The Ganga is India's most sacred river, worshipped as a goddess and geographically the lifeline of the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain. It originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of about 7,010 metres.
Source: Gangotri Glacier (Gaumukh), Uttarakhand.
At Source it is Called: Bhagirathi.
Confluence with Alaknanda: At Devprayag.
Total Length: Approx. 2,525 km.
Final Destination: Bay of Bengal.
The river begins its journey from a massive ice cave called Gaumukh (meaning 'Cow's Mouth') at the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. At this point, the river is extremely narrow and ice-cold and is known as the Bhagirathi. It joins the Alaknanda river at Devprayag, and from that confluence onwards it is officially called the 'Ganga'.
From the frozen Himalayas, the Ganga flows through Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Varanasi, and Patna before finally emptying into the massive Bay of Bengal through the Sundarbans Delta.
According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath performed intense penance for thousands of years to bring the Ganga from heaven to Earth to purify his ancestors' souls. The river honours him by carrying his name at its source.
The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, from a cave known as Gaumukh.
At its source, it is called Bhagirathi. It becomes the 'Ganga' only after merging with the Alaknanda at Devprayag.
Active Volcano in India – Barren Island
Learn about India's only active volcano — Barren Island in the Andaman Sea. Discover its history, eruptions, and geographical importance.
Why is the Advancement of International Trade an Index of Economic Prosperity?
Understand why the advancement of international trade of a country is considered an index of its economic prosperity. Class 10 Geography notes.
अफ़ग़ानिस्तान की राजधानी कहाँ है? (Capital of Afghanistan)
Know the capital of Afghanistan in Hindi. Learn about Kabul (काबुल), its geographical location, and its historical importance.
Agriculture: Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Notes
Comprehensive revision notes for Class 10 Geography Chapter 4: Agriculture. Learn about farming types, cropping seasons (Rabi, Kharif), and major crops of India.
What are Agro-Based Industries? Meaning and Examples
Learn what agro-based industries are in economics and geography. Discover examples like cotton, sugar, and food processing, and their importance to the economy.
Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.