The Narmada River, about 160 million years old, flows through an ancient rift valley formed long before the Himalayas emerged.

The Ganga is one of the most popular and revered rivers in India. In fact, most people would even presume it to be the oldest river in the country. But in truth, that title is held by Narmada, which is much older. Its origins date back around 160 million years to a time when the Himalayas hadn't even yet formed in their present shape.

In comparison, the Ganga's modern drainage system is around 50 million years old.

Going back around 160 million years, India was part of Gondwana, a vast southern landmass. During this time, Earth didn't look like it does today and the continents were still taking shape. And that is when Narmada was formed.

India's oldest river, Narmada, flows through a rift valley. This rift was formed when a stretch of land sank between blocks of the Earth's crust due to geological movements. The river has a westward course because this valley lies between the Vindhya Range to the north and the Satpura Range to the south.

While many major Indian rivers for a delta, the Narmada doesn't. Instead, it drains into the Gulf of Khambhat before finally flowing into the Arabian Sea.

Its flow begins at the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and the river travels approximately 1,312 kilometres before reaching the sea near Bharuch, Gujarat. It is the longest west-flowing river and the fifth-longest river in the country, mainly flowing through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The valley is also known for its prehistoric discoveries that further establish it as the oldest river in India. The nation's first dinosaur fossil was discovered near Jabalpur in 1828 by William Sleeman. Fossils of Rajasaurus narmadensis, a dinosaur from the Cretaceous Period, were also discovered  here in 1982. That same year, an ancient hominin fossil was discovered near Hathnora in the Narmada Valley.

Narmada's geological and prehistoric significance isn't the only thing that makes it stand out. In Hinduism, it is worshipped as a goddess and is also known as Reva. It is also believed that Adi Shankara met his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada at Omkareshwar, a revered jyotirlinga situated on its banks.

Places To Visit Along The Narmada

• Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh: The river originates here, at the Narmada Udgam Kund, making the town an important pilgrimage destination.
• Bhedaghat, near Jabalpur: The Narmada flows between striking marble rocks and through a rocky gorge. The area is also known for its waterfalls.
• Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh: The riverside town is known for its temple and its place in the religious traditions associated with the Narmada.
• Bharuch, Gujarat: Near this city, the river approaches the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat.