- Longest River in India: Ganga
- Longest River In India Ganga River Origin
- Longest River In India Ganga River Map With Tributaries
- Top 10 Longest Rivers in India
- Longest River In India The Ganges River – 2525 km
- Longest River In India Godavari River – 1464 km
- Longest River In India Krishna River – 1400 km
- Longest River In India Yamuna River – 1376 km
- FAQs
Longest River in India: Ganga
The Ganga River is the longest river in India and at the same time one of the important rivers in the world. It has deep influencer on the geography of India, Indian culture, and economy and life style based on religious following. Let’s dig deeper into its many aspects.
1. Geography of the Ganga River
Source: The river originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of approximately 7,000 meters (22,965 feet) above sea level. The point of origin is known as Gaumukh, which actually means “cow’s mouth” in Sanskrit.
2. Cultural and Religious Importance
The Ganga is considered a goddess by the Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, the river came down from the heavens, carried by Lord Shiva in his hair so that the impact of its coming to earth might be softened. Millions of Hindus worship this river and make use of the bathing facility for purification in several religious ceremonies.
3. Ecological Significance
Biodiversity: The Ganga River Basin supports a diverse range of biodiversity, including endangered species such as the Ganga River Dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal. Various birds and aquatic life, wetlands, and more are also supported by the river and its tributaries.
4. Economic Role
Source of Water: Thousands of people are supplied with water for consumption, irrigation, and industrial purposes from the Ganga. The river water is also essential for agricultural production in the fertile plains of northern India.
Ganga River Origin
The Ganga River originates at the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India. In fact, it flows out from the Gaumukh, which is a glacier at approximately 7,000 meters (22,965 feet) above sea level at the Himalayan mountains.
Important Facts on the Origin of the River Ganga:
The melting ice forms the river at Gangotri Glacier, and it is where the Ganga starts out its journey as the Bhagirathi River. Gaumukh: This name is based on the shape of the glacier, which forms a river gorge that looks like a cow’s mouth, through which the river flows.
Religious Significance: The Ganga, according to Hindu mythology, was born from the heavens. Lord Shiva caught the river in his hair so that it would not flood the Earth with its waters.
Elevation : At source, the Ganga flows through rugged Himalayan terrain and then cascades down into the northern Indian plains.
From Gaumukh, the river flows east, merging with several tributaries to become the mighty Ganga River that flows through much of northern India.
Ganga River Map With Tributaries
| Elements | Details |
| Origin | Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand, India |
| Length | 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles) |
| Drainage Basin | 1,080,000 square kilometers (417,000 square miles) |
| Confluence | Bay of Bengal |
| Major Tributaries | Yamuna River, Ghaghara River, Gomti River, Kosi River |
| Important Cities | Varanasi, Allahabad, Patna, Kolkata, Dhaka |
Top 10 Longest Rivers in India
| Sr. No. | River | Source | Length in India (km) | Total Length (km) |
| 1 | Ganga | Gangotri Glacier | 2525 | 2525 |
| 2 | Godavari | Trimbakeshwar | 1464 | 1465 |
| 3 | Krishna | Western Ghats | 1400 | 1400 |
| 4 | Yamuna | Yamunotri Glaciers | 1376 | 1376 |
| 5 | Narmada | Amarkantak Plateau | 1312 | 1312 |
| 6 | Indus | Lake Manasarovar | 1114 | 3180 |
| 7 | Brahmaputra | Angsi Glacier | 916 | 2900 |
| 8 | Mahanadi | Sihawa | 890 | 890 |
| 9 | Kaveri | Talakaveri | 800 | 800 |
| 10 | Tapti | Multai | 724 | 724 |
The Ganges River - 2525 km
Ganges River, or Ganga, is 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles) long, which makes it one of India’s longest rivers. Here are some important facts about the Ganga River:
- Length: The Ganges flows 2,525 km from the source of the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas through five Indian states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
- Source: It originates at the Gaumukh point of the Gangotri Glacier, in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of about 7,000 meters (22,965 feet).
- Course: It flows east through northern India, gathering waters from many tributaries, including rivers Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, and Mahananda.
- Confluence: It meets the Yamuna at Prayagraj (Allahabad) where it forms the famous Triveni Sangam, a great pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Mouth: The Ganges flows into the Bay of Bengal through the Sunderban Delta, one of the world’s biggest river deltas.
- Cultural and Religious Significance: The Ganga is regarded as holy by Hindus, and the water reaches several towns along its course, including Varanasi and Haridwar, which are religious centers.
The Ganges has a significant function within India’s culture, economy, and ecology. It has been recognized to be used as a source of water supply, transportation channel, and a spiritual hub for many practices.
Godavari River - 1464 km
The Godavari River is the second-longest river in India, stretching to approximately 1,464 kilometers (910 miles). It is an important source of water, a culturally significant one, and plays a vital role in the economy and agriculture of southern India. Here are a few key points regarding the Godavari River:
1. Length: The Godavari stretches for 1,464 kilometers, which qualifies it as the second-longest river in India after the Ganges.
2. Source: The Godavari River is sourced near Nasik in Maharashtra from the hills of Trimbakeshwar, which is at an altitude of around 1,067 meters or 3,500 feet.
3. Course: Flowing east through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, the river finally drains into the Bay of Bengal near Kakinada.
4. Tributaries: The prime tributaries of the Godavari River are Purna, Indravati, Pranahita, Sabari, and Manjira rivers.
5. Cultural Importance: The Godavari river is sometimes known as the “Dakshina Ganga” (the Ganga of the South), and is considered sacred by Hindus. Nasik and Bhadrachalam are the important centers of pilgrimage along the river.
6. Ecological Significance: The Godavari basin is an agricultural region in sustaining irrigation systems in all southern India, especially rice, sugarcane, and cotton producing areas.
The Godavari is viewed as a lifeline for southern India, sustaining millions of people across the region and forming the basis of cultural practices and everyday livelihoods.
Krishna River - 1400 km
The Krishna River is one of the most significant rivers in India, with a length of about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). It is a significant source of water for most of the southern states in India and supports key activities like agriculture, culture, and regional development. The following are key points about the Krishna River:
1. Length: The Krishna River measures approximately 1,400 kilometers, making it the third-longest river in India, following the Ganges and Godavari.
2. Origin: The river originates from the Mahabaleshwar hills in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters or 4,265 feet.
3. Course: The Krishna flows East through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana before flowing through Andhra Pradesh, leading ultimately to the Bay of Bengal.
4. Tributaries: The main tributaries of the Krishna are the Bhima, Tungabhadra, Ghatprabha, and Musi rivers.
5. Cultural and Religious Significance: The Krishna River is worshipped in Hindu religion, and so many temples and pilgrimage centers are found along its banks, like the one at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, and it is also closely associated with the stories of Lord Krishna.
6. Economic Importance: The Krishna River supports agriculture, particularly in the Kurnool, Nalgonda, and Guntur districts, as it feeds them with water for irrigation as well as hydropower generation.
The Krishna River remains important to the lives and cultural activities of millions of people in southern India.
Yamuna River - 1376 km
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 1,376 kilometers (854 miles) |
| Source | Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand |
| Elevation of Source | 6,387 meters (20,955 feet) |
| Course | Flows through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana |
| Tributaries | Tungabhadra, Sarasvati, Chambal |
| Confluence | Joins the Ganges at Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
| Cultural Significance | Sacred in Hinduism, associated with Lord Krishna; important religious sites like Mathura and Vrindavan |
| Ecological Importance | Provides water for irrigation, drinking, and industry; faces pollution near Delhi due to untreated sewage and waste |
| Economic Role | Crucial for agriculture, industry, and transportation in the northern regions of India |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the longest river in India?
A: The longest river in India is the Ganga (Ganges), with a length of 2,525 kilometers. - Q: Where does the Ganga River originate?
A: The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, India. - Q: In which states does the Ganga flow?
A: The Ganga flows through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. - Q: What is the religious significance of the Ganga?
A: The Ganga is considered sacred in Hinduism and is worshipped as a goddess. - Q: Where does the Ganga River empty?
A: The Ganga empties into the Bay of Bengal through the Sunderban Delta.
