The hills and mountain ranges of peninsular India are important for their ecological significance, as they are home to many endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna.
Peninsular India is a large landmass in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent that is surrounded by water on three sides: the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south.
It comprises the Deccan Plateau, a large elevated landmass that covers most of South India, and is bounded by the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats mountain ranges to the east and west, respectively.
It is known for its diverse geography, rich cultural heritage, and unique biodiversity, including tropical forests, wildlife, and numerous rivers that flow through the region.
Hills of Peninsular India
Some of the major hills of Peninsular India:
- Western Ghats
- Eastern Ghats
- Nilgiri Hills
- Palani Hills
- Anaimalai Hills
- Cardamom Hills
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri range, is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, stretching from the state of Gujarat in the north to the southern tip of the Indian peninsula in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some of the major hills of the Western Ghats and their key highlights:
- Anamudi: Located in the state of Kerala, Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, with an elevation of 2,695 meters. It is known for its unique montane rainforest ecosystem and is home to many endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr and the lion-tailed macaque.
- Mullayanagiri: Located in the state of Karnataka, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka with an elevation of 1,930 meters.
- Doddabetta: Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills, with an elevation of 2,637 meters.
- Brahmagiri: Located in the state of Karnataka, Brahmagiri is a range of hills that form a part of the Western Ghats. It is known for the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Agumbe: Located in the state of Karnataka, Agumbe is a hill station that is known for its high rainfall and rich biodiversity. It is also known as the “Cherrapunji of the South”.
- Matheran: Located in the state of Maharashtra. It is a popular weekend getaway for people from Mumbai and Pune.
Eastern Ghats
The hills of Eastern Ghats in Peninsular India is a mountain range that runs parallel to the eastern coast of India, from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. While not as well-known as the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are an important ecological hotspot and are home to a number of scenic hills. Here are some of the major hills of the Eastern Ghats and their key highlights:
- Mahendragiri: The highest peak of the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri, located on the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Mahendragiri has an elevation of 1501 meters (4928 feet) above sea level. It is believed to be the site where Lord Parshurama performed penance, and is home to many ancient temples and shrines.
- Nallamala Hills: Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Nallamala Hills are a range of hills that are known for their rich biodiversity. They are home to many species of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
- Javadi Hills: Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, the Javadi Hills are a range of hills. They are home to many ancient temples and shrines, as well as a number of tribal communities.
- Simlipal: Simlipal is a hill range located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and is known for its biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts. It is home to the Simlipal National Park and Tiger Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Kondakarla Ava: Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is home to a number of waterfalls, streams, and lakes, and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
- Papi Hills: Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Papi Hills are a range of hills that are known for their unique rock formations. They are also home to a number of tribal communities and traditional fishing villages.
- Seshachalam Hills: Seshachalam Hills are a range of hills located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and the Tirupati district of Tamil Nadu.
- Sispara Peak: Located in the state of Odisha, Sispara Peak is a hill that is known for its rich biodiversity and unique montane rainforest ecosystem. It is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri langur and the Malabar giant squirrel.
Nilgiri Hills
The Nilgiri Hills, located in the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, are a range of mountains known for their breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. Here are some of the major hills of the Nilgiris and their key highlights:
- Doddabetta: The highest peak of the Nilgiri Hills is Doddabetta Peak, which is located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. Doddabetta Peak has an elevation of 2,637 meters (8,650 feet) above sea level, and it is the highest point in the Nilgiri mountain range. The name Doddabetta means “big mountain” in the local Kannada language.
- Mukurthi National Park: Located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, Mukurthi National Park is a protected area that is known for its unique shola-grassland ecosystem and rich biodiversity. It is home to many species of flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat.
- Ooty Hill Station: Ooty Hill Station, also known as Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund, is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level and is known for its cool and pleasant climate throughout the year.
- Coonoor Hill Station: Coonoor Hill Station is a picturesque town located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,850 meters (6,070 feet) above sea level and is known for its natural beauty, tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture.
- Silent Valley National Park: Silent Valley National Park is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It is named “Silent Valley” because of the absence of cicadas, which are known for their loud and persistent calls. It is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri langur.
Anaimalai Hills
One of the important ranges of hills of peninsular India is the Anaimalai Hills, also known as the Elephant Hills. It is a range of mountains located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in South India. The highest peak of Anaimalai Hills is Anamudi, which is located in Kerala and is also the highest peak in South India.
Anamudi is also significant because it is one of the major water catchment areas in South India. The mountain range is the origin of several major rivers in the region, including the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Chalakudy, and Thootha rivers.
The hills are made up of several smaller ranges, each with its own name and unique features. Here are some of the key highlights of the different hills of the Anaimalai range:
- Anamudi Peak: Located in the Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India, and is situated at an altitude of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) above sea level.
- Meesapulimala: Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, and is situated at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,661 feet) above sea level. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Mannamalai: Mannamalai is a hill located in the Palani Hills range of the Anaimalai Hills.
- Velliangiri Mountains: Velliangiri Mountains, also known as the Kailash of the South, is a mountain range located near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.
- Thirumoorthy Hills: Thirumoorthy Hills is a hill range located in the Anaimalai Hills.
Palani Hills
Another important range of hills of peninsular India is Palani Hills, which is a mountain range located in the Western Ghats of South India. The range extends from the state of Kerala in the west to Tamil Nadu in the east, covering an area of about 2,068 square kilometers. Palani Hills is named after the town of Palani, which is located in the foothills of the range. The mountain range is known for its unique flora and fauna, and cultural and historical significance.
- Kodaikanal: The highest peak in the Palani Hills is Palaniappa Peak, also known as Kodaikanal Peak. It is located at an elevation of 2,133 meters (6,998 feet) above sea level and is the highest point in the Palani Hills mountain range.
- Palani Murugan Temple: The Palani Murugan Temple is an ancient temple located in the Palani Hills, dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India.
- Berijam Lake: Berijam Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the Palani Hills, known for its crystal-clear water and beautiful surroundings.
- Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary covers an area of 736.87 square kilometers and is situated between the towns of Kodaikanal and Dindigul. The sanctuary is home to several endangered and endemic species such as the Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Indian rock python, Malabar giant squirrel, and several species of birds and butterflies.
- Perumal Peak: Perumal Peak is located at an altitude of 2,440 meters (8,005 feet) above sea level and is the highest peak in the Perumalai Hills.
Also read: Major Landforms – Mountains, Plateaus, and Plains: Learn faster
Hills of the Western Ghats from North to South
Here is a list of some of the major hills of the Western Ghats, from north to south:
- Satpura Range: Located in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
- Satmala Hills: Located in Maharashtra
- Harishchandra Range: Located in Maharashtra
- Baba Budan Hills: Located in Karnataka
- Nilgiri Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
- Anaimalai Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
- Anai Mudi: Located in Kerala
- Agasthyamalai: Located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu
- Cardamom Hills: Located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Hills of Eastern Ghats from North to South
Here is a list of some of the major hills of the Eastern Ghats, from north to south:
- Mahendragiri Hills: Located in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
- Simlipal Hills: Located in Odisha.
- Ansupa Hills: Located in Odisha.
- Dhauli Hills: Located in Odisha.
- Nallamala Hills: Located in Andhra Pradesh.
- Palakonda Hills: Located in Andhra Pradesh.
- Papi Hills: Located in Andhra Pradesh.
- Javadi Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
- Shevaroy Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.
- Pachaimalai Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.
- Javvadhu Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.
- Kolli Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.
- Kalrayan Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.
- Sirumalai Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.
Article Written By: Priti Raj
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