The Location of Western and Eastern Ghats is a crucial aspect of India’s geography. The Western Ghats stretch along the western coast, while the Eastern Ghats run parallel to the eastern coast. Both mountain ranges are significant for their biodiversity and influence on the climate. Both ranges influence monsoon patterns. The Location of Western and Eastern Ghats plays a vital role in defining India’s physical geography. The Western Ghats are known for their continuous range, whereas the Eastern Ghats are more fragmented. This difference in their structure leads to varied climatic conditions and ecological diversity in the regions they cover.
- The Western Ghats extend from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu.
- The Eastern Ghats stretch from Odisha to Tamil Nadu.
Western Ghats: Geographic Extent
The Western Ghats begin in the state of Gujarat and extend southward, covering Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. They run parallel to the western coast, forming a continuous range. The Location of Western and Eastern Ghats is critical in influencing India’s climate, especially the monsoon winds. The Western Ghats act as a barrier, forcing the monsoon winds to rise and cool, leading to heavy rainfall on the western side.
- Gujarat: The northernmost part of the Western Ghats begins in the Dang district.
- Maharashtra: The range runs through the western parts of Maharashtra, including the districts of Pune, Nashik, and Ratnagiri.
- Goa: The Ghats cover the entire state of Goa, influencing its topography and climate.
- Karnataka: The range continues through Karnataka, affecting areas such as Coorg and the Western Ghats National Park.
- Kerala: In Kerala, the Western Ghats are prominent, encompassing hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad.
- Tamil Nadu: The southern end of the Western Ghats extends into Tamil Nadu, including the Nilgiri Hills and parts of the Western Ghats.
Eastern Ghats
Unlike the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are not continuous. They are a series of low, discontinuous hills running parallel to the eastern coast. The Eastern Ghats extend from Odisha in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, crossing Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This fragmented nature results in less rainfall compared to the Western Ghats. The Eastern Ghats are a mountain range along the eastern coast of India. Unlike the Western Ghats, which run parallel to the western coast, the Eastern Ghats are more discontinuous and fragmented. They extend through the following states:
- West Bengal: The range starts in the northern part of West Bengal and continues southward.
- Odisha: The Eastern Ghats run through Odisha, including the famous hill station of Similipal.
- Andhra Pradesh: The range covers a substantial portion of Andhra Pradesh, including the Nallamala Hills and the Araku Valley.
- Telangana: The Eastern Ghats extend into Telangana, where they form part of the state’s geography.
- Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, the Eastern Ghats include areas like the Nilgiri Hills and parts of the Annamalai Hills.
Conclusion
The Western and Eastern Ghats are two prominent mountain ranges in India, each with its own unique geographic and ecological characteristics. The Western Ghats, running parallel to the western coast, form a continuous range through several states from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu. They are known for their rich biodiversity, dense forests, and numerous hill stations, making them a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both ranges play crucial roles in India’s climate, ecology, and cultural heritage, highlighting the country’s diverse and complex geographical features. Understanding their locations and characteristics is essential for appreciating their environmental significance and the challenges they face in conservation and development.
| Location of Western and Eastern Ghats UPSC Notes |
| 1. The Western Ghats stretch parallel to the western coast of India, running from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu, and are known for their continuous range and high biodiversity. 2. The Eastern Ghats are a fragmented mountain range along the eastern coast of India, passing through West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. 3. The Western Ghats are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their dense forests and ecological significance, contrasting with the more rugged Eastern Ghats. 4. The Eastern Ghats are characterized by lower elevations and discontinuous segments, contributing to their unique topography and regional biodiversity. 5. Both the Western and Eastern Ghats play crucial roles in India’s climate, ecology, and natural resources, highlighting the country’s diverse geographical features and conservation challenges. |
