It originates from the western slopes of Eastern Ghats in Odisha state from Sinkaram hill ranges at 1374 m MSL.

The Sabari river basin receives nearly 1250 mm annual average rainfall.

This stretch of the river has substantial hydro electricity generation potential by building medium head (< 20 m) barrages in series to minimize land submergence.

[3][4][5] The surplus water of Indravati River in Odisha can also be diverted to Sabari river via Jaura Nallah through which Indravati flood waters naturally overflow into Sabari basin.

Sileru River (known as Machkund in its upper reaches) is the major tributary of Sabari which joins Sabari river at tri-junction boundary point of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.