The Peninsular rivers rise at much lower heights in the Western Ghats whereas the Himalayan river originates at high elevations. The Peninsular rivers are non-perennial which means they receive water from glacier and rainfall whereas Himalayan rivers are perennial which means they are seasonal-dependent on monsoon. The Peninsular river have narrow catchment area whereas the Himalayan rivers have large catchment area. Larger catchment area ensures maximum flow of water.