Plizio Visual Lab

Yamuna River

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

River

Weather…

The Yamuna is the longest and the second-largest tributary of the Ganges in northern India. Originating from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Lower Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 6,387 meters, it flows for about 1,376 kilometers across several states, including Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the capital city of Delhi. The river holds immense historical and cultural significance; its banks are home to some of India's most iconic monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal in Agra. At Prayagraj, it merges with the Ganges at the Triveni Sangam, one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. Despite its religious importance, the Yamuna is currently one of the most polluted rivers in the world, particularly near Delhi, due to high levels of industrial runoff and untreated sewage. Nevertheless, it remains a vital water source for irrigation and provides drinking water to millions of people along its course.

Location: India
Nearby: Agra (19 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	18	24	31	35	36	32	30	28	25	20	15
Rain mm	15	18	15	14	24	81	221	192	122	18	4	7

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Easily accessible from major cities like Delhi, Agra, and Mathura. Numerous traditional ghats (steps) and bridges offer direct and easy access to the riverbanks.

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Best season

The post-monsoon period from October to March is the best time to visit, as water levels are healthy and the weather is much cooler for extended sightseeing.

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Terrain & paths

Riverbanks vary significantly from concrete ghats and urban promenades to muddy natural floodplains. Most primary tourist access points are fully paved and flat.

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What to bring

Standard urban walking gear is entirely sufficient. Sunscreen, a wide hat, and a good camera are highly recommended when visiting historical sites along the river.

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Parking

Parking availability depends heavily on the specific city and the chosen access point. Paid parking lots are usually found near the major monuments and busy ghats.

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Safety

Avoid entering the water due to high pollution levels and unpredictable undercurrents in urban stretches. Stay cautious of large crowds and heavy local traffic.

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Time needed

A visit to the riverfront typically takes one to two hours, and is very often combined with detailed sightseeing at the magnificent nearby historical monuments.

Geography

Coordinates

28.00000, 78.00000

Facts

The total length of the Yamuna river is approximately 1,376 kilometers.
Its source at the Yamunotri Glacier is situated at 6,387 meters elevation.
The river serves as the boundary between the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Approximately 70% of Delhi's water supply is sourced from the Yamuna.
The Yamuna drainage basin covers an area of 366,223 square kilometers.
In Agra, the river flows directly past the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.