Eastern Ghats
पूर्वी घाट
The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous mountain range stretching 1,600 km along India's eastern coast from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. They are less densely forested than their western counterpart but support significant biodiversity and connect the Deccan Plateau to the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Key facts
- Length: 1,600 km from Odisha to Tamil Nadu (discontinuous)
- Height: Ranges from 300 m to 1,680 m (Mahendragiri peak)
- Width: Narrower and less continuous than Western Ghats, varying 80-120 km
- Forest type: Deciduous and dry deciduous forests, less rainfall than Western Ghats
- Rivers: Source region for Godavari, Mahanadi, and Krishna rivers
- States: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Details
The Eastern Ghats form a more fragmented mountain system compared to the Western Ghats, with elevation generally lower and precipitation patterns drier. The range receives less monsoon moisture as the Arabian Sea is distant, resulting in deciduous and dry deciduous forests rather than rainforests. Despite lower rainfall and biodiversity compared to the west, the Eastern Ghats remain ecologically significant, harboring unique species adapted to seasonal climates. The region supports agriculture, particularly rice cultivation in eastern plains, and provides mineral resources. Historically, the Eastern Ghats have served as a cultural boundary and trade route corridor. The Ghats influence local river systems and weather patterns, creating a transition zone between coastal plains and inland plateaus.