Mountain Ranges in India UPSC Notes

Related Topic: Physical Features of India

Mountain Ranges in India UPSC Notes

1. Himalayan Mountain Range

The Himalayan Mountain Range, often called the “Abode of Snow,” is one of the most prominent and tallest mountain ranges in the world, spanning across five countries, including India.

Key Features of the Himalayan Range

• Geographical Extent:
  • The Himalayan Range stretches approximately 2,400 km from west to east across India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan.
  • In India, it covers the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

• Formation:
  • The Himalayas were formed around 50 million years ago through the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
  • This tectonic activity continues, causing the Himalayas to grow by a few millimetres each year and making the region seismically active.

• Divisions of the Himalayas:
  The Indian Himalayan region is divided into three main ranges:
  • Greater Himalayas (Himadri): The highest range, including peaks like Mount Everest (8,848 m, in Nepal) and K2 (8,611 m, in Pakistan). Key peaks in India include Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).
  • Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): Located south of the Greater Himalayas with an average altitude of 3,500–4,500 m. Famous hill stations like Shimla and Manali are situated here.
  • Shivalik Hills: The outermost and lowest range, with elevations between 900–1,200 m. It is geologically young and prone to erosion.

• Regional Divisions in India:
  • Punjab Himalayas: From Indus to Sutlej (covering Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh).
  • Kumaon Himalayas: From Sutlej to Kali River (Uttarakhand).
  • Nepal Himalayas: Extending from Kali River to Tista (covers most of Nepal).
  • Assam Himalayas: From Tista to Dihang (Arunachal Pradesh).

• Important Peaks:
  • Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) in Sikkim – Third highest mountain globally.
  • Nanda Devi (7,816 m) in Uttarakhand.
  • Kamet (7,756 m) in Uttarakhand.
  • Namcha Barwa (7,782 m) in Arunachal Pradesh.

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Significance of the Himalayas

• Climatic Influence:
  • The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier, preventing the cold Central Asian winds from entering India, which keeps the northern plains warmer in winter.
  • They intercept the southwest monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the southern slopes and creating a rain shadow region to the north.
• River Systems:
  • The Himalayas are the source of some of the major rivers in India, including:
    • Indus (Jammu & Kashmir),
    • Ganga (Uttarakhand),
    • Brahmaputra (Arunachal Pradesh).
  • These rivers provide water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower generation, making them vital for the economy.
• Biodiversity:
  • The Himalayas host diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests in the foothills to alpine meadows in higher elevations.
  • They are home to endangered species like the snow leopard, Himalayan monal (state bird of Uttarakhand), and red panda.
• Cultural Importance:
  • The Himalayas have deep religious and cultural significance in India. Many pilgrimage sites, such as Amarnath, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Vaishno Devi, are located here.
  • The range influences the culture and lifestyle of the communities living in its foothills and valleys, including the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern states.
• Strategic Importance:
  • The Himalayas form a natural boundary between India and its northern neighbours, including China and Nepal.
  • Given the geopolitical tensions in the region, the Himalayas have strategic military importance, with several border posts and passes, such as Nathu La and Siachen Glacier.

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Challenges Related to the Himalayas

• Earthquakes: The Himalayan region is highly prone to seismic activity due to ongoing tectonic movements, making it vulnerable to earthquakes.
• Glacial Melting: Due to climate change, Himalayan glaciers are retreating rapidly, impacting the flow of rivers and posing a risk to water security in the region.
• Landslides and Soil Erosion: The young and fragile geology of the Himalayas makes them prone to landslides and soil erosion, especially during monsoon season.
• Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Growing human activities, such as tourism, infrastructure development, and agriculture, lead to deforestation and habitat destruction, affecting the region’s biodiversity.

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Important Passes in the Himalayas

Pass	Location	Significance
Khardung La	Ladakh	Highest motorable road in the world.
Nathu La	Sikkim	Connects India and Tibet; used for trade.
Shipki La	Himachal Pradesh	Indo-China border pass in Himachal Pradesh.
Bomdi La	Arunachal Pradesh	Connects Arunachal Pradesh with Bhutan.
Rohtang Pass	Himachal Pradesh	The Key route connecting Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti valley.

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Quick Facts for Revision

• Length: Approx. 2,400 km.
• Width: 150-400 km.
• Average Height: 6,000 m.
• Major Rivers: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra.
• Main Ranges: Greater Himalayas (Himadri), Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), Shivaliks.
• Highest Peak in India: Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).
• Natural Barrier: Protects India from cold northern winds and influences the monsoon.

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2. Karakoram Range

• Location: This range lies north of the Himalayas, stretching across India, Pakistan, and China, particularly in the regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Highest Peak: K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen), standing at 8,611 meters, is the second-highest peak in the world and is located on the Pakistan-China border.
• Significance: The Karakoram Range is known for its harsh climate, challenging terrains, and one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions, the Siachen Glacier. The Siachen region is strategically crucial, and Indian military forces are stationed here to maintain territorial control.
• River System: The Indus River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, originates here and flows through Jammu & Kashmir before entering Pakistan.

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3. Pir Panjal Range

• Location: Situated in the north-western part of the Himalayas, the Pir Panjal Range extends through Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
• Highest Peak: Indrasan (6,221 meters) in Himachal Pradesh.
• Significance: The range acts as a natural barrier, shielding the Kashmir Valley from the southwest monsoon. It is also famous for scenic valleys like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
• River System: Many tributaries of the Indus and Chenab rivers originate in this range, contributing to the water resources of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

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4. Shivalik Range

• Location: Also known as the Outer Himalayas, the Shivalik range runs from Jammu & Kashmir to Assam.
• Characteristics: The Shivaliks are the youngest and lowest range in the Himalayas, with an average elevation of 900-1,200 meters. They are known for dense forests and abundant wildlife.
• Significance: The Shivaliks contain fossil-rich formations and are essential for conservation and biodiversity. This range is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and is sometimes referred to as the foothills of the Himalayas.

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5. Aravalli Range

• Location: The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. It extends from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Haryana and Delhi.
• Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 meters) in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
• Geological Importance: The Aravallis are one of Earth’s oldest fold mountains, dating back to the Proterozoic era. They play a crucial role in preventing the expansion of the Thar Desert.
• Economic Importance: The range is rich in minerals like copper, zinc, and lead.
• Environmental Significance: The Aravallis impact the microclimate and groundwater levels in the surrounding arid regions, particularly in Rajasthan and Haryana.

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6. Vindhya Range

• Location: The Vindhya Range runs horizontally across central India. It divides the northern Indo-Gangetic plains from the southern Deccan Plateau.
• Highest Peak: Sad-Bhawna Shikhar, approximately 752 meters.
• Geographical Importance: This range serves as a natural boundary between North and South India. It influences the climatic patterns and vegetation in the region.
• Cultural Significance: The Vindhyas are associated with Indian mythology and historical legends, symbolizing the division between the Aryavarta (North India) and Dakshinapatha (South India).

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7. Satpura Range

• Location: Situated parallel to the Vindhyas, stretching across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Highest Peak: Dhupgarh (1,350 meters) near Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh.
• Biodiversity: The Satpuras are home to several wildlife reserves and national parks like Kanha, Pench, and Satpura, rich in species like tigers, leopards, and bison.
• Economic Importance: This range has deposits of coal and other minerals, contributing to mining and industrial activities in central India.

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8. Western Ghats

• Location: Extending along India’s western coastline, from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu.
• Highest Peak: Anamudi (2,695 meters) in Kerala.
• Ecological Significance: The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a global biodiversity hotspot, with unique flora and fauna, including endemic species. The range is crucial for monsoon rainfall distribution in the western and southern regions.
• Rivers: Major rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri have their sources in the Western Ghats.

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9. Eastern Ghats

• Location: The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of hills running along the eastern coast of India, primarily through the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Highest Peak: Arma Konda (1,690 meters) in Andhra Pradesh.
• Characteristics: Unlike the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are lower in elevation and are broken by major river valleys, including the Godavari, Mahanadi, and Krishna rivers.
• Biodiversity: The Eastern Ghats are rich in unique plant species and biodiversity, supporting various wildlife sanctuaries and ecosystems.

Here’s an overview of the key hill ranges that make up the Eastern Ghats:-

Velikonda Range

• Location: Primarily located in southern Andhra Pradesh.
• Elevation: Peaks vary but are generally lower than other Ghats, with maximum elevations around 1,100 meters.
• Characteristics: Known for rough terrain and steep slopes, the Velikonda Range is believed to be geologically older than other Eastern Ghats.
• Significance: It acts as a natural barrier, influencing rainfall and local climate, and also has forested areas rich in biodiversity.

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Nallamala Hills

• Location: Extends through the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Elevation: Average elevation is around 600-900 meters, with peaks reaching up to 1,100 meters.
• Characteristics: Known for their rugged landscape and forest cover, the Nallamala Hills are home to several important rivers, including the Krishna River.
• Wildlife: Contains part of the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which is known for its tiger population, leopards, and other wildlife.
• Cultural Importance: The famous Srisailam temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is located here.

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Palkonda Hills

• Location: Situated in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh.
• Elevation: Average elevation around 800-1,000 meters.
• Characteristics: These hills are an offshoot of the Nallamala Hills and have a varied terrain with semi-arid and dry deciduous forests.
• Significance: Known for their mineral deposits, especially limestone.

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Seshachalam Hills

• Location: Primarily located in Andhra Pradesh, near Tirupati.
• Elevation: Peaks reach around 1,000 meters.
• Characteristics: Known for their red sandstone formations and unique biodiversity.
• Biodiversity: Declared a biosphere reserve in 2010 due to its unique flora and fauna, including red sanders (a rare and valuable tree species).
• Cultural Significance: Home to the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.

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Kolli Hills

• Location: Located in Tamil Nadu, in the Namakkal district.
• Elevation: Peaks reach up to 1,300 meters.
• Characteristics: Known for their thick forests and scenic beauty, these hills attract tourists for trekking and other nature-related activities.
• Cultural and Mythological Importance: These hills are mentioned in Tamil literature and are believed to have been inhabited by sages. The Arapaleeswarar Temple is a significant religious site here.

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Javadi Hills

• Location: Situated in northern Tamil Nadu, particularly in the districts of Tiruvannamalai and Vellore.
• Elevation: Average elevation is around 600-800 meters.
• Characteristics: Known for their serene landscapes and mild weather, the Javadi Hills are a popular spot for horticulture and agriculture.
• Biodiversity: The hills support diverse flora and fauna, including medicinal plants.

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Shevaroy Hills

• Location: Located in Tamil Nadu, in the Salem district.
• Elevation: Peaks reach up to 1,600 meters, making it one of the highest parts of the Eastern Ghats.
• Characteristics: Known for their cool climate, the Shevaroy Hills are home to coffee plantations and fruit orchards.
• Tourism and Cultural Significance: Yercaud, a hill station located here, is a popular tourist destination. The region is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and rich tribal culture.

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Mahendragiri Hills

• Location: Located in Odisha, near the border with Andhra Pradesh.
• Elevation: Peaks reach around 1,500 meters.
• Mythological Significance: The Mahendragiri Hills are associated with the Ramayana and Mahabharata, believed to be the home of Lord Parashurama.
• Biodiversity: The area is rich in biodiversity, with many medicinal plants and unique species.

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10. Barail Range

• Location: The Barail Range is situated in northeastern India, running across parts of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. It is the highest hill range in Assam and acts as a major dividing range between the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam and the Barak Valley in Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland.
• Formation: This range is part of the Purvanchal Hills, formed due to tectonic activities that uplifted parts of the Indo-Burma orogenic belt. It is geologically younger than the Himalayas.
• Highest Peak: Mount Japfu in Nagaland, with an elevation of 3,015 meters, is often associated with the Barail Range.
• Biodiversity: The Barail Range is known for its rich biodiversity, housing dense forests and many endemic species. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the presence of rare bird species. The forests here support numerous mammals, including elephants, leopards, and various primates.
• Ecological Importance: The range is home to the Barail Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, which conserves the area’s unique biodiversity. This region is crucial for watershed protection and maintains groundwater levels in the surrounding valleys.
• Tribal and Cultural Significance: The Barail Range is inhabited by various indigenous tribes who rely on forest resources and practice traditional agriculture.

Mountain Ranges in India at a Glance

Mountain Range	Highest Peak & Elevation	Location & Significance
Himalayas	Kangchenjunga, 8,586 m	Extends across northern India; the world’s youngest and highest range, rich in biodiversity and glaciers. States: J&K, Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh.
Karakoram Range	K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen), 8,611 m	Border of India with China and Pakistan; hosts Siachen Glacier, strategic significance. States: J&K, Ladakh.
Pir Panjal Range	Indrasan, 6,221 m	Part of the north-western Himalayas; forms a natural barrier, major river systems originate here. States: Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh.
Shivalik Range	No prominent peak	Outer Himalayas; low altitude, rich in forests and wildlife, also known as “foothills” of Himalayas. States: Jammu & Kashmir to Assam.
Aravalli Range	Guru Shikhar, 1,722 m	Oldest range in India; prevents desert expansion and rich in minerals. States: Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat.
Vindhya Range	Sad-Bhawna Shikhar, 752 m	Central India; divides the Indo-Gangetic plain from the Deccan Plateau. States: Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar.
Satpura Range	Dhupgarh, 1,350 m	Parallel to Vindhyas; rich in forests, biodiversity, and minerals. States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh.
Western Ghats	Anamudi, 2,695 m	UNESCO World Heritage site; critical for monsoon, biodiversity hotspot. States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.
Eastern Ghats	Jindhagada Peak, 1,690 m	Discontinuous range; runs parallel to Bay of Bengal, key for eastern rivers. States: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu.
Patkai Range	Dapha Bum, 4,579 m	Border with Myanmar; part of Purvanchal Hills, home to tribal cultures and biodiversity. States: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram.
Lushai Hills	Blue Mountain (Phawngpui), 2,157 m	Part of the Purvanchal range; scenic, rich in biodiversity. States: Mizoram.

Hill Ranges in India

1. Naga Hills

• Location: The Naga Hills are located on the border of India and Myanmar, primarily in the state of Nagaland. They extend into parts of Manipur and Myanmar as well.
• Highest Peak: Saramati Peak, with an elevation of 3,826 meters, is the highest point in the Naga Hills and is located near the India-Myanmar border.
• Geological Formation: The Naga Hills are part of the eastern extension of the Himalayas and are geologically young and tectonically active.
• Biodiversity: The Naga Hills have lush subtropical forests with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The area is known for its diverse bird species and is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The forests are also home to tigers, elephants, and unique species of orchids.
• Cultural Significance: The Naga Hills are home to the Naga tribes, who have a distinct culture, language, and traditions. The Naga people practice shifting cultivation (jhum) and celebrate various cultural festivals, with the Hornbill Festival being the most famous.
• Strategic Importance: Given their location along the India-Myanmar border, the Naga Hills have geopolitical significance, as they form a natural barrier and provide a strategic vantage point.

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2. Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills)

• Location: Also known as the Lushai Hills, the Mizo Hills are located primarily in the state of Mizoram, extending into parts of southeastern Assam and Myanmar.
• Highest Peak: Phawngpui, also known as the “Blue Mountain,” is the highest peak in Mizoram, with an elevation of 2,157 meters.
• Geological Formation: The Mizo Hills are an extension of the Purvanchal Hills and were formed as part of the Indo-Burma tectonic collision zone, making them seismically active.
• Biodiversity: The Mizo Hills are covered with dense bamboo forests and a variety of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen trees. The region supports many rare and endangered species, including Phayre’s leaf monkey and a rich bird population. Phawngpui National Park, located on Blue Mountain, is a protected area preserving the unique flora and fauna of the region.
• Cultural Significance: The Mizo Hills are home to the Mizo tribes, known for their vibrant cultural heritage and festivals. The Mizos have a rich tradition of folk music, dance, and handicrafts, and they practice shifting cultivation, though more permanent agriculture is also seen in recent years.
• Strategic and Economic Importance: Due to their proximity to Myanmar, the Mizo Hills play a strategic role in India’s Act East Policy, which focuses on improving economic ties and connectivity with Southeast Asia. The region is also rich in natural resources, including bamboo and various medicinal plants.

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3. Dafla Hills

• Location: Located in western Arunachal Pradesh, the Dafla Hills lie along the border with Assam, in the northeastern part of India.
• Geography: These hills are part of the Himalayan foothills and are characterized by their rugged terrain and dense forests. They form part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
• Tribes: The hills are inhabited primarily by the Nyishi (also called Dafla) tribe, who practice shifting agriculture (jhum) and have a unique cultural heritage.
• Biodiversity: The Dafla Hills are home to dense forests rich in flora and fauna, including orchids, rhododendrons, and various wildlife species like elephants and leopards. This area is also known for birds, including hornbills.
• Significance: These hills are strategically important due to their proximity to the India-China border and play a role in conservation efforts within the Eastern Himalayas.

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4. Mishmi Hills

• Location: Situated in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, near the border with China and Myanmar. The Mishmi Hills are a part of the larger Purvanchal range.
• Highest Point: Lohitang Peak (5,256.25 metres) is the highest point in the Mishmi Hills.
• Geography: Known for its steep slopes, dense forests, and unique biodiversity, the Mishmi Hills are part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
• Tribes: The hills are home to the Mishmi people, who are divided into three main tribes (Idu, Digaru, and Miju). They have unique cultural traditions and are known for their indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants.
• Biodiversity: The Mishmi Hills have a highly diverse ecosystem with rare flora and fauna, including the red panda, Mishmi takin, clouded leopard, and numerous bird species. The area is known for orchids and medicinal plants, drawing interest from botanists and ecologists.
• Significance: This region is critical for biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Himalayas and is increasingly popular for eco-tourism.

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5. Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills

These hills are located in Meghalaya and are among the most prominent hill ranges in northeastern India.

• Location: The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills span the state of Meghalaya and are part of the larger Meghalaya Plateau.
• Geological Formation: These hills are composed of ancient rocks of the Precambrian era and are an extension of the Peninsular Plateau, separated from the main plateau by the Bengal Basin.
• Garo Hills:
  • Located in the western part of Meghalaya, bordering Bangladesh.
  • Known for its subtropical forests and biodiversity, including Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, a hotspot for unique flora and fauna.
  • The hills are home to the Garo tribe, who practice matrilineal society and have rich cultural traditions.
• Khasi Hills:
  • Located centrally in Meghalaya, around the capital, Shillong.
  • Known for Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, two of the wettest places on Earth, contributing to Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity.
  • The Khasi tribe inhabits these hills, following matrilineal social customs and practicing unique agricultural techniques like living root bridges.
• Jaintia Hills:
  • Situated in the eastern part of Meghalaya, bordering Assam.
  • The hills are known for limestone deposits and extensive coal mining activities, though this has raised environmental concerns.
  • The Jaintia tribe inhabits these hills, also practicing matrilineal customs and celebrating cultural festivals.
• Biodiversity: These hills are rich in biodiversity, especially in terms of unique orchids, rare animal species, and subtropical forest ecosystems. The region’s high rainfall contributes to lush greenery and endemic plant species.
• Cultural Significance: The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills are culturally rich, with indigenous traditions, festivals, and unique socio-political structures. Matrilineal society is predominant among these tribes, where lineage and inheritance pass through the mother.
• Economic Importance: These hills are known for their natural resources, including coal, limestone, and uranium. They are also famous for tourism, drawing visitors to natural sites like waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges.

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6. Nilgiri Hills

The Nilgiri Hills, located in the Western Ghats of southern India, is a prominent mountainous region known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and unique geography.

Key Details of the Nilgiri Hills

• Location: The Nilgiri Hills span across the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, with a significant portion situated in Tamil Nadu.
• Highest Peak:
  • Doddabetta (2,637 meters) – This is the highest peak in the Nilgiris and the fourth-highest peak in South India.
• Geographical Significance:
  • The Nilgiris are part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The name “Nilgiri” translates to “Blue Mountains,” attributed to the blue haze that often shrouds the hills, a result of the abundant Eucalyptus trees.
  • These hills form a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve, established in 1986.
• Biodiversity:
  • Flora: The Nilgiris support a unique mix of tropical rainforests, montane shola forests, and grasslands. They are home to a diverse range of plant species, including tea, coffee, eucalyptus, and various medicinal herbs.
  • Fauna: The region is home to endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr, Lion-tailed macaque, Indian elephant, and tiger.
• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: This reserve is rich in both flora and fauna and includes several protected areas like the Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Silent Valley, and Bandipur National Park.
• Climate:
  • The Nilgiris have a subtropical highland climate, characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and significant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season.
• Cultural Significance:
  • The Nilgiri Hills are home to indigenous communities such as the Toda, Badaga, Kota, and Kurumba tribes, each with unique cultural practices and traditional knowledge of the environment.
• Tourism and Economy:
  • Hill Stations: Ooty (Udhagamandalam), often called the “Queen of Hill Stations,” is a popular tourist destination in the Nilgiris.
  • Tea and Coffee Plantations: The Nilgiris are well-known for tea and coffee plantations, which contribute significantly to the local economy and are a major export of the region.
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Also known as the “Toy Train,” this narrow-gauge railway connects Mettupalayam to Ooty and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Mountain Railways of India.”

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Quick Facts Summary

Feature	Details
Highest Peak	Doddabetta (2,637 m)
Region	Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
Notable Tribes	Toda, Badaga, Kota, Kurumba
Major Towns	Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri
Tourist Attractions	Ooty, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Mudumalai National Park
Biosphere Reserve	Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO Status	Part of Western Ghats World Heritage Site

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Summary of Importance in Competitive Exams:

• Geography and Topography: Knowing the locations, elevations, and formations of these hills is crucial for questions on Indian geography.
• Biodiversity and Environment: The unique ecosystems and the presence of endemic species make these regions significant from an environmental conservation perspective.
• Cultural Diversity: Understanding the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in each hill range can be useful in questions about India’s social and cultural fabric.
• Strategic and Economic Role: These ranges are geopolitically significant as they border Myanmar and are important in India’s foreign policy and economic strategies in the northeastern region.

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