Major Rivers and Mountains of India

Major Rivers of India

The vast landscape of India is home to several expansive waterways that have shaped its culture, history, and economy throughout centuries. Among them, four principal rivers stand out, serving as lifelines for millions across the country. Let's explore these vital water veins in detail.

Ganges River (Ganga)

Flowing through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bangladesh, the Ganges is India's longest river with a total length of approximately 2,525 kilometers. A symbol of purity in Indian mythology, it contributes significantly to the livelihood of over 40% of India's population via irrigation, industry, and transportation.

Yamuna River

Another essential tributary originating from the Himalayas, the Yamuna stretches over 860 km before merging into the Ganges near Allahabad. Historically, it has been integral in giving life to the arid regions along its path and continues to serve as a source of sustenance and economic development today.

Brahmaputra River

Rising in Tibetan plateau and traversing China, Bhutan, and northeastern states within India, the Brahmaputra measures around 2,900 km long. Known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Chinese territory and Dihang in Assam state, this mighty river provides substantial floodplains, biodiversity, and opportunities for hydroelectric power generation in India's northeast region.

Godavari River

With a length of nearly 1,475 km, the Godavari flows mainly through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. It serves second only to the Ganges among South Indian rivers due to its extensive irrigation network, covering more than 1 million hectares of agricultural land.

Mountains of India

In addition to its abundant natural water resources, India boasts numerous mountain ranges that define its topography and set the stage for diverse ecosystems and life forms. Here we highlight some of the most prominent peaks.

Himalaya Range

Known as the "abode of snow," the Himalayas stretch over 2,400 km, running along the borders of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. This magnificent range contains Mount Everest, which is the highest peak above sea level and offers stunning landscapes, such as the Great Himalayan National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park.

Vindhyachal Range

A lesser known yet significant chain of ancient mountain formations, the Vindhyachal extends over Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. With an elevation reaching up to 1,085 meters, these hills possess historical significance dating back thousands of years ago when they served as barriers between different civilizations during ancient times.

Aravalli Range

Located primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat, the Aravalli form one of India's oldest mountain systems with altitudes ranging from just 152 meters to 573 meters above sea level. The range, estimated to be approximately 800 million years old, is steeped in history and was once home to prehistoric flora and fauna.

Western Ghats

Spanning six southern states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep Islands, the Western Ghats measure roughly 1,600 km in length. These scenic and ecologically sensitive highlands represent a hotspot of biological diversity and are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, owing to their unique natural features and endemic plant and animal species.

Understanding the role played by Indian rivers and mountains helps us appreciate the continent's complex geographic makeup, which shapes its diverse cultures, environments, and economies. By studying these dynamic entities, we can foster a deeper sense of connection and conservation towards our planet Earth.