<p>Groundwater (available as springs) is recognized as a vital yet vulnerable natural resource that needs to be protected in an environmentally sustainable way. This study uses geohydrological field measurements, major ion analysis, and resistivity data to provide the first detailed insights into the geohydrology, elemental sources, and quality characteristics of karst and fissured springs in a previously understudied region (Chakrata) of the Lesser Himalaya, India. Geohydrological observations indicate that the Deoban and Chakrata rock formations, covering 285 km² and 208 km² respectively, are the primary hydrogeological units in the Chakrata region, with moderate to high yields, where karstification and fracturing regulate the flow patterns and spring distribution. The electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) shows two main resistive zones: a lower zone (10-200 Ω m) at 10-20 m depth, associated with thick, saturated soil and weathered materials or hydraulic impedance, and a higher localized zone (1000 Ω m to 50,000 Ω m) at 20-50 m, indicating a high transmissivity network. Chemometric analysis suggests that the ionic composition of springs is primarily regulated by multiple geogenic dissolution processes, classifying them as Ca-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-HCO₃ facies. Further, karst springs are mostly carbonate oversaturated and fissures springs are mostly under-saturated; however, both attain higher pCO₂ (2×10⁻⁵ − 8.9×10⁻³ atm.), suggesting active dissolution–precipitation processes along the flow paths. The findings reveal that springs have excellent water quality, with entropy water quality and pollution indices well within safe thresholds for human consumption; however, a positive correlation of NO₃⁻ (R²: 0.68) and Cl⁻ (R²: 0.63) of springs with cropland is a matter of concern. The study addresses a data gap in geohydrology and major ions of springs in a hilly region for more detailed future studies.</p>