[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.

At the origin of the Malaprabha is an ancient temple dedicated to Shree Mauli Devi.

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

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