Mahanadi River - महानदी नदी

River Name Mahanadi River
Length of River 885 kms (550 mi)
Course Chattisgarh eastern India
Starting Point highlands of Chhattisgarh, Highlands of Chattisgarh
Ending Point Bay Of Bengal, near Cuttack, Orissa
Points of Interest Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa, None
Starting Coordinates 21.481185,83.982239
Major Tributaries Rivers Tel and Hasdo
Wikipedia Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahanadi_River
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Mahanadi, one of the largest rivers in south-east India and the sixth largest in India, originates from the Amarkantak hills of the Bastar Plateau in Raipur District of Madhya Pradesh. The total 890 km of the river traverses through a gorge in the Eastern Ghats, across Orissa, forming a delta before entering the Bay of Bengal near Cuttack.

Mahanadi, river, about 885 km (550 mi) long, central India. It rises in Chhattisgarh State and flows east through the Eastern Ghats Mountains before entering the Bay of Bengal through a delta near Cuttack, in eastern Orissa State. The Tel and Hasdo rivers are major tributaries. The Hirakud Dam (1956), a large earthen structure at Sambalpur, regulates the flow of the Mahanadi and produces hydroelectricity.

Mahanadi River - state, its flow augmented by the drainage of hills to the north and south. At Sambalpur the HYr(kud Dam on the river has formed a man-made lake 35 miles (55 km) long; the dam has several hydroelectric plants. Below the dam the Mah(nadi turns south along a tortuous course, piercing the Eastern Gh(ts through a forest-clad gorge. Bending east, it enters the Orissa plains near Cuttack and enters the Bay of Bengal at False Point by several channels.

The Mahanadi ("Great River") follows a total course of 560 miles (900 km) and has an estimated drainage area of 51,000 square miles (132,100 square km). It is one of the most active silt-depositing streams in the Indian subcontinent. The river suppliesseveral irrigation canals, mainly near Cuttack. Puri, at one of its mouths, is a famous pilgrimage site.

Mahanadi has a total catchment area of 141,600 sq km and it is across this river that the world's largest earthen dam, Hirakud at Sambalpur, is built. On its way, the river supports several hydro-electric plants and serves as a major source for irrigation in Orissa.

Mahananadi river is the river which is the life line of Chattisgarh. Flowing from the Eastern Ghats to the Bay of Bengal through Cuttack, in the eastern Orissa State. Rising from the highlands of Chattisgarh, it flows through Orissa to reach The Bay Of Bengal.

Like all other rivers, the Mahanadi too is revered one. It plays a major role in peoples life and is part of all the major religious functions and festivals. The water of Mahananadi is considered to be auspicious for any occasion - be it good or bad. It is thought that the water of Mahananadi has the power of converting bad into good.

Mahanadi River is about 885 kms long, running through Central India. Rising from Central Chattisgarh, it passes through Eastern Ghats Mountains and ends at Bay Of Bengal, near Cuttack, Orissa. It forms a Delta at the Bay of Bengal. The Mahanadi's catchment area is estimated at 113,440 square kilometers. In the rainy season it carries an immense amount of water, up to 51,000 cubic meters per second especially at at the Naraj gorge.

As the river flows at high speed, the Rivers Tel and Hasdo contribute as the main tributaries to the Mahanadi River. The Hirakund Dam, the Worlds Highest Dam is constructed on Mahanadi. There is a high Gandhi Tower for the introspection of the Dam. As this Dam is the lifeline of Orissa, Mahanadi contributes a lot in fertilizing the chief crops - oilseed, rice and sugarcane. The Hirakund Dam is also the main source of running Hydroelectric Plant at Sambalpur. Though the river flows at high speed, still in the months July to February, one can navigate the river on boat.( In any case one should not go very near Bay of Bengal, the point where Mahanadi merges in the Sea).

The drainage of the Mahanadi is shared by the Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa.

Suggestions

  • The river Mahanadi has a religious significance, but in the smaller sense. It has a lot of devotees in Cuttack.
  • Mahanadi does not have any Ghats in particular, however one can go to see it in Hirakund Dam. Hirakund Dam is in itself an attraction.
  • Most of the eateries around Mahanadi are not very clean. It is advisable to have the food in your hotel. In religious places there are very less options of food. Non - Vegetarian Food in particular is not allowed.
  • While travelling, keep your important documents like driving license, address proof, passport with you. Do not share these information with any stranger.
  • Convert your currency only from Standard Banks or Government Banks. Do not rely on strangers.
  • For you own good, go to such places either in a group or at least two people should be there. Avoid travelling alone.

    Mahanadi, one of the largest rivers in south-east India and the sixth largest in India, originates from the Amarkantak hills of the Bastar Plateau in Raipur District of Madhya Pradesh. The total 890 km of the river traverses through a gorge in the Eastern Ghats, across Orissa, forming a delta before entering the Bay of Bengal near Cuttack.

    The Mahanadi River, 89 kilometers long, is known as one of the "great rivers" of India, crossing the state of Orissa and cutting through the Eastern Ghats by way of a gorge some 50 kilomenters long. The Mahanadi's catchment area is estimated at 113,440 square kilometers, and in the rainy season it carries an immense amount of water, up to 51,000 cubic meters per second at the Naraj gorge. The river rises in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh, just south of Raipur city. After flowing eastward and passing the city of Cuttack (where in the rainy season it is 3 kilometers wide), the river enters the Bay of Bengal through a number of deltaic channels and two main estuaries. In the delta region is an extensive system of irrigation canals for the cultivation of rice. From July to February the river is navigable by boats for 740 kilometers from the sea.

    The Mahanadi River rises in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh and then flows in the eastward direction, cutting a ravine in the Eastern Ghat. Before joining the Bay of Bengal at False Point through several channels, the river enters the plains of Orissa near Cuttack and forms a delta. This delta is one of the largest mangrove forests in peninsular India, and also a rice producing area. The term `Mahanadi` means Great River and it is truly one of the largest rivers in southeast India and the sixth largest in India. The Tel and the Hadso are the main tributaries of the Mahanadi. Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa share are drained by the Mahanadi.

    The river flows for 560 miles (900 kilometers) and the drainage area of the river is estimated to be 51,000 square miles (132,100 square kilometers). The world`s largest earthen dam Hirakud Dam is built across this river in Sambalpur. The dam controls the flow of Mahanadi and produces hydroelectricity. The Mahanadi River is one of the most active silt-depositing streams in India. It also supplies several irrigation canals, near Cuttack. The popular pilgrimage destination, Puri is located at one of its mouth.

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