Waterways have historically sustained these ancient cities and remain central to their beauty and agriculture today.
* **Tungabhadra River:** The lifeblood of the Vijayanagara Empire and modern Hampi, carving through the rocky landscape and providing irrigation, recreation, and spiritual significance. * **Malaprabha River:** Flows through the Chalukyan heritage sites of Pattadakal and Aihole. * **Agastya Lake:** A stunning, historically significant lake situated at the foot of the Badami cave temples. * **Sanapur Lake:** A reservoir near Hampi (on the Anegundi side) popular for its serene environment and coracle rides.