Nerbudda River facts for kids

The Narmada River is a very important river in western India. It's also known as the Nerbudda or Narbudda. This long river starts in the eastern part of the state of Madhya Pradesh.

From its source, the Narmada flows southwest near Jabalpur. It travels between two mountain ranges, the Vindhya and Satpura mountains. The river then moves west through Madhya Pradesh and into Gujarat. Finally, the Narmada River empties into the Gulf of Khambhat. It forms a wide mouth, called an estuary, which is about 13 miles across.

Journey of the Narmada River

The Narmada River is one of the longest rivers in India. It flows for about 1,312 kilometers (815 miles). This makes it the fifth-longest river in the country. It's also the longest river that flows entirely within India.

Where the Narmada Begins

The Narmada River starts at a place called Amarkantak in the Maikal Hills. This area is in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. The source is a small pool called Narmada Kund. Many people consider this spot to be very sacred.

River's Path Through India

After starting in Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada River flows west. It passes through many different landscapes. The river creates beautiful waterfalls and deep gorges. One famous spot is the Dhuandhar Falls near Jabalpur. Here, the river plunges over marble rocks, creating a misty spray.

The Narmada continues its journey through Madhya Pradesh. It then enters the state of Gujarat. Along its path, the river is used for many things. It provides water for farming and drinking. It also helps generate electricity through dams.

Meeting the Sea

The Narmada River finally reaches the Arabian Sea. It flows into the Gulf of Khambhat. This gulf is part of the Arabian Sea, located off the coast of Gujarat. The river forms a wide estuary before mixing with the ocean waters. An estuary is a place where a river meets the sea.

Importance of the Narmada

The Narmada River is very important to the people of India. It is considered one of the seven holy rivers in the country. Many temples and pilgrimage sites are located along its banks. People often take religious journeys along the river.

Water and Power

The Narmada River is a major source of water for millions of people. It supports agriculture in the regions it flows through. Farmers use its water to grow crops. The river also has several large dams built on it. These dams, like the Indirasagar Dam, help control floods. They also store water for irrigation and produce hydroelectric power. This power helps light up homes and run industries.

Nature Along the River

The areas around the Narmada River are rich in nature. There are forests and wildlife sanctuaries. These places are home to many animals. You can find tigers, deer, and various bird species. The river itself supports many types of fish and other aquatic life. Protecting these natural areas is important for the environment.

Images for kids

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  Marble Rocks, Jabalpur

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  Narmada Kund, origin at Amarkantak

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  Narmada River at Tilwara ghat, Jabalpur

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  River in Omkareshwar

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  The River Narmada flows through a gorge of Marble rocks in Bhedaghat

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  Side view of the Dhuandhar Falls seen during the monsoon season.

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  Marble rocks alongside Narmada River

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  Narmada River at full flow during monsoon in Bhedaghat.

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  Railway Bridge on river Narmada at Bharuch, Gujarat

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  A scenic view of Maheshwar on the banks of Narmada

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  Omkareshwar temple on the banks of Narmada river

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  Forests of Amarkantak

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  Bark of Lagerstroemia parviflora

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  Tigress with her two cubs in Kanha National Park

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  Layout of Water Resources Development Projects in the Narmada Basin in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh

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  Indirasagar Dam partially completed in 2008

See also

In Spanish: Río Narmada para niños