The Krishna River originates in the Western Ghats near the town of:

Mahabaleshwar
Kolhapur
Hampi
Bengaluru

The correct answer is (a) Mahabaleshwar.

The Krishna River is the third-longest river in India, after the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. It originates in the Western Ghats near the town of Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. The river flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty, temples, and waterfalls. The town is located at an altitude of 1,352 meters (4,434 feet) above sea level.

The Krishna River is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for millions of people in India. It is also a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water sports.

The other options are incorrect because:

  • Kolhapur is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located on the banks of the Krishna River.
  • Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
  • Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the third-largest city in India.