The Malaprabha River is a tributary of the Krishna River and flows through the state of Karnataka in India. It rises in the Western Ghats at an elevation of in the state's Belagavi district. The Malaprabha joins Krishna River at Kudalasangama in Bagalkot district.
Malaprabha River originates in the Sahyadri mountains at an elevation of at Kanakumbi village west of Jamboti village, Khanapur taluka, Belgaum District, Karnataka. At the origin of the Malaprabha an ancient temple has been constructed dedicated to Shree Mauli Devi. The temple is in R.S. No. 127 of Kankumbi village. Malaprabha birthplace is a pilgrimage site with mythological origins.
A handâÂÂcarved symbol in the rock near the source of the Malaprabha River represents the riverâÂÂs origin and reflects the belief that its waters provide protection and wellâÂÂbeing for humankind. The source has highly stable mineral water. The presence of discontinuities has major influence on properties of contours at source of river. Permeability is dependent on orientation of the region.
Malaprabha flows for from Kanakumbi-Khanapur-Soundatti-(Malaprabha Dam)-Ramdurg-Nargund-Pattadkal-Kudalasangam before joining river Krishna at an elevation of at Kudala Sangama in Bagalkot district.
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. The reservoir created by the dam is called Renukasagara. Its catchment area is . This reservoir irrigates more than of agricultural land.
There is an ancient temple of the deity Yellamma on a nearby hill. This is a pilgrimage centre for thousands of devotees. Also the temples of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami are on the banks of the Malaprabha. These are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.