India is a country where rivers are treated as mothers. People worship rivers just like their own mothers. Because the rivers are the source of living in India. Every river in India has its own importance and contributes to mankind in its own ways. The majority of the holy places of India are situated on the banks of holy rivers.
For example Varanasi, Nasik, Talakaveri, Haridwar, etc. Generally, the river Ganga is the holiest river in India but there are seven more. Only seven rivers of India are considered the holy rivers and are also known as the seven sisters of India. Today we are going to discuss the most sacred rivers of India.
List of the 7 Most Popular Sacred Rivers in India:
1. Ganga River
Ganga comes from the Himalayas flows to the Bay of Bengal and is also the most sacred river in the country. It is also the national river of India and the Gange dolphins are the national aquatic species of India. Varanasi is the oldest city which is situated on the bank of this river and is known as the city of temples. Check more about the Ganga Aarti Varanasi.
Two main and huge dams of the Ganga River are Farakka and Haridwardams. The Sundarban is the largest delta in the world. Also, there are lots of valleys created by the river. Read Also: How to reach Sundarban from Kolkata
Things to Do:
- Ganga Aarti: Witness the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti at Varanasi or Haridwar.
- River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic boat ride or river cruise in Varanasi or Kolkata.
- Pilgrimage Sites: Visit important pilgrimage sites like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi, and Allahabad.
- Holy Dip: Take a dip in the sacred waters at ghats in Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Varanasi.
Check out the package for Varanasi: 2 Nights 3 Day Varanasi Trip Itinerary
Find out the Itinerary for Sunderbans: 2 Nights 3 Days Sundarban Package from Kolkata
2. Yamuna River
The Yamuna is one of the major rivers of India originating from the Yamunotri Himalayas. Unfortunately, this is also the most polluted river in India. It merges with the Ganga River at the Triveni Sangam that is situated in the city of Allahabad.
This was also the location of Kumbh Mela which is one of the biggest meals in the world. There are two holy cities situated on the banks of the river Gokul and Mathura. The best part is that the most famous love monument Taj Mahal is also situated on the bank of this river only.
Things to Do:
- Boat Ride: Take a peaceful boat ride in Mathura or Vrindavan.
- Pilgrimage Sites: Visit important religious sites like Yamunotri, Mathura, Vrindavan, and the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- Yamuna Aarti: Attend the Yamuna Aarti at the ghats in Vrindavan.
- Explore Delhi: Discover historical monuments along the Yamuna in Delhi, such as the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb.
Take a look at the Yamunotri Itinerary: 4 Nights 5 Days Yamunotri Tour from Delhi
Also, look out for the Allahabad Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Allahabad Prayagraj Trip Itinerary
Click here to see the Mathura Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Mathura Vrindavan Gokul Itinerary
3. Narmada River
The originating place of the river is Madhya Pradesh Amarkantak. It falls on the Maikala ranges. The river flows between the Satpura and the Vindhya ranges in the direction of southwestern. All the valleys of rivers have lots of beautiful waterfalls like Kapiladhara. This is the most beautiful waterfall in India. The most controversial dam that is Sardarsarover dam is also built on this river.
The longest Road Bridge is also made on this river in Gujarat. This is the major river of India out of only three and flows from east to west along the Mahi River and Tapti River. Madhya Pradesh has a very beautiful temple of God Lord Shiva that is also made on the bank of this river. Apart from this India’s largest reservoir of water, Indira Sagar is also made on this river. That is why this river is treated as a mother as it contributes so much to the betterment of humans.
Things to Do:
- Narmada Parikrama: Participate in the spiritual pilgrimage of circumambulating the river.
- Pilgrimage Sites: Visit important sites like Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Amarkantak.
- Boating: Enjoy a boat ride at Marble Rocks in Bhedaghat.
- Waterfalls: Visit the Dhuandhar Falls near Jabalpur.
4. Sarasvati River
This is one of the oldest rivers in India that has been flowing since the time of the Vedas. The saddest part is that unfortunately, this river doesn’t exist anymore today. We can say that the half fault is human pollution and the half fault is natural circumstances. Now the river is lost in the deserts. But still, the Triveni Sangam has three main rivers. Those are Sarasvati, Ganga, and Sarasvati.
The third river is hypothetically there but there is no physical existence of this river. People believed that the river may be lost from the outside world but it still flows underground and meets the other two sisters and the Sangam point. This is the religious point of view of the people. Maybe this is true for real life also.
Things to Do:
- Pilgrimage Sites: Visit Kurukshetra, believed to be the confluence of the Sarasvati, Yamuna, and Ganga rivers.
- Explore Ruins: Discover the ancient ruins at Kalibangan and other archaeological sites linked to the Sarasvati.
- Historical Sites: Visit Sarasvati Ghat in Adi Badri, Haryana, where the river is believed to have originated.
- Sarasvati Indus Valley Civilization: Explore sites associated with the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
5. Kshipra River
The river originates from the Vindhya Range that is north of the Dhar. It flows across the Malwa Plateau and joins the Chambal River. There is one holy city that is situated on the bank of this river. The city is Ujjain. Ujjain is also the holy and ancient city of India and it is known for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India.
These are known as the Mahakaleshwar. The river is also known as the Shipra River. For 12 years, the most famous male of India Kumbh Mela was celebrated here in the city. It is said that pilgrims must take a dip in this water in Kumbh Mela to wash their sins.
Things to Do:
- Kumbh Mela: Participate in the Simhastha Kumbh Mela held every 12 years in Ujjain.
- Pilgrimage Sites: Visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and other temples in Ujjain.
- Holy Dip: Take a dip in the sacred waters at the ghats in Ujjain.
- Evening Aarti: Attend the evening aarti on the banks of the Kshipra River.
3 Days Ujjain Omkareshwar Tour Package
7 Days Madhya Pradesh Trip Itinerary
6. Godavari River
The river originates from the Nashik near Trimbak and flows towards the Eastern Ghats toward the way of Bengal. This is the second-largest river in India and is also considered one of the biggest river basins. Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Nashik and is the center of attraction for lots of pilgrims.
The river is the main river of south India and is also very holy. Therefore, people also call this river Dakshina Ganga of India. Jayakwadi Dam is one of the largest earthen dams in India and it is built across the Godavari River in the state of Maharashtra.
Things to Do:
- Pilgrimage Sites: Visit Nashik, one of the four locations of the Kumbh Mela, and important temples in Trimbakeshwar and Rajahmundry.
- Boating: Enjoy a boat ride in Rajahmundry or the scenic Papikondalu hills.
- Kumbh Mela: Participate in the Kumbh Mela in Nashik.
- Cultural Festivals: Experience cultural festivals and rituals along the river banks.
7. Kaveri River
Kaveri River is the largest river among the seven rivers sisters. It is also the sacred river of south India. Brahmagiri Hill western ghat is the originating point of this river. The river flows in the Bay of Bengal.
It travels across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Mettur Dam is one of the largest dams in India built on the bank of the Kaveri River. Shivasamudram Falls are the second largest falls in India and also the Falls of the Kaveri River.
Things to Do:
- Pilgrimage Sites: Visit important religious sites like Talakaveri, Srirangapatna, and Trichy.
- Boating: Enjoy boating or coracle rides in Hogenakkal and Srirangapatna.
- Waterfalls: Visit the stunning Shivanasamudra and Hogenakkal Falls.
- Cultural Festivals: Attend local festivals and rituals celebrated along the river banks.
Tamil Nadu Tour Packages:
6 Days - Tamilnadu Tour Package
4 Days - Pondicherry Itinerary
6 Days - Tirupati Kanchipuram Pondicherry
4 Days - Chennai Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram
View More Packages
Karanataka Travel Itinerary:
7 Days Karnataka Tour Itinerary
6 Days Karnataka & North Kerala Tour
7 Days Karnataka & Kerala Tour
Mysore Ooty Kodaikanal Tour Itinerary- View More Packages
These are the seven holy rivers of India. In India, people treated rivers as their mothers but did not take their responsibilities properly. River Yamuna and Gange are the sacred rivers yet the most polluted rivers all over the world. The pollution also comes from the major cities of India. But these rivers are giving us so many things so it’s our responsibility to give them cleanliness back. Whenever you get a chance to participate in river cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the seven major rivers of India?
The seven major rivers of India are the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, and Indus.
2. Which river is considered the holiest in India?
The Ganga (Ganges) River is considered the holiest river in India.
3. Where do the seven rivers of India originate?
The Ganga originates in the Gangotri Glacier, Yamuna in the Yamunotri Glacier, Brahmaputra in Tibet, Godavari in Maharashtra, Krishna in Maharashtra, Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, and Indus in Tibet.
4. Which river in North India is thought to be sacred?
The Ganga River in North India is thought to be the most sacred.
5. What is the significance of the Triveni Sangam in India?
The Triveni Sangam is the confluence of three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, located in Allahabad (Prayagraj). It is considered a very sacred place for Hindus.
6. Which river is known as the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat?
The Narmada River is known as the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
7. Which river is the longest in India?
The Ganga River is the longest river in India.
8. What are the seven rivers of India known for their religious significance?
The seven rivers known for their religious significance are the Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri.
9. Which river flows through the Sundarbans in India?
The Ganga River flows through the Sundarbans in India, forming a vast delta before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
10. What is the significance of the Kumbh Mela related to rivers in India?
The Kumbh Mela is a major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism that takes place at four river-bank pilgrimage sites: Prayagraj (Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati confluence), Haridwar (Ganga), Nashik (Godavari), and Ujjain (Shipra).
11. Which river is also known as the Dakshina Ganga or the ‘Ganga of the South’?
The Godavari River is known as the Dakshina Ganga or the ‘Ganga of the South’ due to its large size and religious significance in Southern India.
12. What are some famous dams built on the major rivers of India?
Some famous dams include the Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Sutlej River, the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River.
13. Which river forms the largest river island in the world?
The Brahmaputra River forms the largest river island in the world, Majuli, located in Assam.
14. Why is the Saraswati River considered mythical?
The Saraswati River is considered mythical because it is believed to have dried up in ancient times and no longer exists in a visible form. However, it holds great religious significance and is said to join the Ganga and Yamuna at the Triveni Sangam in a spiritual form.
