The Tawa River flowing through central India is the longest tributary of the Narmada River. It originates in the Satpura Range of the Betul and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. The river then flows in the north and west direction where it enters the village of Bandra Bhan in Hoshangabad district and merges with the Narmada River. The river is one hundred and seventy two kilometers in length.

In the year 1978 the Tawa Dam was constructed across the river. It is situated at the confluence of Tawa and Denwa rivers. The Bori Reserve Forest was established along the Tawa in 1865. The Pachmarhi Biosphere Preserve, established in 1999 occupies the upper watershed of Tawa.