Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is known all over the world for its deep spiritual vibe and the holy rivers that make their way from the glacier slopes of the Himalayas. The rivers are worshipped wherever they go and are honored by Hindus for their spiritual and religious importance. Most of the temples and places of significance are situated on the banks of these rivers, which hold immense relevance in the lives of the people of India. From illuminating the lives of thousands of people through hydroelectric power projects to being the center of culture and religion not only here but across the entire Indian subcontinent. Here are some of the rivers of Uttarakhand, which will offer you a beautiful experience:
Rising majestically at the confluence of the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers, Alaknanda is one of the prime rivers of Devbhoomi. Due to its length and water discharge, it is considered the source stream of the Ganges rather than Bhagirathi, as mentioned in Hindu mythology. The Alaknanda River can be clearly spotted in Devprayag due to its sediment-laden water, which meets the Bhagirathi there. Devprayag is a crucial pillar of the Panch Prayag Yatra. Flowing for 195 km and passing through the districts of Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pauri Garhwal, this river fuels life into the regions it crosses.
Named after the great King Bhagirath, who is said to have brought the heavenly river Ganga down from heaven to earth, this river is very important in Hindu culture. According to mythology, this river serves as the main source stream for the Ganges. The headwaters of the river can be traced back to the Gaumukh Glacier, which lies at the foot of Gangotri, and the Khatling Glacier. It flows hurriedly past the holy Kedarnath Dham, where people make it a point to take a dip in its water from the ghats. Flowing through the Garhwal division and passing through the districts of Uttarkashi and Tehri, this is also one of the holiest rivers of India. Read more…
Mandakini river Originating from the Chorabari Glacier, which is located near Kedarnath, this river is fed by the famous Vasukiganga River in Sonprayag. Rudraprayag is a sacred and very holy point where the river meets the Alaknanda, and is also one of the most sacred locations for devotees to take a dip at this meeting point. The river turns chaotic and violent during the monsoon season, often destroying the roads and villages that are located in close proximity to it. Ironically, the river goes back into its calm and peaceful state, which has given it the name “she who flows calmly.”
The main feature of this river, at an elevation of 3,600 meters above sea level, is that it works as a demarcation between Nepal’s western borders and India. In Nepal, this river is locally named Mahakali River, whereas in Uttarakhand, it is referred to as Kali Ganga. The surrounding beauty of this river is blessed with lush green natural surroundings and is a great place to unwind, relax, and getaway. Flowing for a distance of 350 km, the river passes through the Ghaghra River. The pond of Kalapani is considered to be the traditional source of the Kali River. This is also an ideal destination for river rafting professionals and beginners alike.
Flowing for a length of 94 km and originating from Deovan Himani, the Dhauliganga River exits Uttarakhand at Vishnuprayag. This river is one of the six source streams that form the holy river Ganga. Beautifying the Garhwal Himalayan region, it rises at an elevation of 5,070 meters above sea level. The famous lush green meditating meadow of Tapovan is located right next to this river and is surely a piece of paradise on earth. Other interesting towns that are situated en route include Raini, Lata, Segri, etc. From camping by the river to a white-water rafting expedition, there are many opportunities for adventure.
Located in Dehradun and originating from Bandarpunch Parvat, this river is famed for being the largest tributary of the river Yamuna. It makes its way through the entire Garhwal region and even touches a small part of Himachal Pradesh. The exact location of this river lies in the Jaunsar Bawar region and crosses the cant of Chakrata, which is located between the rivers Tons and Yamuna. Various studies on the river suggest that it is possible that the Saraswati River used to have its source in the Himalayan glacial waters, which, due to some tectonic event, eventually became a tributary of the Yamuna.
Originating from the Pindar Glacier in Bageshwar and finally exiting at Karnaprayag after covering a distance of 105 km, this river is a perfect epitome of classic mountain beauty. The river beautifies every nook and cranny it flows through. It also crosses a number of hilly hamlets such as Nauligaon, Kulsari, Bhagoli, Nauti, etc. Pindar merges with Alaknanda in Karnaprayag, which is a significant place of importance in the hearts of devout Hindus. Staying here, you will be able to view some of the most panoramic and stunning surroundings.
This Himalayan river originates at Sarmool and, flowing through the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, covers a distance of 146 km before exiting Mahakali at Pancheshwar. The banks of this river, namely Bhuni, Sup, and Khati, are used by the locals and visitors to take a holy dip here. It flows in a southwestern direction and finally meets at Kanal Gad. After making its way through the charmingly enchanted valley of Malla Katyur River, Saryu converges with Lahur River. An important temple, named Bagnath, is located by the river in Bageshwar, where it meets the Gomti River. After crossing this holy town, this river is joined by Bhrapadigad, Chaugarkha ki Ghat, Jalaurgad, etc.
Originating from the Champasar Glacier, which is located a few kilometers from the main temple of Yamunotri, the river covers an overall length of 1,376 km before exiting the state of Uttarakhand at Dhalipur. Also known locally as Jamuna, the mountain slopes of this river’s source are located at an elevation of 6,387 meters above sea level. Several canals are built on the river for the purpose of irrigation in fields. The course of the river makes its way through Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Read more…
This is probably one of the most underrated tributaries of the holy Ganga and flows for a length of 94 km. It emerges from the Dudhatoli ranges in the Garhwal division and passes through the ranges in the district of Pauri Garhwal. Some of the most scenic and stunning places to visit along the river include Khairsain, Bironkhal, Satpuli, Baijron, etc. This river converges with Vyasghat in Pauri. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway by a serene river, wide-open skies, and lush forest cover, then you can go backpacking along this river.
The river originates at Dharpani Dhar and flows for a distance of 168 km before exiting at Ramnagar in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Its origin in the district of Almora makes it a very rejuvenating spiritual getaway for you and your family. It is referred to as Kosila by the local population here, and it holds important relevance in the lives of the locals, who have settled next to the river. The river water is utilized for cultivating rice, wheat, and other crops.
This 155 km long river originates from Dudhatoli and concludes at Kalagarh after crossing the entire Garhwal region. The river flows peacefully through the southwestern end of the Kumaon Himalayas and is one of the most important tributaries of the Ganga. The source emerges from 800 to 900 meters above sea level and passes through the famous Corbett National Park at Nainital before descending into the plains. Other villages along its banks include Moradabad, Bareilly, and others.
Beautifying the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, this river flows for a distance of 102 km and originates at Paharpani, concluding at Kichha. The river flows through the stunning lakes of Sattal, passing through Kathgodam, Haldwani, and Shahi. Over the years, due to deforestation, quarrying, and erratic climate changes, the course of this river is drying up. However, it is still worth visiting at least once, as it remains an important part of the Ganges system.
This river forms one of the main tributaries of the holy Ganga, and its origin is traced back to the glaciers located below Nanda Ghunti within the Nanda Devi Wildlife Sanctuary. It merges with Alaknanda at Nandprayag, which is also a very important part of the Panch Prayag Yatra circuit. The river is admired by all the devotees, and it flows for a distance of 56 km, giving life to every place it crosses. Beautifying the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand, this river is a very serene and peaceful one.
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