Indian Geography: Mountain Ranges

• The Western Ghats run along India's western coast, spanning Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
• Characterized by evergreen forests and significant biodiversity, the Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their ecological importance.
• Anaimudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats.

Eastern Ghats

• The Eastern Ghats are located in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• They are less continuous and not as high as the Western Ghats
• Discontinuous hill ranges and fertile valleys characterize this region.
• Jindhagada Peak is the highest peak of the Eastern Ghats.

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh

• The Himalayan and Karakoram ranges dominate the region.
• K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) is among the world's highest peaks, located in the Karakoram Range (Pakistan-administered Kashmir).
• Nun Kun, part of the Western Himalayas, is known for challenging climbs.

Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal Pradesh lies entirely within the Himalayas.
• Reo Purgyil, the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh, has rugged terrain.
• Deo Tibba is a significant peak near Manali.

Uttarakhand

• Uttarakhand is situated in the central Himalayas.
• Nanda Devi is the highest peak located entirely within India.
• Kamet is a prominent peak in the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Trishul is a group of three Himalayan peaks.

Sikkim

• Sikkim is located in the Eastern Himalayas.
• Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, is on the border of India and Nepal.

Arunachal Pradesh

• Arunachal Pradesh is part of the Eastern Himalayas
• Kangto is the state’s highest peak.
• Nyegi Kangsang is another significant peak.

Rajasthan

• The Aravali Range dominates Rajasthan.
• Guru Shikhar is the Aravali Range’s highest point, situated in Mount Abu.

Maharashtra

• Maharashtra includes part of the Western Ghats.
• Kalsubai, Maharashtra's highest peak, is called the 'Everest of Maharashtra'.

Karnataka

• Karnataka contains sections of both the Western and Eastern Ghats
• Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak, is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats.

Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu is part of both the Western and Eastern Ghats.
• Doddabetta is the Nilgiri Hills' highest peak.

Kerala

• Kerala is part of the Western Ghats.
• Anaimudi is the Western Ghats' highest peak.

Andhra Pradesh

• Andhra Pradesh includes part of the Eastern Ghats.
• Jindhagada Peak is the Eastern Ghats' highest peak.

Odisha

• Odisha is part of the Eastern Ghats.
• Deomali is Odisha's highest peak.

Significance of Mountains

• Mountains affect weather, rainfall distribution, and temperature, significantly impacting regional climates.
• Major rivers originate from mountain glaciers and watersheds, ensuring water supply to downstream areas.
• Mountains host diverse and endemic flora and fauna, serving as biodiversity hotspots.
• Mountain regions attract tourists and boost local economies through recreational activities and scenic beauty.
• Mountain ranges act as natural borders, providing strategic defense significance.

Mountain Ranges and Their Highest Peaks by State/Region

• Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh:
  • Karakoram Range: K2 (Godwin-Austen)
  • Zanskar Range: Kamet
  • Pir Panjal Range: Indrasan
• Himachal Pradesh:
  • Dhauladhar Range: Hanuman Tibba
  • Pir Panjal Range: Manimahesh Kailash
• Uttarakhand: Great Himalayas: Nanda Devi
• Sikkim: Great Himalayas: Kangchenjunga
• Arunachal Pradesh: Patkai Range: Dapha Bum
• Rajasthan: Aravalli Range: Guru Shikhar
• Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh:
  • Vindhya Range: Sad-Bhawna Shikhar
  • Satpura Range: Dhupgarh
• Maharashtra: Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills): Kalsubai
• Goa: Western Ghats: Sonsogor
• Gujarat: Western Ghats (Gir Hills): Girnar
• Jharkhand: Chhota Nagpur Plateau (Parasnath Hills): Parasnath
• West Bengal: Singalila Range: Sandakphu
• Odisha: Eastern Ghats: Deomali
• Andhra Pradesh: Eastern Ghats: Arma Konda
• Tamil Nadu: Western Ghats (Nilgiri Hills): Doddabetta
• Kerala: Western Ghats (Anamalai Hills): Anamudi
• Karnataka: Western Ghats: Mullayanagiri

Overview of major mountain ranges in India including the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Himalayas, and Karakoram. Key features, states covered, and highest peaks are identified. These ranges define India's diverse geography.