India is a land of rivers. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the coastal plains in the south, rivers play a vital role in shaping the geography, culture, agriculture, and economy of the country. They are not just bodies of water but lifelines for the livelihoods of millions of people and many ecosystems. In this blog, we bring you the Top 10 Longest Rivers in India, ranked by their total length (within Indian territory), along with interesting facts, origin points, and the states they flow through.
Longest Rivers of India
Discover the top 10 longest rivers of India and explore their significance in the country’s ecosystem, economy, and culture. Dive into the majestic beauty of these iconic water bodies!
Ganga River – 2,525 km
Origin: Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
The following states are included: West Bengal, UT, UP, Bihar and Jharkhand.
End Point: Bay of Bengal
The Ganga (Ganges) is the longest river in India and one of the most revered rivers in Hinduism. Stretching over 2,500 kilometers, it flows through several major cities including Haridwar, Varanasi, and Patna. It’s a source of spirituality, water, and livelihoods for over 400 million people.
Fast Fact: The world’s biggest congested basin of rivers is the Ganga.
Godavari River – 1,465 km
Origin: Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
States Covered: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha
End Point: Bay of Bengal
The Godavari, the second largest river in India, is often referred to as the “Ganga of the South”. It enhances agricultural fields across its journey through central and southern India.
Notable Tributaries: Purna, Manjira, Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari
Yamuna River – 1,376 km
Origin: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
The following states are covered: Delhi, UP, Himachal, Haryana and Uttarakhand.
End Point: Confluence with Ganga at Prayagraj
The Yamuna is a major tributary of the Ganga and is significant for its religious and historical significance. Flowing through the capital city of Delhi, it supports millions through irrigation and domestic use.
Narmada River – 1,312 km
Origin: Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh
States Covered: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
End Point: Arabian Sea
The Narmada is one of the few rivers in India that flows westward. It is known for the scenic Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat and the massive Sardar Sarovar Dam project.
Sacred Sites: Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Amarkantak
Krishna River – 1,305 km
Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
States Covered: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
End Point: Bay of Bengal
The Krishna River is a vital water source for southern India, especially for agriculture. It supports several irrigation systems like the Nagarjuna Sagar and Almatti Dams.
Key Tributaries: Bhima, Tungabhadra, Musi
Indus River (Indian Portion) – 1,114 km
Origin: Tibetan Plateau (China)
Indian States Covered: Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
End Point: Arabian Sea (in Pakistan)
Though the Indus River flows primarily through Pakistan, over 1,100 km of its length lies in India. Its past importance as the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization makes it especially notable.
Note: Major tributaries like Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are vital to India’s river system.
Brahmaputra River (Indian Segment) – 916 km
Origin: Angsi Glacier, Tibet (as Yarlung Tsangpo)
Indian States Covered: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam
End Point: Bay of Bengal (after merging with Ganga in Bangladesh)
The Brahmaputra, called Tsangpo in Tibet and Siang in Arunachal, is one of the most voluminous rivers in India. It causes significant seasonal flooding in Assam but is also a rich source of freshwater and biodiversity.
Special note: The only river in India with a male name.
Mahanadi River – 890 km
Origin: Sihawa, Chhattisgarh
States Covered: Chhattisgarh, Odisha
End Point: Bay of Bengal
The Mahanadi is significant for eastern Indian states. It supports vast agricultural lands and industries, with the Hirakud Dam being one of the longest dams in the world.
Known For: Rich mineral basin and delta system
Kaveri (Cauvery) River – 800 km
Origin: Talakaveri, Karnataka
States Covered: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
End Point: Bay of Bengal
The Kaveri River is a sacred and economically important river for southern India. It irrigates the fertile plains of Tamil Nadu and supports key hydroelectric projects like the Mettur Dam.
River Disputes: Water-sharing agreements between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Tapti (Tapi) River – 724 km
Origin: Satpura Hills, Madhya Pradesh
States Covered: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
End Point: Arabian Sea
The Tapti River is another westward flowing river originating in the central Indian highlands. It passes through major industrial cities like Surat and plays a key role in irrigation and trade.
Interesting Fact: One of only three Indian rivers flowing westward into the Arabian Sea (along with Narmada and Mahi)
Conclusion
India’s rivers are not just physical features, but they are ingrained in the country’s religion, culture, economy, and history. Each river, the Ganga the holy river, the mighty Brahmaputra, as well as many others like Godavari, maintain their own history and region.
Whether you’re a student, a traveler, or a geography enthusiast, understanding the longest rivers of India gives you insight into the natural forces that shape the subcontinent.
