Ravi River System in Himachal Pradesh
Overview & Key Features
Alternate Names
- Sanskrit: Iravati
- Vedic: Parushni
- Greek: Hydraster or Rhoudis
Quick Summary Trick (Alternate Names)
- Ravi → Hydraster (Ra-Ra match)
- Sutlej → Hesidrus (Su-Si match)
- Beas → Hyphasis (Sounds like “Bee-asis”)
Key Characteristics
- Origin: From Bara Banghal region, southwest of Rohtang Pass, in Multan Tehsil, Kangra district.
- Also Called: Rauti and Irauti.
- Total Length (in HP): ~158 km (of which 130 km is in Chamba).
- Geographical Role: Serves as a natural divider between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges.
- Exit Point: Leaves Chamba at Kheri and enters Punjab at Madhopur.
Districts Covered in HP
- Kangra (Origin)
- Chamba (Main course)
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Detailed River System Guide
1. Glacial Origins & Formative Tributaries
The Ravi is glacier-fed and formed by the confluence of three major nallas, originating from four glaciers:
- Bhadal Nalla – from Bhadal Glacier
- Rai Nalla – from Raighar Glacier
- Tantgiri Nalla – from Tantgiri and Karu Glaciers
These merge to form the main Ravi River.
2. Tributaries in Kangra District
Left-Bank Tributaries
- Tamsar Khad
- Nikora Khad
Note: The Ravi enters Chamba district at Bajhol.
3. Tributaries in Chamba District
Right-Bank Tributaries (In Downstream Order)
- Bhudail River
- Formed by: Kugti Nala and Manimahesh Ganga
- Joins Ravi at Khadamukh
- Tundah Nala
- Origin: Kalicho Glacier
- Baljedi Nala
- Kuwarsi Nala
- Sal River
- Formed by: Hol River and Kiddi River at Saho
- Joins Ravi at Chamba town
- Baira Siul River
- Formed by Baira and Siul rivers meeting at Himgiri.
- Chanju River also joins the combined Baira Siul.
- Joins Ravi at Chauhada.
- (Note: Tissa River is a right-bank tributary of the Baira)
Left-Bank Tributaries
- Chirchind River
- Joins Ravi near Chattrari
- Mangla River
- Joins at Sheetla Bridge
Exit from Himachal
- Siov Nala joins at the Chamba border.
- Ravi exits Chamba at Kheri.
- Enters Punjab at Madhopur.
4. Major Towns on the Ravi System
- Chamba: Located on the main Ravi River.
- Bharmour: Located on the Bhudail River.
- Holi: Located on the Hol River (a tributary of the Sal).
- Madhopur: Located in Punjab, just after the Ravi exits HP.
5. Major Hydropower Projects
- Chamera (I, II, III): Major projects on the Ravi River in Chamba.
- Bhuri Singh Powerhouse: An old project, located near Chamba town on the Sal River.
- Ranjit Sagar Dam: Located at Madhopur (Punjab) on the Ravi, just downstream from the HP border.