India’s diverse geography is dominated by several mountain ranges that stretch from the north to the south, each offering distinct climatic conditions, cultural significance, and biodiversity. These mountain ranges play a vital role in shaping the ecological and climatic characteristics of India and contribute significantly to its natural beauty.

We will explore various mountain ranges in India, starting from the northernmost region and gradually moving southward. We will also examine their highest peaks and unique features, which make them essential to the country’s landscape.

Mountain Ranges in North India

The northern part of India is known for its vast and mighty mountain ranges, particularly the Himalayan range, which stretches across several states, forming the northern boundary of India. In addition to the Himalayas, other notable ranges such as the Karakoram, Zanskar, and Pir Panjal are also found here.

• Himalayas

1. 1. • Location: Spanning across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
      • Highest Peak: Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), located in the eastern Himalayas, it is the third-highest mountain in the world.
      • The Himalayas include several sub-ranges, such as the Pir Panjal Range, the Dhauladhar Range, and the Zanskar Range, each with its own distinct features and highest peaks.
      • The Himalayas are not just famous for their height, but they are a critical part of the Indian monsoon system, contributing significantly to rainfall across northern India.

• Karakoram Range

1. 1. • Extending through parts of Ladakh and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Karakoram Range is home to some of the most challenging mountain peaks, including Godwin-Austen (8,611 m), also known as K2, which is the second-highest mountain in the world. The range is a glacial powerhouse, with the famous Siachen Glacier situated within it.

• Pir Panjal Range

1. 1. • Location: In Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
      • Highest Peak: Glacier Peak (5,400 meters).
      • This range forms a natural barrier and is the source of many important rivers in the region.

• Zanskar Range

1. • Location: In the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
   • Highest Peak: Stok Kangri (6,153 meters).
   • Known for its remote landscapes and trekking routes, the Zanskar Range is less accessible but offers breathtaking natural beauty.

Other significant ranges in North India include the Saltoro Mountains, Ladakh Range, and Deosai Mountains.

Mountain Ranges in Eastern India

Eastern India has a diverse topography, featuring several mountain ranges that are part of the larger Eastern Himalayas, along with other distinct ranges like the Purvanchal, Chotanagpur Plateau, Meghalaya Plateau, and the Eastern Ghats.

• Purvanchal Range

1. 1. • Location: Spanning across parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
      • Highest Peak: Saramati Peak (3,826 meters).
      • This range forms a part of the eastern Himalayas and is important for its biodiversity and the numerous tribal cultures it hosts.

• Meghalaya Plateau

1. 1. • This plateau includes the Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, and Jaintia Hills.
      • The region is known for its high rainfall and unique landscape, including limestone caves, waterfalls, and the famous living root bridges.
      • Shillong Peak is the highest point in the region, rising to 1,968 m.

• Chotanagpur Plateau

1. 1. • Location: Spanning Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
      • Highest Peak: Parasnath Hill (1,365 meters).
      • The Chotanagpur Plateau is significant as it is a major source of mineral resources like coal and iron ore.

• Eastern Ghats

1. • Location: Stretching from Odisha to Tamil Nadu, the Eastern Ghats are older and more eroded than the Western Ghats.
   • They are an important ecological region, rich in biodiversity and natural resources.
   • The range includes Nallamala Hills, Shevaroy Hills, and Seshachalam Hills, with Anaimudi (2,695 m) being the highest peak in the southern part of the range.

Mountain Ranges in Central India

Central India is characterized by rugged mountain ranges such as the Vindhyas, Satpura, and Maikal Hills, which significantly influence the region’s climate and hydrology.

• Vindhya Range

1. 1. • Location: Running through Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
      • Highest Peak: Sironj Hill (1,352 meters).
      • The Vindhya Range is older than the Himalayas and is important both historically and ecologically.

• Satpura Range

1. 1. • Location: Spanning Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
      • Highest Peak: Dhoopgarh (1,350 meters), located in Madhya Pradesh.
      • The Satpura Range is known for its dense forests and rich wildlife.

• Maikal Hills

1. • Located: Between Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
   • Maikal Hills are part of the Satpura system
   • The Maikal Hills are known for their picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and tribal culture.

Mountain Ranges in South India

The southern part of India is dominated by two major mountain ranges: the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. These mountain ranges run parallel to the western and eastern coasts of India and are home to many hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and unique ecosystems.

• Western Ghats

1. 1. • Location: Running parallel to the western coast, across Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
      • Highest Peak: Anamudi Peak (2,695 meters), located in Kerala.
      • The Western Ghats are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to their rich biodiversity, including many endemic species of plants and animals.

• Eastern Ghats

1. 1. • Location: Stretching along the eastern coast, through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
      • Highest Peak: Jindhagada Peak (1,690 meters), located in Andhra Pradesh.
      • The Eastern Ghats are not as high or continuous as the Western Ghats but play an important role in regional climate patterns and agriculture.

• Nilgiri Hills

1. 1. • Location: Situated in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
      • Highest Peak: Doddabetta Peak (2,637 meters).
      • The Nilgiri Hills, often referred to as the “Blue Mountains,” are known for their scenic beauty, tea plantations, and cool climate.

• Anamalai Hills

1. 1. • Location: In Tamil Nadu, on the border with Kerala.
      • Highest Peak: Anamudi Peak (2,695 meters).
      • This range is a part of the Western Ghats and is renowned for its biodiversity, including many protected wildlife sanctuaries.

• Cardamom Hills

1. • Located in the southernmost part of the Western Ghats, the Cardamom Hills stretch across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
   • Cardamom Hills are Known for their spice plantations, the highest peak in this range is Vandaravu.

List of Mountain Ranges in India FAQs