Western Ghats
पश्चिमी घाट
The Western Ghats are a mountain range running 1,600 km along India's southwestern coast from Gujarat to Kerala. UNESCO-recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, they receive the southwest monsoon and support India's richest forests and wildlife.
Key facts
- Length: 1,600 km from north Gujarat to southern Kerala
- Height: Ranges from 300 m to 2,695 m (Anai Mudi peak)
- Biodiversity: Home to 30% of India's flora and fauna, 325+ bird species
- Endemism: 77% of reptile species and 62% of amphibian species are endemic
- Monsoon impact: Receives 100-300 cm annual rainfall from southwest monsoon
- States covered: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Details
The Western Ghats form a continuous mountain range along India's western coast, functioning as a major biogeographic barrier and rainfall regulator. The range receives heavy southwest monsoon precipitation, creating evergreen tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, and grasslands at various elevations. The region is globally recognized as one of Earth's most biodiverse areas, harboring unique endemic species found nowhere else—including lion-tailed macaques, Malabar flying squirrels, and hundreds of plant species. Culturally and economically, the Western Ghats support agriculture, spice cultivation, and tea/coffee plantations. The forests play a critical role in climate regulation and water cycle management, sustaining river systems like the Godavari and Krishna while providing livelihood to tribal communities.