Top 10 Longest Rivers in India List, Origin, Length, Other Facts

Top 10 Longest Rivers in India: India, known for its rich network of rivers, depends on these waterways for both its environment and economy. Indian rivers are broadly classified into two types: Himalayan Rivers, which are fed year-round by melting glaciers, and Peninsular Rivers, which rely on seasonal rainfall. Leading them all, the Ganga stretches over 2,525 km, making it the Longest Rivers in India. In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 Longest Rivers in India List and their importance.

Longest Rivers in India

The Ganges River, or Ganga, stands as Longest Rivers in India, spanning roughly 2,525 kilometers from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. Beyond its length, the Ganga holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, impacting the lives and beliefs of millions across the country. The Ganges River originates high in the Himalayas, beginning its journey at the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, India. The Ganges River travels through multiple states, starting from Uttarakhand and flowing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, before merging with the Bay of Bengal. A detailed map of the Ganges highlights its path and the diverse regions it nourishes along the way.

Top 10 Longest Rivers of India

Discover Top 10 Longest Rivers of India ranked by their length:

Longest Rivers in India in Brief

Top 10 Longest Rivers of India each tell a unique story as they flow across the country, sustaining its people, culture, and rich history. From the mighty Ganga, the longest, to the more modest Tapi, these rivers shape India’s landscapes and heritage. Here’s a closer look at the Top 10 Longest Rivers of India:

Ganga River

The Ganga River, with a total length of 2,525 kilometers, holds the title of the Longest Rivers in India, flowing entirely through the mainland. It originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and travels across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, before merging to Bay of Bengal. Along its journey, the Ganga is fed by numerous tributaries. On the left bank, it receives waters from the Ramganga, Garra, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Koshi, and Mahananda rivers. Its right bank tributaries include the Yamuna, Tamsa, Son, Punpun, Kiul, Karmanasa, and Chandan rivers.

Godavari River

The Godavari River, spanning a length of 1,464 kilometers, holds the title of the Longest Rivers in India in peninsular region. It originates from the Triambakeshwar region near Nashik in Maharashtra. The river flows through the states of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Along its journey, the Godavari is joined by several tributaries: the left bank tributaries include the Banganga, Kadva, Shivana, and Purna rivers, while the right bank tributaries are Nasardi, Darna, and Pravara.

Krishna River

The Krishna River spans 1,400 kilometers, originating from the Western Ghats at an elevation of approximately 1,337 meters, just north of Mahabaleshwar, about 64 kilometers from the Arabian Sea. Its left bank tributaries include the Bhima, Dindi Musi, Paleru, and Munneru rivers, while the right bank is fed by the Vienna, Koyna, and Panchganga rivers. The Krishna River ultimately flows into the Bay of Bengal. Known for its vital role in irrigation, it is a major water source for the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Yamuna River

The Yamuna River, spanning a length of 1,376 kilometers, originates from the Yamunotri Glacier, located at the Banderpoonch Peak in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. As one of the primary tributaries of the Ganges, the Yamuna’s tributaries include Hindon, Sharda on the left bank, and Chambal, Betwa, and Ken on the right. The river flows through several key states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Narmada River

The Narmada River, stretching over 1,312 kilometers, originates from the Amarkantak Peak in Madhya Pradesh. Its left-bank tributaries include Burhner, Banjar, Sher, and Karjan, while the right bank tributaries consist of Hiran, Tendoni, and Choral. The river flows westward, ultimately emptying into the Arabian Sea. Often referred to as the “Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat,” the Narmada plays a crucial role in the agricultural and economic development of both states.

Indus River

The Indus River holds the distinction of being the longest river in terms of the total distance it covers, stretching over 3,180 kilometers. However, within India, it flows for approximately 1,114 kilometers, with the majority of the river’s course running through present-day Pakistan. Originating from the northern slopes of the Kailash Range in Tibet, near Lake Manasarovar, the river traverses vast regions. Prominent cities situated along its banks include Leh and Skardu. The river is fed by several tributaries, with the left bank contributing Zanskar, Suru, Soan, Jhelum, Chenab, and Luni, while the right bank is nourished by Shyok, Hunza, Gilgit, Gomal, and Zhob. Ultimately, the Indus River empties into the Arabian Sea.

Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra River, stretching 2,900 kilometers from Tibet’s Kailash Ranges, flows 916 kilometers through India, entering via Arunachal Pradesh. Its left bank tributaries include Dibang, Lohit, and Dhansiri, while the right bank is fed by Kameng, Manas, Jaldhaka, Teesta, and Subansiri. In Bangladesh, it becomes the Jamuna River, merging with the Padma (Ganges) before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Majuli, an island in Assam’s Brahmaputra, became India’s first river island district in 2016, once covering 880 square kilometers at the turn of the 20th century.

Mahanadi River

The Mahanadi River, stretching 890 km, begins its journey in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. Its left bank tributaries include the Mand, Ib, and Hasdeo rivers, while its right bank tributaries are the Ong and Parry. The river ultimately empties into the Bay of Bengal. Due to its impact on Odisha, it has historically been referred to as “the distress of Odisha.” However, the construction of the Hirakud Dam has significantly changed the situation, providing much-needed regulation and flood control.

Cauvery River

The Cauvery River, spanning 800 km, originates from the Brahmagiri Range in the Western Ghats, located in the Coorg District of Karnataka. On its left bank lies the Harangi Reservoir, while its primary right bank tributary is the Lakshmana Tirtha. The river ultimately flows toward the Grand Anicut in the south, before branching into numerous distributaries. These tributaries form a vast delta, often referred to as the “Garden of Southern India,” before the Cauvery empties into the Bay of Bengal, in Tamil Nadu.

Tapi River

The Tapi River, stretching over 724 kilometers, begins its journey from the Satpura Range. It flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before emptying into the Gulf of Khambhat, part of the Arabian Sea. The river is fed by six tributaries, including Purna and Girna.