River plays a vital role in nurturing and supporting wildlife in the Melghat forest, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
SUTLEJ
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Sutlej River, originating from Lake Rakshastal in Tibet, is an ancient waterway and the easternmost tributary of the Indus River. It holds the distinction of being the longest among the five rivers that lend their name to the state of Punjab.
Meandering through numerous Himalayan gorges, the river eventually enters the plains of Punjab near Nangal, where it merges with the Beas River. From there, it continues its course west-southwest into Pakistan, where it joins the Chenab River before ultimately converging with the mighty Indus.
In its Indian stretch, the Sutlej spans 1,050 kilometers out of its total 1,450-kilometer journey. Along its path, the river hosts several hydroelectric projects, including the Bhakra Dam, Nathpa Jhakri Dam, and Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
CHAMBAL
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Chambal River, stretching 965 kilometers, emerges from the Vindhya Range close to Indore in Madhya Pradesh, serving as a significant tributary of the Yamuna River. Its course traverses through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, also delineating a portion of the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Its journey culminates at the confluence of five rivers, including the Chambal, Yamuna, Sind, Pahuj, and Kwari near Bhareh in Uttar Pradesh. Renowned for its cleanliness, the Chambal River hosts a diverse array of aquatic life, such as the Gangetic river dolphins, red-crowned roof turtle, and mugger crocodile.
The river’s passage through the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary sustains a rich biodiversity, with a plethora of flora and fauna. This sanctuary is particularly revered by bird enthusiasts, boasting over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
BEAS
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
Flowing across the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on its 470-kilometer journey, the Beas River stands as a significant tributary of the Sutlej River.
Originating from the Beas Kund nestled in the Dhauladhar range of the mighty Himalayas, it gracefully merges with the Sutlej River at Kapurthala in Punjab.
Beas Kund, a renowned trekking destination near Manali, marks the beginning of this majestic river. Among its notable tributaries are Bain, Banganga, Luni, and Uhal.
This river holds a special place as one of the five rivers after which the Indian state of Punjab is named. Legend has it that the revered sage Ved Vyasa created the Beas River from its pristine source lake. Mentioned in the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata as the Vipasa River, Beas has sacred significance.
Serving as a vital source of drinking water for the inhabitants of Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra regions, the Beas River enhances the scenic splendor of the picturesque Kullu and Kangra valleys with its azure waters.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
TUNGABHADRA
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
The Tungabhadra River originates from the meeting point of the Tunga River and the Bhadra River in Koodli, situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. As a significant tributary of the Krishna River, it holds a pivotal role in the South Indian Peninsula’s water network.
Spanning a course of 531 kilometers, the Tungabhadra traverses through Karnataka and Telangana before eventually merging with the Krishna River near Sangameswaram village, located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
With its roots entwined in mythology, the Tungabhadra River finds mention in the epic Ramayana as the revered Pampa River. Its confluence with the Krishna River holds profound religious significance, serving as a sacred pilgrimage site.
At the juncture of the rivers lies the esteemed Sangameswara temple, a devout abode dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled in the Kurnool district.
The banks of the Tungabhadra River are adorned with ancient sanctuaries, including the Pampapati temple in Karnataka, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Sri Jogulamba Temple in Andhra Pradesh, venerating Goddess Parvati.
Harnessing the river’s potential, the Tungabhadra Dam stands proudly near Hospet town in Karnataka, facilitating irrigation and power generation.
A stone’s throw away from the dam rests the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hampi, once the bustling capital of the illustrious Vijayanagara Dynasty.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
SABARMATI
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More
Originating from the Aravali hills in Rajasthan, the Sabarmati River meanders through a 48 km stretch in Rajasthan and a 323 km stretch in Gujarat, before converging with the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Cambay (Khambhat). During the monsoon season, the river swells with rainwater, showcasing its full force.
Among its notable tributaries are the Wakal, Harnav, Watrak, Hathmati, and Sei rivers. Various dams have been constructed along the Sabarmati and its tributaries to harness its resources.
The Dharoi dam is positioned along the main course of the Sabarmati River, while dams like Hathmati, Harnav, Watrak, and Mazam are situated on its tributaries.
Sabarmati Ashram, established by India’s eminent freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi, stands as a testament to his ideals on the banks of this revered river in Ahmedabad.
15 Rivers: Exploring The Beauty Of India & More