[citation needed] It rises in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 792.4 m (2,600 ft) in the state's Belagavi district.

Malaprabha River originates in the Sahyadri mountains at an elevation of 792.4 metres (2,600 ft) at Kanakumbi village 16 km (9.9 mi) west of Jamboti village, Khanapur taluka, Belgaum District, Karnataka.

Presence of discontinuities has major effects on properties of contours at source of river.

Bennihalla, Hirehalla and Tuparihalla are the major tributaries to the Malaprabha of Dharwad district.

Navilatirtha Dam (Navilu in Kannada means peacock) is between Saundatti and Munavalli in Belgaum District.