The morphometric analysis of watersheds serves as a foundational step in comprehending and strategizing water resource management, particularly in regions characterized by arid and semi-arid climates. In this work, the Buddayapalli watershed in the YSR District of Andhra Pradesh, India, is the subject of morphometric investigation. Geologically, this area is underlain by rocks from the Cuddapah Supergroup and Kurnool group of the Proterozoic age. Due to the limited and irregular rainfall patterns in the region, drought occurrences are prevalent, especially during the summer season (March–May). Employing Strahler’s principle, the drainage system within the watershed was carried out. The analysis revealed a dendritic pattern and sub-dendritic pattern, indicating the hierarchical arrangement of streams. This specific watershed is categorized as a Vth order, where lower-order streams predominantly shape the basin. The drainage density on average, a key morphometric parameter, is measured at 2.249 km/km2 within the watershed, spanning an area of approximately 28.075 km2. The topography and slopes of the area are primarily influenced by various physiographic conditions and geological erosion cycles. Notably, the elongation ratio, quantified at 0.764, signifies a pronounced elongation of the watershed. This elongation is attributed to the region’s high to moderate elevations and steep slopes, a consequence of structural disturbances in the geological formations. Utilizing toposheets, high-resolution advanced satellite imagery (LISS IV) and google earth satellite data in the Arc GIS and QGIS environment, this study delves into the the linear, areal and relief, features of the watershed. By employing advanced spatial analysis techniques, a comprehensive understanding of the watershed’s morphometric characteristics is achieved. This knowledge is essential for informed decision-making in water resource planning, particularly in areas prone to water scarcity and environmental challenges.