The Mandovi River originates from Bhimgad in the Sahyadri range of mountains in Karnataka. It is also known as the Mhadei at its source. Along with the Zuari River, the Mandovi is the backbone of Goa as the river has the largest drainage basin in the state. It flows for nearly seventy-seven kilometers.

The Mandovi River enters Goa from the north via the Sattari taluka. During its course it flows through Cumbarjua, Divadi and Chodne. Both the Zuari and the Mandovi evacuates into the Arabian Sea at a common point at Cabo Aguada forming the Marmogoa Harbour. Panaji, the state capital and the town of Old Goa are situated on the left bank of the Mandovi River. Mandovi is also known as Gomati and has several tributaries Rogaro, Kushavati, Nanorem, Nanuz, Valvota, and Mapusa.

The Cumbarjuem Canal has made the remote areas of the Mandovi accessible to ships, which brings iron ore from the mines in the eastern hills. Near the town of Old Goa, there are three large freshwater islands Divar, Chorao and Vashee in Mandovi River.