The Sahyadris receive heavy rainfall (200- 700 cm) during south-west monsoon months which originates a number of small and swift flowing streams.
The most important among these are the Surya, Kalu, Savitri in Maharashtra; Mandavi, Terekhol, Chapora, Zuvari, Sal and Talpona in Goa; Kalinadi, Gangawali, Sharavati, Tadri and Netravati in Karnataka; and Beypore, Ponnani, Bharatapuzha, Periyar and Pamba in Kerala. All these rivers have carved out narrow valleys with steep gradient forming cascades and waterfalls.
The famous Jog Falls (721 m) lie on the Sharavati River. Although with small drainage area (about 2% of India) these rivers contribute 18% of the water yield of the country and have great potentials (61.5 lakh kw) for hydel power. A number of river valley projects have been located over these rivers.