The topography of Bengaluru is characterized by a series of gently rolling hills and valleys. The city sits at an average elevation of about 920 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level. The highest point in the city is Doddabettahalli, which stands at an elevation of 962 meters (3,156 feet).
A central ridge runs through the city from the north-northeast to the south-southwest. Rainwater falling on the eastern slopes of this ridge flows into the South Pennar river basin, while water on the western slopes flows into the Arkavathi river basin. This natural gradient historically allowed city planners to create a cascading system of lakes, where the overflow from a higher-elevation lake naturally flows into the next lake down the valley.