Important Riverside Cities in India: State-wise Updated List 2023

Aditi Sinha September 04, 2023 09:35 9617 0

India's Riverine Hubs! Discover major cities along Ganges, Yamuna & more. Perfect for UPSC & Geography enthusiasts.

Important Riverside Cities in India: State-wise Updated List 2023

Important Riverside Cities in India

Important Riverside Cities in India: Rivers in India have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s civilization and have been a significant source of livelihood and resources for its people. This article aims to provide comprehensive information about the important riverside cities in India, organized state-wise, along with an analysis of their safety levels. Aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSC, etc, can utilize this data to enhance their static GK preparation.

Importance of Indian Cities on River Banks

Rivers hold immense significance in the development of civilization, offering clean water, transportation, energy, and sustenance to millions of people across the nation. Cities situated on riverbanks reap numerous benefits, fostering agricultural activities and ensuring socio-economic growth. The relevance of Indian cities on river banks is often asked in competitive exams like IAS Prelims.

Riverside Cities in India State-wise:

The following table presents a comprehensive list of important riverside cities in India, categorized by states and the rivers they are located on:

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Riverside Cities in India State wise
States City River
Andhra Pradesh Amaravati Krishna
Rajahmundry Godavari
Vijayawada Krishna
Nellore Pennar
Kurnool Tungabhadra
Assam Dibrugarh Brahmaputra
Bihar Munger Ganges
Jamalpur Ganges
Purnia Koshi
Bhagalpur Ganges
Patna Ganges
Gaya Falgu
Hajipur Ganges
Delhi New Delhi Yamuna
Gujarat Bharuch Narmada
Navsari Purna
Surat Tapi
Vadodara Vishwamitri
Deesa Banas
Ahmedabad Sabarmati
Modasa Mazum
Rajkot Aji
Patan Saraswati
Morbi Machchu
Himmatnagar Hathmati
Valsad Auranga
Jammu & Kashmir Jammu Tawi
Srinagar Jhelum
Karnataka Mangalore Netravati, Gurupura
Shimoga Tunga River
Bhadravathi Bhadra
Hospet Tungabhadra
Karwar Kali
Bagalkot Ghataprabha
Honnavar Sharavathi
Bangalore Vrishabhavathi
Madhya Pradesh Jabalpur Narmada
Gwalior Chambal
Ujjain Shipra
Ashta Parwati
Maharashtra Pune Mula, Mutha
Gangakhed Godavari
Karjat Ulhas
Nashik Godavari
Mahad Savitri
Nanded Godavari
Kolhapur Panchaganga
Malegaon Girna River
Sangli Krishna
Karad Krishna, Koyna
Golegaon Godavari
Odisha Sambalpur Mahanadi
Rourkela Brahmani
Rairangpur Khadkhai
Banki Mahanadi
Cuttack Mahanadi
Brahmapur Rushikulya
Chhatrapur Rushikulya
Cuttack Mahanadi
Punjab Ferozpur Sutlej
Rajasthan Kota Chambal
Sikkim Rangpo Teesta
Tamil Nadu Madurai Vaigai
Thiruchirapalli Kaveri
Chennai Cooum, Adyar
Coimbatore Noyyal
Erode Kaveri
Tirunelveli Thamirabarani
Kanchipuram Vegavathi, Palar
Thanjavur Vennaaru, Vadavaaru
Telangana Nizamabad Godavari
Hyderabad Musi
Karimnagar Maner
Ramagundam Godavari
Uttar Pradesh Fatehgarh Ganges
Kannauj Ganges
Gorakhpur Rapti
Lucknow Gomti
Kanpur Cantonment Ganges
Shuklaganj Ganges
Chakeri Ganges
Varanasi Ganges
Mathura Yamuna
Mirzapur Ganga
Auraiya Yamuna
Etawah Yamuna
Farrukhabad Ganges
Agra Yamuna
Allahabad Ganga
Ayodhya Sarayu
Kanpur Ganges
Jaunpur Gomti
Budaun Sot
Uttarakhand Haridwar Ganges
Badrinath Alaknanda
West Bengal Baranagar Ganges
Kolkata Hooghly
Murshidabad Hooghly

How Many Rivers Are There in India

India boasts an extensive river system, comprising more than 400 rivers and 8 primary river systems. These rivers are not only vital for human sustenance but also hold deep-rooted religious and cultural importance in the lives of the Indian populace. The riverside cities in India hold immense importance as centers of civilization, providing resources and livelihood to millions of people. 

Is Riverside A Safe City

Safety is an essential aspect when considering living in riverside cities. While riverside cities offer various advantages, they may also pose certain risks, such as floods and environmental concerns. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Important Cities on River Banks in India Map

India is home to several vibrant and culturally diverse cities nestled along the banks of its majestic rivers. These riverside cities have played crucial roles in shaping the country’s history, culture, and economy. Here are a few notable ones outlined on the Important Cities on River Banks in India Map

Cities on the Banks of the Ganga River

 

Ganga River
Ganga River

 

The Ganga River, often referred to as the lifeline of India, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It has not only served as a vital water source for communities along its banks but has also been a source of inspiration, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Cities situated on the banks of the Ganga River have flourished as centers of history, tradition, and religious significance. These cities, with their rich tapestry of stories, rituals, and architectural wonders, offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted connection between the people and the river.

  1. Haridwar
  • Haridwar is considered to be a holy city by the Hindu people. 
  • Many pilgrims come here to perform bathing rituals on the bank of the Ganga, believing that it can wash away sins. 
  • As the Ganga starts its journey from Gaumukh, it enters the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India in this city.
  • The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is also celebrated here every fourth year.
  1. Kanpur
  • Kanpur is an industrial city in the central-western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is known as the “Manchester of East.” 
  • The city produces an estimated 450 million liters of municipal sewage and industrial effluent daily, a majority of which was flowing directly into the holy river until recently.
  1. Prayagraj
  • Earlier known as Allahabad, Prayagraj is the second most established city in India and assumes a focal part in Hindu holy cities. 
  • It is situated in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is the seventh most populous city in the state. 
  • Prayagraj hosts both sports and cultural events and is famous for the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
  1. Varanasi
  • Varanasi, also called Banaras or Kashi, is known for its ghats, gullies, and the holy river Ganga. 
  • It is a North Indian city on the bank of the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh and holds significant spiritual and religious importance. 
  • The revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has one of the holiest jyotirlingas.
  1. Patna
  • Patna is the capital of Bihar state and is situated on the south bank of the Ganga in Eastern India. 
  • The city is known for its Gandhi Ghat on the bank of the River Ganga.
  1. Rishikesh
  • Rishikesh is a metropolitan board and a tehsil in the Dehradun region of Uttarakhand.
  • It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India.
  • It is known as “the gateway of the Garhwal Himalayas.” 
  • It is the very first city met by the sacred river on her way and is known for its Ayurvedic medication. 
  • Rishikesh is also an important spiritual destination, with four chota char Dham pilgrimage places nearby – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.

Additionally, other cities such as Kolkata, Bala, Baharampur, Bhagalpur, Mirzapur, and Jajmau are also located on the banks of the Ganga River and are equally important.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Cities on the Banks of the Yamuna River

 

Yamuna
Yamuna

 

The Yamuna River is one of the most famous rivers in India and the biggest tributary of the Ganga. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the lower Himalayan ranges and runs an overall span of 1,376 km, draining into the Ganga at Triveni Sangam in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Cities on the banks of the Yamuna River include

  1. Delhi
  2. Noida
  3. Mathura
  4. Agra
  5. Firozabad
  6. Etawah
  7. Kalpi
  8. Hamirpur
  9. Prayagraj

Cities on the Godavari River

 

Godavari River
Godavari River

 

The Godavari River holds deep spiritual significance and is one of the major rivers in central and southeastern India. Flowing from its source in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, the river meanders through the Deccan Plateau before finally reaching the Bay of Bengal at Narasapuram in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. With a length of 1,465 km, it ranks as the second longest river in India, just after the Ganga.

The river’s catchment area is among the largest in the country, encompassing six states: Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Orissa. The Godavari River is considered sacred by millions of people in India and plays a vital role in the lives of those residing along its banks. It not only provides water for irrigation and other daily needs but also supports various ecosystems and contributes to the cultural and historical heritage of the regions it flows through.

Cities on the Godavari River
City/Town River District Notable Features
Trimbakeshwar Godavari Nashik 10th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

The Godavari River, also known as the Dakshin Ganga, originates from Trimbakeshwar.

Nashik Godavari Nashik Popular sacred city and Kumbhamela spot
Paithan Godavari Aurangabad Old capital of Satvahan empire, Sacred Place
Kopargaon Godavari Ahmednagar
Nanded Godavari Nanded Known as Sachkhand Gurudwara
Gangakhed Godavari Parbhani
Gevrai Godavari Beed
Sironcha Godavari Gadchiroli Town located close to the meeting point of Pranahita and Godavari rivers

Cities on the Riverbanks in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is blessed with several cities and towns that thrive along the serene riverbanks of various rivers. These towns have a unique charm, enriched by the flowing waters and cultural significance. From the ancient temples to the vibrant markets, each city along the riverbanks offers a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the region. Nirmal, known for its exquisite Nirmal Toys, and Basara, housing the revered Gnana Saraswati Temple, are just a few examples of the many towns that flourish on the banks of rivers in Andhra Pradesh.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Cities on the Riverbanks in Andhra Pradesh
City/Town Notable Features
Nirmal Nirmal Toys
Basara Gnana Saraswati Temple
Battapur Armoor Toys
Tadpakala Armoor Toys
Dharmapuri Narasimha Swamy Temple
Goodem Gutta Temple
Manthani Sri Rama, Gautameshwara Swami(Siva) Temple, Sarswathi Temples
Kaleshwaram Siva or Kaleswara Mukhteswara Swamy Temple

Other cities/towns on the Riverbanks of Andhra Pradesh are: 

  1. Godavarikhani
  2. Mancherial
  3. Bhadrachalam
  4. EturiNagaram
  5. Yanam
  6. Rajahmundry
  7. Tallapudi
  8. Kovvur
  9. Antarvedi
  10. Narsapur
  11. Tadipudi

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some major famous riverside cities of Ganga are Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kanpur, Jajmau, Allahabad, Mirzapur, Ghazipur, Patna, Bhagalpur, Baharampur, Kolkata, Bhagalpur, etc.

Punjab is known as the "land of five rivers." These rivers are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj. Even though the Indus River also flows through the region, it is not one of the five rivers that Punjab is named after.

Uttar Pradesh, an Indian state located in the northern part of the country, is often regarded as the state with the most rivers. It is home to a vast network of rivers due to its extensive geographical area and diverse landscape. Some of the major rivers flowing through Uttar Pradesh include the Ganges, Yamuna, Ghaghara, Son, and Chambal, among others.

The longest river in India is the Ganga, also known as Ganges. It is one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism and holds immense cultural and religious significance for the people of India. The Ganges originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the state of Uttarakhand and flows through several states in northern India before emptying into the Bay of Bengal in West Bengal. The total length of the Ganges river is approximately 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles).

The Brahmaputra River is sometimes referred to as the "Red River" in India. The name "Red River" is derived from the reddish color of its waters, particularly during the monsoon season, due to the high sediment content carried by the river.

The Narmada River is often considered one of the oldest rivers in India. It is believed to be one of the few rivers that have been flowing continuously for millions of years. The Narmada River originates in the Amarkantak Hills in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before draining into the Arabian Sea.

The deepest river in India is the Brahmaputra River. The depth of the Brahmaputra River varies at different points, with some sections reaching depths of over 100 meters (328 feet) or more
/*
*/

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  

by month

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.