India is home to thousands of rivers, over 200 of which flow through Madhya Pradesh alone. While most originate in the Himalayas or other highlands and move east or south, a few rivers buck this trend, flowing in unexpected directions. (Local18)
Typically, major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saryu, Mahanadi, and Kaveri flow towards the east and eventually meet the Bay of Bengal. In contrast, the Narmada, Tapti, and Chambal rivers flow in different directions. (Local18)
The Narmada River, also known as ‘Rewa’, is the most notable among the rivers flowing in the reverse direction. Originating from the Maikhal mountain range in Amarkantak, it flows from east to west and empties into the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. It is the longest river flowing in the reverse direction in India, earning the title of the reverse-flowing river. (Local18)
Scientists attribute the reverse flow of the Narmada River to the Rift Valley, where the land slopes westward, guiding the river in that direction. The Narmada has 41 tributaries, with 22 joining from the left bank and 19 from the right. The river is considered the lifeline of both Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and is revered as a mother by the people. (Local18)
Folklore also surrounds the Narmada River and the Sonbhadra River. It is said that Narmada’s marriage to the Son River was arranged. The night before the wedding, Narmada sent her friend, Juhila River, to greet Son. However, Sonbhadra was captivated by Juhila and married her instead. Heartbroken and insulted, Narmada began flowing in the opposite direction, towards the west. (Local18)
The Tapti River is another example of a reverse-flowing river in Madhya Pradesh. It originates from ‘Nadar Kund’ in Multai tehsil of Betul district. Similar to the Narmada, the Tapti flows from east to west and merges with the sea in the Gulf of Khambhat. (Local18)
The Tapti River traverses several districts in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, including cities like Betul, Burhanpur, Bhusaval, Dhule, Amravati, and Surat. The famous Savalin port of Surat lies at the river’s mouth. (Local18)
The Chambal River also flows differently from other rivers in India. It flows from south to north, originating from the Janapav hills in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, passing through Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and eventually merging with the Yamuna River. (Local18)
The Chambal River is renowned for its deep and rugged ravines. As it flows, the river carves through many valleys and ledges, distinguishing it from other rivers. Consequently, Chambal is frequently mentioned in tales of natural beauty and ravines. (Local18)
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