Rivers of Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand, known as the “Land of Gods,” is home to many rivers, both big and small. These rivers flow through sacred temples and holy places, making them important in Hindu mythology. Most of these rivers originate from glaciers in the western Himalayas, near India, Nepal, and Tibet.
These rivers are essential for Uttarakhand and India, providing water for farming, drinking, and hydroelectricity. While hydropower projects bring electricity to thousands of homes, they also raise environmental concerns about disturbing nature.
Famous Rivers of Uttarakhand
Some of the well-known rivers in Uttarakhand include:
- Ganga River – The holiest river in India.
- Yamuna River – A major lifeline for northern India.
- Tons River – A popular spot for river rafting.
- Kali River – Forms a natural border between India and Nepal.
These rivers are clean and pure in the hills but become polluted as they enter the plains. Many adventure lovers visit Uttarakhand for water sports like rafting and kayaking on these rivers. Uttarakhand, known as the “Land of Rivers,” is home to several holy and life-giving rivers. These rivers originate from the mighty Himalayas and hold great religious and cultural significance. Many of them are sacred in Hindu mythology and play a crucial role in the economy, agriculture, and environment of India.
Major Rivers in Uttarakhand
1. Alaknanda River
The Alaknanda River is one of the two main source rivers of the sacred Ganga. It originates from the confluence of Satopanth Glacier and Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier. Flowing for 190 km, it has a basin area of 10,882 sq km. Alaknanda meets Bhagirathi at Devprayag to form the Ganga River. Read More...
2. Bhagirathi River
Bhagirathi River is another major source of the Ganga River. It flows for 205 km through Uttarakhand, with a basin of 6,921 sq km. According to Hindu beliefs, Bhagirathi is the true source of the Ganga. Read More…
3. Bhilangna River
Bhilangna River is a significant tributary of Bhagirathi River. Originating from Khatling Glacier at 3,717 meters, it flows for 80 km before merging with Bhagirathi.Read More…
4. Dhauliganga River (Garhwal)
Dhauliganga is one of the six streams that form the Ganga. It originates from Deovan Himani in the Garhwal region and meets the Alaknanda River at Vishnuprayag. Read More…
5. Dhauliganga River (Kumaon)
A tributary of the Kali River, the Dhauliganga River in Kumaon originates from Govan Khana Himani and merges with the Kali River at Tawaghat in Pithoragarh. Read More…
6. Ganga River
The Ganga River, India’s holiest river, originates from the Gangotri Glacier. It begins at Devprayag, where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet, and flows through Haridwar. It covers 96 km in Uttarakhand.Read More…
7. Gaula River
The Gaula River originates from Paharpani and flows for 103 km through Kathgodam, Haldwani, and Shahi. It merges with the Ramganga River in Uttar Pradesh. Read More…
8. Gori Ganga River
Gori Ganga, also known as Gori Gad, originates from Milam Glacier and flows through Pithoragarh before meeting the Kali River at Jauljibi. Read More…
9. Kali River
Also called Sharda or Mahakali River, the Kali River originates from Lipmpiya Dhura in Pithoragarh at 3,600 meters. It flows for 252 km and forms a natural border between India and Nepal. Read More…
10. Kosi River
Kosi River starts from Dharpani Dhar (2,500 m) in Almora and flows through Ramnagar before entering Uttar Pradesh, where it merges with the Ramganga River. Read More…
To Know More About Famous People of Uttarakhand
11. Mandakini River
Mandakini River originates from Chorabari Glacier near Kedarnath. It meets Alaknanda at Rudraprayag and is fed by tributaries like Vasukiganga and Kaliganga. Read More…
12. Nandakini River
A tributary of Alaknanda, the Nandakini River originates from Nanda Ghunghati and merges with Alaknanda at Nandprayag. Read More…
13. Eastern Nayar River
Eastern Nayar River originates from the Dudhatoli ranges in Pauri Garhwal. Flowing for 94 km, it merges with the Ganga. Read More…
14. Western Nayar River
Like the Eastern Nayar, Western Nayar also originates from Dudhatoli ranges and flows for 91 km before merging with the Ganga. Read More…
15. Pindar River
Pindar River, also called Pindari River, starts from the Pindari Glacier in Bageshwar and flows for 105 km before joining the Alaknanda River at Karnaprayag. Read More…
16. Western Ramganga River
Originating from Dudhatoli ranges, the Western Ramganga River flows for 155 km and is a major tributary of the Ganga. Read More…
17. Eastern Ramganga River
The Eastern Ramganga River originates from Namik Glacier and flows through scenic valleys before merging with other streams. Read More…
18. Saryu River
Saryu River starts from Sarmool and meets the Kali River at Pancheshwar. It is also known as Sarju and is revered in Uttarakhand. Read More…
19. Tons River
Tons River is the largest tributary of the Yamuna. Originating from Bandarpuch Mountain, it flows for 148 km and meets the Yamuna near Dehradun. Read More…
20. Yamuna River
The Yamuna River starts from the Yamunotri Glacier at 6,387 meters and flows for about 200 km through Uttarakhand before entering the plains. Read More…
The rivers of Uttarakhand are not just natural water bodies; they are the lifelines of millions. They support agriculture, hydroelectric power, tourism, and biodiversity. Their sacred status in Hinduism further enhances their importance. Protecting these rivers is essential for sustaining the state’s rich heritage and ecological balance.
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