The main water divide in Peninsular India is formed by the Western Ghats, which runs from north to south close to the western coast. Most of the major rivers of the Peninsula, such as the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri flow towards the east and drain into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers make deltas at their outfall. The Narmada and the Tapi are the only long rivers, which flow westwards and form deltas.

Comparisons between the east flowing and the west flowing rivers of the Peninsular plateau are:

East Flowing Rivers:

• East-flowing rivers originate from the Western Ghats and flow towards the east.
• These rivers drain into the Bay of Bengal.
• These rivers carry a large amount of water.
• Some of the east-flowing rivers are; Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri.

West Flowing Rivers:

• These rivers originate from Central India and towards the west.
• These rivers form estuaries at their mouth.
• These rivers carry a lesser amount of water.
• The Narmada and the Tapi are the two main west-flowing rivers.