4.4.2. River Systems

The Western Ghats situated near the western coast form the major water divide between the major Peninsular rivers, discharging their water in the Bay of Bengal and as small rivulets joining the Arabian Sea. Except Narmada and Tapi, all major rivers flow in east direction. The other major river systems of the Peninsular drainage are – the Mahanadi the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri. Peninsular rivers are characterised by fixed course, absence of meanders and ephemeral flow of water. The Narmada and the Tapi which flow through the rift valley are, however, exceptions. Peninsular rivers receive water from Southwest monsoon and Tamil Nadu rivers gets water from retreating or northeast monsoon also.