Uttarakhand is home to various natural wonders, and rivers are one of them. The glistening rivers add beauty to the “Land of Gods” state. Rivers in Uttarakhand are a major source of economic growth for India. The rivers of Uttarakhand hold spiritual and cultural value in Hindu mythology. Major sacred rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna flow through here. Apart from these major rivers, several other small and big tributaries are present here. The sources of these rivers are the glaciers of the West Himalayas in India, Nepal, and Tibet. The Rivers in Uttarakhand are a major source of irrigation and power generation.
1. Ganga River
Often called a lifegiving river, the Ganga River is considered the holiest river according to Hindu Mythology. Ganga has originated from the Gomukh in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. Taking a holy dip in the Ganges is considered to wash away sins and purify one’s soul. Ganga takes a journey of 2525km before merging in the Bay of Bengal, passing through several states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Bhagirathi and Alaknanda are the two most famous tributaries of Ganga.
2. Yamuna River
The longest Tributary of India, a very famous river in Northern India. Its significance to Hindus is equal to that of Ganga. It originates from the Yamnotri glacier, which is situated at the height of 6387 meters. It flows through the Garhwal region and out of Uttarkhand at Dhalipur. Ganga and Yamuna meet the Invisible Saraswati rivers at Allahbad, and the sangam of these rivers is called Triveni Sangam, which attracts a lot of sacred people from all over the world.
3. Gori and Kali Ganga
Gori Ganga, also known as Ghori Ganga, originates from the Milam Glacier. The Gori Ganga River travels for 104 km until joining the Kali Ganga at Jauljibi. It flows through the Pithoragarh district and originates from Nanda Devi National Park. The kali Ganga is situated at the height of 3600m and originates from Limpiya Dhura and empties into the Ghagra River in Uttarpradesh.
4. Pindar River
Pindar River originates from the Pindari Glacier located in the Bageshwar district in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The Pindari glacier is located at an altitude of 12530 ft. The mouth of the Pindar River is situated at Karanprayag, and it flows into the Alkananda River. Before combining with Alkanda, it flows through tiny towns like Manmatti, Devalo, Bhagori, and Nauti over its 105 km course.
5. Ramganga( Western and Eastern)
Famous for its Dam called the Kalagarh, the western Ramganga originates from the Dhudhatoli Hills in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district of the Garhwal region. It runs for about 155 km across the valleys and Jim Corbett National Park. It also travels in the Kumaon region of the Uttarakhand state in places such as Masi, Bhagoti, and Taal. Before joining Ganga in the Fatehgarh area, it flows through the cities of Uttar Pradesh, Moradabad, Bareilly, and Shahjahanpur.
6. Tons River
Tons is an important river that originates from the Bandar Pooch mountain melting points.It is the biggest tributary of the River Yamuna and meets it at the Dakpathar, Dehradun. The primary sources of the Tons River are the Rupin and Supin Rivers, which meet at Har ki dun, Himachal Pradesh, and Naitwar, a small village in the Uttarkashi district.
7. Mandakini River
A 50km long tributary of the Alaknanda river that originated from Chorabari glacier. It is considered a holy river as it flows past the Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar temples. The Mandakani place attracts lots of visitors for rafting, hiking, and spiritual purposes. It merges with the river Songanga at Sonprayag and finally drains into Alkanda at the end, which ultimately merges into the Ganges.
8. Alaknanda River
Alaknanda is famously known as Ganga’s parent stream. It originates from the Satopanth and Bhagirathi Kharak Glaciers. It flows through 190 km in the Garhwal region in districts like Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. It also passes through Badrinath, one of the famous Char Dhams.
9. Saraswati River
It is a tributary of the Alaknanda River. It joins the Alkananda River at Keshav Prayag near the Mana village in Badrinath. There is a temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati at the Origin of the river. It is near another tourist spot called Bheem Pul, which is believed to be built by the Bheema of Mahabharat for Godess Sati. It is believed to be extinct, but it is still visible till 700m, then, it merges into the Alaknanda river.
10. Kosi River
One of the major Rivers in Uttarakhand, Kosi is 720 km long and originates from the Himalayas at Dharpani Dhar and joins the Ramnagar River in Uttar Pradesh. It has a length of around 170 km It passes through towns like Ramnagar, Betalghat, Bhujan, and Amadana. It is a major source of irrigation for all these towns, and also, when it passes through the eastern front of the Jim Corbett in Ramnagar, it acts as a water supply for the wildlife there.
Frequently Asked Questions?
- Which is the longest River in Uttarakhand?
The Sharda River is the longest in Uttarakhand. It originates from the Himalayas in the Pithoragarh district. Sharda River flows along the India-Nepal Border.
- Which place in Uttarakhand is famous for river rafting?
Rishikesh is famous for river rafting adventures in Uttarakhand.
- On Which river is Tehri Dam built?
Tehri Dam is built on the Bhagirathi River in Tehri.
- Which river in Uttarakhand is named Rathwahini?
The river Ramganga in Uttarakhand is named “Rathwahini”.
- Does Ganga originate from Uttarakhand?
Bhagirathi is the main source of Ganga, and Gaumuakh is the source of Bhagirathi, which originates from Gangotri in Uttarakashi. Gangotri is considered the birthplace of Ganga.
Conclusion: Rivers in Uttarakhand
Most of the Rivers in Uttarakhand hold major religious significance. Tourists are attracted to these glistening rivers that hold strong cultural and religious values in Hindu Mythology. These rivers make for the best place to enjoy rafting, hiking, or other places to enjoy surroundings, or simply camping nearby these sites and enjoying nature’s wonder. Every river holds its unique importance in the hearts of people. Whether you are looking for some adventures or spiritual experiences, the Rivers in Uttarakhand have something to offer for every kind of traveler. So pack your bags up north and enjoy the experience of nature’s glistening beauty, for more such articles follow uttarakhandmagazine.com!
