Origin of Ravi River, Himachal Pradesh.
River Ravi originates in Barabhangal area of District Kangra (a Geographical knot where Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar merged). Like river Beas, it is also is a Consequent Stream, ( which mean it rises after rise of Greater Himalaya) follows the regional slope. It mainly drained the area between Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar. Perennial Glacier of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal help to maintain the good river flow throughout the year. Tantgiri and Badal two streams which formed the main river channel. Both streams separated by a Pir Panjal ridge (Manimahesh Dhar).
Gorges formed by Ravi river in its Uppper course in Chamba
Ancient capital of Chamba was located on the bank of Budhil stream, whereas Bara Bhangal and Holi are located on Badhal stream. Both stream meet at Kharamukh gorge. From Kharmaukh to deep down ,river flows for 10 kms in a very narrow gorges. After crossing Chhatrari, valley again became wide.
River Ravi formed “V” shaped valley with steep gradient of 23 mt/km(Calculated between Barabhangal and Kharamukh) and 14mt/Km (Calculated between Kharamukh and Chamaba)..Due to construction activities water of Ravi has acquired grayish appearance.
Tributories of Ravi River
Ravi has number of important tributaries. For example Tundah Nala which is a torrent , originate near Kalichoo Pass, make a steep descent from mountain. It joined the Ravi below Kharamukh. It drained the southern part of Pir panjal range.
Baira-Siul join the Ravi 10 km below the Chamba town , Baira-Siul is the major tributary of Ravi. River Siul originate near Padri Pass and drained the Southern-Western extension of Pir Panjal (Bandal Valley range. Where as Bera originate near Sachh Pass and drained the Southern Slope of main Pir Panjal range.
After the merger of Ravi and Bera -Siul in Teleru, river take southward turn and cut the Dhauladhar range and leave the district near Khairi. Here it also form the boundary with Jammu and Kashmir.
Maps Showing important Settlement across the Ravi Course
