India is home to hundreds of rivers, both large and small, that have shaped the country’s identity, culture, tourism, and economy. These rivers are not just sources of water, but are also linked to agriculture, fisheries, drinking water, and religious beliefs.
If you were asked which river flows through the most states in India, the answer would be the Ganges River. At approximately 2,525 km long, the Ganges is one of the country’s longest and oldest rivers. Originating in Uttarakhand, it flows through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Furthermore, the Ganges’ river basin spans 11 states, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. This is why the Ganges is called India’s “lifeline.”
The Ganges River basin is the largest river basin in India. The Ganges River begins its journey from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, where it flows as the Bhagirathi. After the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers at Devprayag, it becomes the Ganges. The Ganges then leaves Uttarakhand and enters Uttar Pradesh, where it flows through major and religious cities like Haridwar, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. It then reaches Patna and Bhagalpur in Bihar.
A small portion of the Ganges River also passes through Sahibganj district in Jharkhand. After reaching West Bengal, it bifurcates into two streams, ultimately flowing into the Bay of Bengal via the Ganges Delta, which spans India and Bangladesh. This is why the Ganges River is considered one of India’s most important and life-giving rivers.
The Ganges splits into two streams in West Bengal: Upon reaching West Bengal, the Ganges splits into two. One stream, called the Hooghly River, flows south through Kolkata. The other, the main stream, enters Bangladesh, where it is called the Padma River.
The Ganges is at its deepest in Patna: The Ganges is at its deepest near Patna, the capital of Bihar. The river’s depth here is estimated to exceed 100 feet.
The world’s largest delta and home to dolphins
The world’s largest delta: The Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers join to form the Sundarbans Delta. This is the world’s largest river delta and is renowned for its biodiversity.
Home of the Ganges Dolphin: The Ganges Dolphin is a rare freshwater dolphin species found in the Ganges River. Their numbers are steadily declining, so they are considered endangered.
Ganga is a story for travelers
For river travelers, walking along the Ganges is like exploring the whole of India. From the sacred ghats of Varanasi and Rishikesh to the lush mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, the Ganges tells a new story at every turn. Whether it’s devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj or fishermen casting their nets in West Bengal, the Ganges is always at the center of people’s life stories.
