The Kanhar originates at Gidha-Dhodha on the Khudia plateau in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh.

It initially flows north forming the boundary with Garhwa district in Palamu division of Jharkhand.

[1][2][3] The tributaries of the Kanhar are: Thema, Lanva, Pandu, Goita, Hathinala, Suria, Chana, Sendur, Kursa, Galphulla, Semarkhar, Riger and the Cherna Nallah.

[1] Gur-Sindhu Falls is located in Chinia Community block, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Garhwa.

It located near the meeting point of the borders of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.