Do you know which Indian waterway is the longest? India’s rivers are vital to the nation’s continued prosperity, industrialization, and agricultural productivity. The population of India worships the ten largest rivers as goddesses.
Rivers in India can be divided into two groups: those that flow through the Himalayas and those that flow through the peninsula. 90% of rivers flow east into the Bay of Bengal, and the remaining 10% flow west into the Arabian Sea. Continue reading to learn more about the longest river in India.
The top 10 longest rivers in India are listed below, in order of total length and contribution.
| Name of Rivers | Total Length (km) | Length in India (km) |
|---|---|---|
| Ganga | 2525 | 2525 |
| Godavari | 1465 | 1464 |
| Krishna | 1400 | 1400 |
| Yamuna | 1376 | 1376 |
| Narmada | 1312 | 1312 |
| Indus | 3180 | 1114 |
| Brahmaputra | 2900 | 916 |
| Mahanadi | 890 | 890 |
| Kaveri | 800 | 800 |
| Tapti | 724 | 724 |
One of the most sacred rivers in the world is the Ganges. Hindus revere it as a goddess and consider it to be in India. The river runs through some of the world’s most densely populated regions and is more than 2,500 kilometres long. Millions of farmers who depend on the Ganges for irrigation and clean water consider it to be their lifeline. It plays a significant role in the ecosystem as a source of fish and other wildlife. The Ganges has become more and more polluted in recent years, which has resulted in a decline in wildlife and an increase in health issues for those who live along its banks. India has implemented a number of programmes to lessen pollution and safeguard its environment in an effort to help protect this significant river.
Among these initiatives is the development of a Ganges River Basin Management Plan, which aims to protect the biodiversity of the river and lessen the amount of pollutants that enter it. The plan also aims to lessen sedimentation and enhance water quality. The government has also established a number of programmes to safeguard the river’s wildlife, including wildlife sanctuaries and stricter enforcement of fishing laws. These steps have assisted in reducing pollution in the Ganges and protecting its priceless resources, along with public awareness campaigns.
The Godavari River, which flows through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, is the second-longest river in India at 1,465 kilometres. One of the most sacred rivers in India, it is also referred to as the Dakshin Ganga. In the Western Ghats, close to Nasik, Maharashtra, the Godavari River rises and flows until it empties into the Bay of Bengal. Millions of people rely on it as a significant source of drinking water and irrigation in many regions of the nation. The Godavari River is also home to a wide range of wildlife and the Sri Ramgopalpet, the largest riverine island in the world. Additionally, thousands of pilgrims travel there every year as it is a well-liked location for this purpose.
With numerous temples and other religious sites situated along its banks, the Godavari River is well-known for its significance in religion. In addition, it’s a well-liked location for adventurous pursuits like river rafting and kayaking. For the nearby communities, the river serves as a crucial resource by supplying them with food, water, and other necessities. Numerous bird, fish, and other animal species depend on the Godavari River as a habitat. It is an essential component of the local biodiversity and a significant piece of India’s ecological heritage.
The Krishna River, which originates in Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra and flows 1,400 km through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before flowing into the Bay of Bengal, is the third-longest river in India and one of the most significant in the nation. The Krishna River provides a significant amount of water for industrialization, power production, and irrigation, and it is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. It serves as a significant regional transportation hub for both people and goods and is a well-liked tourist destination thanks to its abundance of beautiful scenery. The Krishna River is an important resource for India, and the nation’s development depends on its water supplies.
The eighth Vishnu incarnation, Lord Krishna, who was born on its banks, is closely linked to the river. Along the Krishna River’s banks, there are numerous temples honouring Hindu deities. The Pushkaram festival, which is held every 12 years, is one of the many festivals and celebrations that take place along the river. Boating, fishing, and other water sports are popular along the Krishna River, another popular tourist destination.
One of the most significant rivers in India, the Yamuna River is the fourth-longest river in the world. It is a Ganges tributary that rises in the Himalayas from the Yamunotri Glacier. Before joining the Ganges in Allahabad, it travels over 1,376 kilometres through the states of Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. A major source of freshwater for millions of people, the Yamuna River is very significant to the people who live along its banks. In addition to providing drinking water and irrigation, it also facilitates the movement of goods and services. The river is also revered as sacred and is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.
The Yamuna River is an important sanctuary for many different bird and animal species and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The river is a significant fish breeding ground and is home to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The river’s natural habitats have deteriorated as a result of rising pollution and human encroachment in recent years. The Indian government has taken several measures to lessen pollution and preserve the Yamuna’s biodiversity in order to protect the river. A number of conservation projects have been established as a result of conservation efforts with the goal of preserving and reestablishing the ecological balance of the river.
India’s Narmada River, a revered waterway, traverses the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. It is also referred to as the “Life Line of Madhya Pradesh” and is thought to be among the oldest rivers in India. The river has a total catchment area of 98,796 km2 and is 1,312 km long. One of the few rivers in India that flows from east to west is this one. Hindus revere the river as sacred, and they frequent its significant pilgrimage sites. Many cities and towns in the area rely on it as a major water source. The Narmada River is a significant component of Indian culture and a representation of the country’s rich history.
Numerous wildlife species, such as the wild boar, mugger crocodile, and Ganges river dolphin, call the Narmada River home. The Satpura and Vindhya ranges, as well as the marble rocks of Bhedaghat, are among the river’s breath-taking views. Many people revere the Narmada River because it is a significant component of India’s history and culture. It is regarded as one of India’s most significant rivers and is vital to the livelihoods of those who live nearby.
One of Asia’s longest rivers, the Indus flows over 3,200 kilometres from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea. It is the sixth-largest river in India, but its length within the country is only 1,114 kilometres. With over 400 million people receiving freshwater from it, it is India and Pakistan’s lifeline. It is also a significant source of irrigation water for the extensive agricultural sector in the area. The Indus dolphin, the only freshwater dolphin species in Asia, is one of the most diverse flora and fauna species in the world, and it can be found in the Indus River. The river is crucial for the local ecology and serves as a natural habitat for a variety of species. The Indus River plays an important ecological role in the area, but Hindus and Buddhists also regard it as the most sacred river in India because of its profound spiritual significance.
The Indus River plays a significant role in the history and culture of the area. The Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilizations, which rose along the banks of the Indus Valley, were long ago centred there. These two cultures were among the most developed of their era and among the first in the world to create writing, a form of government, and a sophisticated religion. Throughout history, the river served as a crucial trade route connecting India with the Middle East and Central Asia. Today, the Indus River serves as a significant representation of the bond between India and Pakistan, serving as a point of pride for both nations.
A significant river in South Asia, the Brahmaputra passes through Bangladesh, China, and India. With a total length of 2,900 km, it is the 7th-longest river and the most significant in the area. With powerful tides and a variety of wildlife, it is renowned for its erratic and fierce flow. It is a vital water source for millions of people in the area and is home to a number of rare species, including the endangered Ganges river dolphin. It is impossible to overstate the significance of the Brahmaputra River to the area’s ecology and economy. It is a significant component of the history and culture of the area.
Hindus also consider the river to be a significant religious location, and many different religious rituals use its waters. Numerous significant archaeological sites, such as the remains of the Ahom kingdom and the ancient city of Pragjyotishpur, can be found along the Brahmaputra. Many writers and poets find inspiration in the Brahmaputra River, which has been the subject of countless poems and stories. Additionally, it is a well-liked vacation spot for tourists who want to take in the distinctive beauty of the area. Whatever draws people to the Brahmaputra River is certain to make an impression.
A significant river in India, the Mahanadi River flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha before joining the Bay of Bengal. With a length of 890 km, it is the eight river in India by length. With its waters providing irrigation to the farming communities in the area, its basin is one of the most fertile regions of the nation. Millions of people in the area receive their water from the Mahanadi River, which is also a significant hydroelectric power source. Tourists who want to experience the area’s natural beauty frequently travel there. In India, the Mahanadi River is a significant river because of both its economic value and its stunning natural surroundings.
The Mahanadi River is an essential component of the regional ecology because it provides a habitat for numerous fish species and other aquatic animals. Endangered species found in the river include the Gangetic dolphin and the Gharial, which have come to represent the river’s significance in conservation efforts. Additionally, the Mahanadi River is a haven for a variety of bird species, making it a well-liked location for birdwatchers. In addition, the river is a significant source of sand for building initiatives, which has led to an increase in tourism in the area. It is impossible to overstate the significance of the Mahanadi River for the economic and ecological health of India as a significant component of the country’s landscape.
A significant river in South India, the Kaveri/Cauvery River is frequently referred to as the “Dakshina Ganga” or the “Ganga of the South.” Before joining the Bay of Bengal, it travels 800 km from its source in the Western Ghats. The states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, who have been at odds over the river’s water sharing since the late 1800s, place a great deal of importance on it. It is a significant source of water for drinking, power production, and irrigation, and it plays a significant role in the traditions and cultures of both states.
South Indians, who hold the Kaveri/Cauvery River in particular esteem and regard it as the mother goddess, regard it as sacred and hold it in high regard. It is revered in numerous temples all over the area and regarded as a symbol of peace and harmony between the citizens of the two states. The disagreement over water sharing between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has been the subject of numerous attempts, but none of them have been successful. South Indians will continue to receive the resources they require to survive and prosper from the river, which is a significant component of both states.
Western India is home to the Tapti River, also referred to as the Tapi River. It begins in Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Range and flows through Gujarat and Maharashtra before emptying into the Gulf of Cambay. The locals depend heavily on this river because it provides the majority of the water used for drinking, industry, and agriculture. Inhabitants of the area include birds, mammals, and reptiles, and it is a significant source of fish. Many people travel to the region to witness the splendour of the Tapti River because it is such a lovely sight to behold. One of three rivers that rise on the Indian Peninsula and flow from east to west is the Tapi River. The river is the tenth longest river in India because it flows over a total distance of 724 km.
Along its course, the Tapti River has numerous dams and irrigation projects that aid in water supply. On the Tapti River, the Panzara, Ukai, and Girna dams are all in use and date back to the 1960s. Each dam serves a specific function, such as supplying water for flood control, power generation, and irrigation. Along with other aquatic life, the Tapti River is also home to a variety of fish species. The river is well-known for its numerous rapids and is a well-liked spot for kayaking and white water rafting. With numerous hydroelectric power plants constructed along its course, the Tapti River is also a significant energy source. The river has helped the local economies by creating jobs and opening up development opportunities.
The longest river in India, the Ganga, is 2525 kilometres long. Numerous fish species, aquatic species, the gharial, and the critically endangered river dolphin all call it home.
The Yamuna River, which does not empty into the sea, is the Ganges’ principal contributing stream. Hanuman Ganga, Sasur, Hindon, Sharda, Giri, Rishiganga, Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Sindh, and Tons are a few of its many tributaries.
Due to the river’s enormous benefits to the two states, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, it is known as the “Backbone of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.” This river in India flows westward, in contrast to the majority of them.
The Godavari, which has a length of 1464 km, is the second-longest river in India. The Dakshinganga or South Ganges are other names for this river.
With a 1,465 km length, the largest catchment area, and highest discharge rate by 2022, the Godavari will be the longest river in South India.
The Indus River, which flows 3,180 km (1,980 mi) from its source in Western Tibet to the contentious Kashmir region, is a river that cuts across many political lines.
According to its length, the Brahmputra is the longest river in India; however, the Ganga is the longest river in India as a whole.
When considering the entire length it travels, the Ganges is the longest river in India. The Indian subcontinent’s Indus and Brahmaputra rivers, however, have longer overall lengths.
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