Top 10 Rivers in India: The Rivers of India play a important role in the lives of Indian society. India is also known as ‘Land of Rivers’. These waterways hold essence of the nation’s history, spirituality and livelihoods. Mainly Indian River System can be categorized into two types: Himalayan Rivers and Peninsular Rivers. These Rivers are often worshipped as goddesses by the people of India. Here, in this article we will discuss about the top 10 longest rivers in India.
Top 10 Rivers in India And Their Lengths
Here’s the top 10 longest rivers in India in terms of length.
| Sr. No. | River | Length in India(km) | Total Length(km) |
| 1 | Ganga | 2525 | 2525 |
| 2 | Godavari | 1464 | 1465 |
| 3 | Krishna | 1400 | 1400 |
| 4 | Yamuna | 1376 | 1376 |
| 5 | Narmada | 1312 | 1312 |
| 6 | Indus | 1114 | 3180 |
| 7 | Brahmaputra | 916 | 2900 |
| 8 | Mahanadi | 890 | 890 |
| 9 | Kaveri | 800 | 800 |
| 10 | Tapti | 724 | 724 |
Rivers in India By Length
1. Ganga River (2525 km)
Ganga is the longest river of India. Its origin is the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. It starts at the influence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda river in Uttarakhand. It passes through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand. The Ganga river or Ganges river was declared as the ‘National River of India’ on November 4, 2008, by The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Tributaries of Ganga – Yamuna, Son, Damodar, Gomti, Ghagar, Gandaki, Kochi, Mahananda.
2. Godavari River (1464 km)
Godavari is the 2nd longest river of India. It is the Longest river of South India. Godavari originates from Trimbakeshwar river. It is also known as ‘Dakshin Ganga‘.
The Tributaries of Godavari – Pravara, Purna, Manjira, Manair, Pranhita, Indravati, Sabari.
3. Krishna River (1400 km)
Krishna is one of the important river of India. It originates from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. Krishna river passes through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The Tributaries of Krishna- Bhima, Panchganga, Dudhganga, Ghataprabha amd Tungabhadra.
4. Yamuna River (1376 km)
The Yamuna also called Jamuna, originated from the Yamunotri glacier at the Bandarpoonch peak in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is the longest tributary of the River Ganges. Yamuna river’s old name was Kalindi river. It passes through Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The Tributaries of Yamuna- Hindon, Sharda, Giri, Rishiganga, Hanuman Ganga, Sasur, Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Sindh and Tons.
5. Narmada River (1312 km)
The Narmada River also called the Rewa and previously also known as Nerbudda. It originates from Amarkantak, Uttar Pradesh. Narmada is the longest river in Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as the “Life Line of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat”.
The Tributaries of Narmada- the Burhner, the Halon, the Heran, the Banjar, the Dudhi, the Shakkar, the Tawa, the Barna ,the Kolar, the Ganjal, the Beda, the Goi, and the Orsang.
6. Indus River (3180 km)
The history of the name of our country is related to the Indus, it begins from Mansarovar Lake and then crosses Ladakh, Gilgit, and Baltistan. It originates from Man Sarabar. It is the longest river of Pakistan. Indus river passes through Leh (Capital of Ladakh).
The Tributaries of Indus- Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
7. Brahmaputra River (2900 km)
The Brahmaputra is the second river that originates from the Mansarovar ranges. It originates from Angsi Glacier near Mansarovar Lake. Brahmaputra is the most important river of Assam. The Majuli or Majoli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam and in 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India.
The Tributaries of Brahmaputra- Subansiri, Ronganadi, Dikrong, Buroi, Borgong, JiaBharali, Dhansiri (North) Puthimari, Manas, Beki, Aie, Sonkosh , Noadehing, Buridehing, Desang, Dikhow, Bhogdoi, Dhansiri (South), Kopilli, Kulsi, Krishnai, Dudhnoi, Jinjiran.
8. Mahanadi River (890 km)
The Mahanadi is an important river in the state of Odisha. It was called ‘the distress of Odisha’. The Mahanadi River originates in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh.
The Tributaries of Mahanadi- Seonath, Mand, Ib, Hasdeo, Ong, parry river, Jonk and Telen.
9. Kaveri River (800 km)
Kaveri River is also spelled Cauvery. It is one of the important rivers of South India. This river originates from Brahmagiri Hills of Karnataka. Kaveri river known as The Ganga of South India.
The Tributaries of Kaveri- Arkavathy, Shimsha, Hemavati, Kapila, Shimsha, Honnuhole, Amaravati, Lakshmana Kabini, Lokapavani, Bhavani, Noyyal, and Tirtha.
10. Tapti River (724 km)
Tapti River is one of the only three rivers that originate in Peninsular India and that runs from east to west. It originates from Satpura Hills, Madhya Pradesh. This River passes through Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The Tributaries of Tapti- Purna River, Girna River, Gomai, Panzara, Pedhi and Arna.
