Rivers of Andhra Pradesh: Map & Key Facts
Andhra Pradesh is located on the southeastern coast of India. It has a coastline of about 974 kilometers which is the second-longest in the country after Gujarat. The state is blessed with several rivers that rise from the Western Ghats as well as the Eastern Ghats. Most of these rivers flow eastward and drain into the Bay of Bengal. Some important rivers of Andhra Pradesh are the Godavari, Krishna, Penna, Vamsadhara and Nagavali.
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Longest River of Andhra Pradesh
The Godavari River is the longest river in Andhra Pradesh. It enters the state near Bhadrachalam and flows for about 775 kilometers through the districts of Eluru, East Godavari and West Godavari before draining into the Bay of Bengal. It forms a large delta that is one of the most fertile regions in India. The river supports major irrigation and drinking water projects in the state.
List of Major Rivers of Andhra Pradesh
Below are the major rivers of Andhra Pradesh with key facts:
1. Godavari River
The Godavari is the longest and most significant river in Andhra Pradesh. It originates from Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra, and travels a total length of 1,465 kilometers, making it the second-longest river in India after the Ganges. It drains nearly 10% of India’s total land area and passes through multiple states before reaching Andhra Pradesh, where it flows for about 775 kilometers. It forms one of the largest river basins in the subcontinent and eventually empties into the Bay of Bengal near Rajamahendravaram, creating a vast and fertile delta.
2. Krishna River
The Krishna River is another vital watercourse in Andhra Pradesh. It begins in Maharashtra and flows through Karnataka and Telangana before entering Andhra Pradesh near Srisailam. Important towns like Vijayawada lie on its banks. The river supports major projects like the Srisailam Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Prakasam Barrage. It merges with the Bay of Bengal after enriching vast agricultural lands along its course.
3. Pennar River
The Pennar River, also called Pennar, Pinakini, or Penneru, originates from the Nandi Hills in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur district. It uniquely splits into two streams — one flowing north and the other south. In Andhra Pradesh, it passes through Anantapur, Kadapa, and Nellore districts. It finally joins the Bay of Bengal near Nellore. Despite its shorter length, it plays an important role in supplying water to the Rayalaseema region.
4. Tungabhadra River
The Tungabhadra River is formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra Rivers which rise in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It flows along the border between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, eventually merging with the Krishna River near Gundimalla village in the Jogulamba Gadwal district. The river supports several irrigation projects in the southern part of the state.
5. Nagavali River
The Nagavali River, also known as Langulya, originates in Kalahandi district of Odisha and flows into northern Andhra Pradesh through Srikakulam district. It travels between the Rushikulya and Godavari basins and joins the Bay of Bengal near Kallepalli village. It provides irrigation and drinking water in the north coastal areas.
6. Vamsadhara River
The Vamsadhara River, also called Banshadhara, begins at the border of Thumul Rampur and Kalyansinghpur in Odisha and flows into Andhra Pradesh, finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam. It spans about 254 kilometers and has a total catchment area of nearly 10,830 square kilometers. It is an important east-flowing river for both states.
7. Kundu River
The Kundu River is a tributary of the Penna River. It starts near Uppalapadu village in Kurnool district and joins the Pennar at Kamalapuram in Kadapa district. Known locally as “Nandyala Dukham”, this river has caused repeated flood damage in areas like Nandyala and Koilkuntla. Today, the growing urban settlements along its course have led to untreated waste water entering the river.
Other Rivers of Andhra Pradesh
- Cheyyeru River
- Gundlakamma River
- Chitravathi River
- Papagni River
- Swarnamukhi River
- Musi River
- Sarada River
- Varaha River
- Sagileru River
- Kandaleru River
- Vagavalli River
- Bahuda River
- Palar River
- Kalangi River
River Map of Andhra Pradesh
Major River Projects and Dams in Andhra Pradesh
| Project/Dam | River | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Polavaram Project | Godavari | Eluru district |
| Srisailam Dam | Krishna | Nandyal |
| Nagarjuna Sagar | Krishna | AP-Telangana border |
| Prakasam Barrage | Krishna | Vijayawada |
| Dowleswaram Barrage | Godavari | Rajamahendravaram |
| Somasila Dam | Penna | Nellore |
| Vamsadhara Project | Vamsadhara | Srikakulam |
