Physiography
Physiographically, Goa can be divided into four divisions. The Eastern hill ranges forming a part of the Western Ghats, occupy the Talukas Sattari in the North, Ponda in central Goa and Canacona & Sanguem in the South. The central rolling to undulating uplands occupy parts of Pernem, Bicholim, Ponda, Eastern Sanguem and Quepem. This division comprises of valley lands under paddy cultivation. The flood plains of Mandovi and Zuari rivers are in between the coastal plains and rolling uplands in the East and South East. The marshy paddy lands locally termed as 'Khazan' are situated in these flood plains. The Coastal plains can be observed in the coastal talukas of Tiswadi, Mormugao, Bardez and Salcete.

Rivers
Of the many rivers and streams that water the land of the State, the Tiracol, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Talpona, Galgibagh and Chapora are most important. The lakes are Mayem and Carambolim. Most of the rivers are navigable and of immense economic importance as ores are transported through these rivers to Mormugao port for export.