Rivers have always been the lifeline of India. They feed farms, supply water to cities, and hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning. But when people ask, which is the longest river in India, the answer isn’t always as simple as it seems.
Some rivers flow entirely within India, while others start in other countries and pass through Indian territory. To truly understand which river is the longest, we need to look at both — total length and the part that lies within India’s borders.
The Longest River in India: Ganga River
The Ganga (Ganges) River is the longest river in India, stretching about 2,525 kilometers from its origin in the Himalayas to its mouth in the Bay of Bengal.
The Ganga begins at the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, where the river is known as the Bhagirathi. It joins the Alaknanda River at Devprayag to officially form the Ganga. From there, it flows through several states — including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal — before finally merging with the Padma River in Bangladesh and flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
Key facts about the Ganga River:
Total Length: 2,525 km
Origin: Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
Endpoint: Bay of Bengal (via Bangladesh)
Major Tributaries: Yamuna, Ghaghara, Son, Gandak, Kosi
States Covered: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
Significance: Cultural, religious, and agricultural lifeline of northern India
The Ganga isn’t just the longest — it’s also the most sacred river in India, worshipped by millions of Hindus as “Ganga Maa.”
Ganga River: Geography and Course
To understand why the Ganga is so important, let’s follow its journey from mountains to sea.
Mountain Stage: The river starts as the Bhagirathi in the Himalayas. The melting snow and glaciers feed it with pure, cold water.
Plains Stage: After Devprayag, the Ganga flows through fertile plains, becoming wider and calmer. These plains support millions of farmers who depend on its waters for irrigation.
Delta Stage: In West Bengal, the river splits into distributaries and forms the world’s largest delta — the Sundarbans Delta — before meeting the Bay of Bengal.
This journey connects mountains, plains, and coasts — making the Ganga not just long, but vital to India’s geography and ecosystem.
Longest River Flowing Entirely Within India: Godavari River
If we only count rivers that flow completely within India, the Godavari River takes the title. It’s often called the “Dakshin Ganga” or “Ganga of the South” because of its size and importance.
The Godavari flows for about 1,465 kilometers, making it the longest river entirely within Indian territory.
Key facts about the Godavari River:
Total Length: 1,465 km
Origin: Nasik district, Maharashtra
Endpoint: Bay of Bengal
States Covered: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha
Tributaries: Manjira, Indravati, Sabari, Pranhita, and Purna
The river supports major irrigation projects, including the Polavaram and Jayakwadi dams, which are essential for agriculture in central and southern India.
Comparison: Ganga vs Godavari
| Feature | Ganga River | Godavari River |
| Total Length | 2,525 km | 1,465 km |
| Origin | Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand) | Nasik (Maharashtra) |
| Flows Through | North India | South and Central India |
| Ends In | Bay of Bengal | Bay of Bengal |
| Tributaries | Yamuna, Ghaghara, Son, Gandak | Manjira, Indravati, Sabari |
| Sacred Importance | Most sacred in Hinduism | Known as Dakshin Ganga |
| Crosses Countries | India and Bangladesh | Only India |
So, the Ganga is the longest river overall, but the Godavari is the longest river within India only.
Other Major Long Rivers in India
India is home to several long and important rivers. Here are some of the top ones besides Ganga and Godavari:
1. Yamuna River
Length: 1,376 km
Origin: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
Ends: Joins the Ganga at Prayagraj
States Covered: Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
The Yamuna is a major tributary of the Ganga and passes through Delhi, playing a vital role in supplying water to the capital region.
2. Krishna River
Length: 1,400 km
Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Ends: Bay of Bengal (Andhra Pradesh)
States Covered: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
The Krishna supports many dams like Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, making it crucial for irrigation and power generation in southern India.
3. Narmada River
Length: 1,312 km
Origin: Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh
Ends: Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat)
States Covered: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
Unlike most major rivers that flow east, the Narmada flows westward. It is famous for the Sardar Sarovar Dam and its scenic marble rocks in Bhedaghat.
4. Brahmaputra River
Length: 2,900 km (Total); 916 km in India
Origin: Angsi Glacier, Tibet (as Tsangpo)
Ends: Bay of Bengal (via Bangladesh)
The Brahmaputra is longer than the Ganga if measured in total length, but only 916 km of it flows through India. It is known for its powerful floods and fertile plains in Assam.
5. Mahanadi River
Length: 858 km
Origin: Sihawa Range, Chhattisgarh
Ends: Bay of Bengal (Odisha)
Known as the “Great River,” the Mahanadi provides irrigation to vast parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh through the Hirakud Dam.
6. Cauvery (Kaveri) River
Length: 805 km
Origin: Talakaveri, Karnataka
Ends: Bay of Bengal (Tamil Nadu)
The Cauvery is often called the lifeline of southern India. It supports agriculture in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and is famous for the Sivasamudram waterfalls.
Importance of Rivers in India
Rivers in India are not just sources of water — they shape our history, economy, and spirituality.
Here’s how they contribute:
Agriculture: Most of India’s farming depends on river water for irrigation.
Hydropower: Rivers help produce electricity through dams and hydro plants.
Transportation: Major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra serve as inland waterways.
Cultural Importance: Almost every Indian river is linked to religious traditions and rituals.
Biodiversity: River basins are home to countless species of fish, birds, and plants.
Without rivers, India’s civilization could not have flourished the way it has for thousands of years.
Rivers and Their Tributaries: A Quick Overview
| River | Major Tributaries | States Covered |
| Ganga | Yamuna, Son, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi | 5+ states |
| Godavari | Manjira, Indravati, Pranhita | 5+ states |
| Krishna | Tungabhadra, Bhima, Ghataprabha | 4 states |
| Yamuna | Chambal, Sindh, Betwa | 4 states |
| Narmada | Tawa, Hiran, Orsang | 3 states |
This network of rivers connects almost every region of India — from the Himalayas to the coasts.
Cultural and Spiritual Value of Indian Rivers
In Indian culture, rivers are not just natural bodies of water — they are sacred entities. The Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari have been mentioned in ancient texts like the Vedas, Puranas, and Mahabharata.
Ganga: Believed to purify sins and grant salvation. Cities like Haridwar and Varanasi are built along its banks.
Yamuna: Associated with Lord Krishna and worshipped in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Godavari: Linked with holy rituals in Nashik during the Kumbh Mela.
Cauvery: Revered in southern India, especially during the Kaveri Pushkaram festival.
This spiritual connection ensures rivers remain at the heart of Indian identity and daily life.
Threats to Indian Rivers
While these rivers sustain millions, they also face serious challenges today:
Pollution: Industrial and domestic waste contaminate river water, especially in the Ganga and Yamuna.
Overuse: Excessive irrigation and damming reduce natural flow.
Climate Change: Glacial melt and changing rainfall patterns threaten river ecosystems.
Encroachment: Urban expansion and sand mining harm riverbanks.
Efforts like the Namami Gange Mission aim to clean and restore India’s rivers for future generations.
Conclusion
So, which is the longest river in India?
The Ganga River holds that title, flowing 2,525 kilometers from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. But if we only consider rivers that stay entirely within Indian borders, then the Godavari River is the longest.
Both rivers are more than geographical wonders — they are symbols of life, culture, and faith. From the snow-clad peaks of Uttarakhand to the fertile deltas of Andhra Pradesh, these rivers carry not just water, but the story of India itself.
FAQs
Which is the longest river in India?
The Ganga River is the longest river in India, stretching about 2,525 km from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. It flows through five Indian states before entering Bangladesh.
Which is the longest river that flows only in India?
The Godavari River is the longest river flowing entirely within India, covering 1,465 km across Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Which is the second-longest river in India?
The Godavari River is considered the second-longest after the Ganga when total river lengths are compared.
Which river is known as the Dakshin Ganga?
The Godavari River is known as the Dakshin Ganga or “Ganga of the South” due to its size, length, and sacred status in southern India.
Which is the cleanest river in India?
The Umngot River in Meghalaya is often considered the cleanest, known for its crystal-clear water where boats appear to float on air.
