Adsorption of Congo Red (CR) from dye-containing effluents using modified bentonite (MB) has been investigated here. Isothermal studies were conducted to ascertain maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent. MB exhibited superior adsorption capacity compared to other low-cost adsorbents. Experimental data fitted the Langmuir isotherm better, indicating monolayer coverage of CR on MB. The feasibility of the process was measured in terms of separation factor RL. The values of Gibbs free energy, entropy and enthalpy were calculated from the thermodynamics of the process. Adsorption was feasible and spontaneous, being endothermic. Analytical techniques including SEM, EDS, FTIR and XRD were applied to characterize MB and also to provide conclusive proof of the accumulation of CR on to MB.