Long before diamonds became symbols of royalty and luxury, some of the world’s most prized gems were found in an unexpected place—along the banks of a flowing Indian river. The Krishna River, often called India’s Diamond River, carries a legacy that sparkles far beyond its waters, linking nature, history, and hidden treasure.
For over a century, this river played a key role in supplying some of the finest diamonds ever discovered. Many legendary gems believed to have originated near its banks went on to shape global history, finding their way into royal collections and museums across the world. The river’s diamond story is deeply tied to the natural processes that unfolded quietly over millions of years.
The Krishna begins its long journey in the lush Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. From there, it travels eastward for nearly 1,400 kilometres, passing through hills, rocky stretches, and fertile plains before finally merging with the Bay of Bengal in coastal Andhra Pradesh. As it approaches the sea, the river spreads out to form a rich and fertile delta that supports both agriculture and life.
Along its course, the Krishna flows through multiple Indian states, shaping landscapes and livelihoods wherever it goes. Over time, diamonds formed deep underground were carried to the riverbed by ancient volcanic activity, eventually settling in its alluvial deposits. These stones were known for their exceptional purity, making the region especially valuable to early miners.
Some of the most well-known diamond-rich areas were located in parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh, where historic mining settlements once thrived. One such famous site produced several iconic diamonds before modern dams changed the river’s landscape, submerging many old mining zones beneath rising waters.
Beyond its glittering past, the Krishna River continues to be a lifeline for wildlife. It supports rare species like the gharial and the smooth-coated otter, reminding us that this river’s true richness lies not just in the treasures it once revealed, but in the life it still sustains.
