Originating from Pavagadh in the Panchmahal District of Gujarat, the
Vishwamitri River flows mainly through the west of the city of Vadodara. The name of this river is said to have been derived from the name of the great saint Vishwamitra. Two other tributaries namely Dhadhar and Khanpur merge into it before it amalgamates with the Gulf of Khambhat. Human settlement dating back to 1000 B.C has been found on the bank of river Vishwamitri which ascertains the existence of Stone Age Era. Also in the beginning of the Christian era, a small township was developed on a mound on the banks of this river which later came to be known as Ankotakka while the mound is popular as Dhantekri. The Vishwamitri River was key to the settlement of Vadodara.