First comes a clue: This river is born in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, and it’s also the nation’s second longest river, as per Wikipedia. If you haven’t guessed it by now, it’s the Godavari River that is often referred to as the Ganga of the South. One of the largest river systems in the country, its vastness, influence on civilisation, and importance in irrigation and culture have earned it this honourable title, drawing a comparison to the sacred Ganges River of northern India.Origins and courseComing from its high origin in the Western Ghats, it flows across the Deccan Plateau before it reaches the Bay of Bengal. A number of ancient dynasties and kingdoms have no doubt flourished in the delta of the river, which is also commonly known as the ‘rice bowl’ of the region.
Revered as a mother goddess in South India, the river has over a dozen major dams built along its course for irrigation and power generation. It truly stands as a magnificent and vital waterway. To learn more about this historic and important river, known famously as Dakshin Ganga, keep reading.Why it’s called Dakshina GangaThe Dakshin Ganga (Ganga of the South) and Vriddha Ganga (Old Ganga) are other names for the Godavari. At an astounding 1,465 kilometers, it is the longest river in Peninsular India and the second longest in the entire nation.Enroute, it flows through a number of places, mainly in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Its extensive basin also proceeds to Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, as well as Chhattisgarh. Later, it bifurcates into a number of tributaries to form a wide deltaic plain, eventually meeting its sacred waters with those of the Bay of Bengal.Read more: Will India get its first bullet train by 2027? Here’s the latest official update on routes and timelines explainedHere are 10 lesser-known yet fascinating facts about the Godavari River — India’s majestic Dakshin Ganga:Triple River System: The Godavari river bifurcates into two major branches, Gautami and Vashishta, below the city of Rajahmundry, creating one of India’s biggest and richest deltas.Kumbh Mela Site: The Kumbh Mela, which ranks among the largest pilgrimages in Hindu myths and legends, is conducted on the banks of the Godavari River in Nashik, Maharashtra. In fact, it ranks among the only four Kumbh Mela sites in the country.
Rice Bowl Delta: Godavari Delta is also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of India’ because of the alluvial soils found there, which are very fertile and contribute to the increased growth of rice.Ancient References: The river is also mentioned in the Ramayana, where Lord Rama, SITA, and LAKSHMAN were said to have stayed during their exile in the peaceful surroundings of the river.Exclusive Waterfalls: Near its origin in Nashik, it creates Someshwar (Dudhsagar) Waterfalls, which is a beautiful place, believed to hold great pious value.Inter-State Water Dispute: As it covers a large area, water distribution among states comes under the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, with balanced usage being properly distributed among Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and others.Read more: 10 oldest trees in the world that are still living and where can they be foundSeven Holy Mouths: The river has traditionally been considered to have seven mouths which open into the Bay of Bengal. These are known as ‘Sapta Godavari’ or seven holy mouths, named after the seven holy saints.Biodiversity Hotspot: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the delta of the river Godavari, is the third-largest mangrove forest in the country and harbors marine life as well as various bird species.Monsoon-dependent flowNearly 84% of the Godavari’s rainfall occurs during the Southwest Monsoon (June–September), making its flow highly seasonal and crucial for regional agriculture.Hard rock foundationsMost of the Godavari basin lies over the Deccan Traps, ancient volcanic formations that shape its runoff patterns and groundwater reserves — a rare geological feature.The Godavari River isn’t just a waterway — it’s a lifeline that nurtures history, culture, spirituality, and ecology across southern India.
