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.