Geography & Rivers
Maharashtra GK · भूगोल और नदियां
📋Quick Overview
Maharashtra is the third largest state in India by area (307,713 sq km) and has the second largest population. It is dominated by the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) runs along its western border. The Konkan coastal strip lies between the Sahyadri and the Arabian Sea. Maharashtra borders 6 states and the Arabian Sea. Godavari — India's second longest river — originates at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik.
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Godavari river (2nd longest in India, 1465 km) originates at Trimbakeshwar, Nashik — flows east to Bay of Bengal; called 'Vridha Ganga' (Old Ganga) and 'Dakshin Ganga'
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Kalsubai peak (1646m) is the highest peak in Maharashtra — in Sahyadri (Western Ghats) range
📖Key Geographic Facts
| Parameter | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Area | 307,713 sq km — 3rd largest state in India |
| Capital | Mumbai (also financial capital of India) |
| Districts | 36 districts |
| Borders (Land) | Gujarat (NW), MP (N & NE), Chhattisgarh (E), Telangana (SE), Karnataka (S), Goa (SW) |
| Coastline | 720 km along Arabian Sea; Konkan coast |
| Highest Peak | Kalsubai (1646m) in Western Ghats (Nashik/Ahmednagar area) |
| Physiographic Divisions | Konkan (western coast), Deccan Plateau (interior), Sahyadri/Western Ghats (mountain spine), Vidarbha (eastern) |
📖Major Rivers of Maharashtra
| River | Origin | Flow Direction | Length | Notable Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godavari | Trimbakeshwar, Nashik | East (to Bay of Bengal) | 1465 km | Nashik, Nanded, Aurangabad |
| Krishna | Mahabaleshwar (Western Ghats) | East (to Bay of Bengal) | 1400 km | Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur |
| Bhima | Western Ghats (Pune) | Southeast | 861 km | Pune, Solapur; joins Krishna |
| Tapi (Tapti) | Satpura hills (Betul, MP) | West (to Arabian Sea) | 724 km | Nashik, Jalgaon; enters Gujarat |
| Wardha | Satpura (MP) | Southeast | 528 km | Wardha district; joins Wainganga forming Pranhita |
| Wainganga | Seoni (MP) | Southeast | 560 km | Nagpur region; joins Wardha |
📝Konkan & Vidarbha — Key Regions
- •Konkan: Narrow coastal strip (50–80 km wide) between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea; known for coconut, cashew, Alphonso mangoes, rice; Mumbai, Pune (via ghats), Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg are in Konkan division
- •Vidarbha: Eastern Maharashtra (Nagpur, Amravati divisions); cotton belt; Nagpur is 'Orange City'; high farmer distress historically; separate state demand exists
- •Marathwada: Semi-arid central region (Aurangabad, Latur divisions); historically underdeveloped; now called Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division; drought-prone
- •Western Ghats (Sahyadri) in Maharashtra: Highest peak Kalsubai (1646m); UNESCO World Heritage (Biodiversity Hotspot); source of major rivers; hill stations Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Panchgani