Which is the longest river in India?

The Ganga (Ganges) is the longest river in India, flowing over 2,525 kilometers.

Why is India known as the land of rivers?

India is known as the land of rivers due to its vast network of rivers that support life, culture, and agriculture.

What is the major source of origin of the rivers in India?

The major sources of origin for rivers in India are the Himalayas and the Western Ghats.

What is the importance of rivers in Indian culture and festivals?

Rivers are deeply significant in Indian culture, symbolizing purity and life, and are celebrated in festivals like Ganga Dussehra and Kumbh Mela.

Top 9 Longest Rivers in India

India’s rivers have been lifelines for the people and the landscapes they flow through. They aren’t just water sources, they’re cultural icons, spiritual places, and essential for the country’s agriculture and ecology. The Ganges, India’s most famous river, starts from the snowy Himalayas and flows through many states, considered holy by millions. The Brahmaputra, another giant river, travels from Tibet through Northeast India, creating huge valleys along its path.

The Indus River, which gave India its name, flows through the western parts. The Godavari, known as South India’s Ganges, waters much of central and southern India. The Krishna River runs through green fields and busy cities in the south.

Here’s a closer look at the longest rivers in India, each with its own story and impact on life across the country.

1. Ganga (Ganges) River

The Ganga, or Ganges, is not just the longest river in India; it’s one of the most revered. Flowing over 2,525 kilometers, the Ganga starts from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand and flows through several major states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, before merging into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga holds a deep spiritual significance for millions, especially in cities like Varanasi and Haridwar, where people gather to perform rituals, seek blessings, and honor their ancestors.

This mighty river isn’t just spiritually significant; it’s also vital for agriculture. The Ganga River basin is one of the most fertile areas in the country, supporting crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane that sustain millions of lives. Over the centuries, it has become a symbol of Indian identity, and efforts to keep it clean and healthy remain ongoing. The Ganga represents the spirit of India, blending culture, spirituality, and the practical needs of everyday life. As one of the longest rivers in India in 2024, it’s more than a river—it’s the very soul of the country for many.

2. Godavari River

The Godavari, often called the “Dakshin Ganga” or “Ganges of the South,” is the second-longest river in India, flowing over 1,465 kilometers. It begins in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and passes through states like Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh before meeting the Bay of Bengal. Known for its cultural significance, the river is home to temples and sacred sites, especially in Nashik, where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years.

For the southern regions, the Godavari is crucial for agriculture. It waters the fertile lands and supports farming communities in its vast basin. The river also has a rich ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife. This mighty river, with its vast basin and historical importance, stands as a symbol of prosperity and culture in southern India. It is one of the longest rivers in India.

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3. Yamuna River

As a key tributary of the Ganga, the Yamuna is around 1,376 kilometers long and one of the famous rivers of India. It starts from the Yamunotri Glacier and flows through states like Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. In Delhi, the Yamuna provides essential water, and in Agra, it flows by the Taj Mahal. It’s a critical part of daily life for many, and its cultural significance is deep-rooted in the region. It is one of the longest rivers in India.

The Yamuna also provides water to millions, especially in Delhi and Agra, where it plays a key role in supporting agriculture and drinking water needs. Despite challenges from pollution, the river remains a vital water source for people and agriculture, especially in the fertile plains of northern India.

4. Krishna River

The Krishna River originates in the Western Ghats, running over 1,290 kilometers across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before entering the Bay of Bengal. With its strong currents, the Krishna is part of the longest rivers in India and serves as a crucial water source for crops like sugarcane, wheat, and rice. Towns along its course have thrived for centuries, and it’s one of the top rivers of India when it comes to supporting local communities.

5. Narmada River

The Narmada River is unique because it flows from east to west, originating from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and stretching around 1,312 kilometers. Known for the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which provides water to drought-prone areas, the Narmada holds a special place in Indian culture, similar to the Ganga. It’s also popular among pilgrims and is one of the revered names on the Indian Rivers by Length list. It is among the longest rivers in India.

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6. Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra starts from Tibet’s Angsi Glacier, enters India through Arunachal Pradesh, and flows into Assam before reaching Bangladesh. Covering about 916 kilometers in India, the Brahmaputra is one of the longest rivers in India. The Brahmaputra’s strong current makes it prone to floods, especially during the monsoon, but it also brings fresh silt, enriching the soil for farming. The river is central to life in the northeast, supporting agriculture, fishing, and transportation. In India’s northeastern culture, the Brahmaputra stands as a symbol of both power and sustenance.

7. Mahanadi River

Flowing from Chhattisgarh to Odisha, the Mahanadi runs around 858 kilometers before reaching the Bay of Bengal. This river is best known for the Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams globally, which plays a major role in providing hydroelectric power and irrigation. It’s among the famous rivers of India and has long been a backbone for the eastern region’s farming communities.

The Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi is one of India’s longest dams, helping to control floods and support irrigation in the region. The river basin is fertile, supporting crops like rice, and is a major source of fish, supporting local communities.

8. Indus River

Though primarily in Pakistan, the Indus River starts in Tibet and flows through Ladakh in India, covering around 1,114 kilometers here. The Indus is known for its historical significance, as it’s tied to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Even though it’s not India’s largest river, it’s essential in Indian history and agriculture in regions like Ladakh.

9. Sutlej River

The Sutlej begins in Tibet and flows through India’s Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, covering about 1,448 kilometers. As a major river in Punjab, it’s a part of an extensive irrigation network, playing a critical role in supporting agriculture. The Sutlej, among the longest rivers in India, is a cornerstone for food production in the region.

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Shrutika Parab

★★★★★

24 May 2024

“Thank you Team Wanderon for the amazing Ladakh Experience. Right from the point of making the bookings with Mr. Chakshu to the point of completion of the trip received amicable support.

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9 May 2024

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30 Apr 2024

“In Ladakh, find the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and serenity. December last year I decided that my next trip would be Ladakh but didn’t know how to go about it. I knew I wanted to travel in a group, as I had prior experiences of traveling in a group but wanted an organiser I could trust. Ladakh isn’t like other destinations wherein you need some instructions due to the high altitudes.

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4 Jul 2024

“After an amazing trip to Tirthan with WanderOn, I decided to go to Manali-Jispa with them and yet again, the experience was worth every penny. The place was very beautiful and the quality of service was top-notch, the itinerary was very good and the quality of transportation and stays were very good. Had an awesome time there and made some good friends as well. Lastly, our trip captains Priyasha and Rachit managed the entire trip very well and were so fun and made our trip an experience worth remembering.

Top 9 Longest Rivers in India: Vital Lifelines and Cultural Icons

1. Ganga (Ganges) River

2. Godavari River

3. Yamuna River

4. Krishna River

5. Narmada River

6. Brahmaputra River

7. Mahanadi River

8. Indus River

9. Sutlej River

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