Mountain Ranges in India | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

Introduction

The Himalayas, which extend across five countries including India, are the highest mountain range in the world. Unsurprisingly, they are the most famous among India's significant mountain ranges. The Himalayas serve as a meeting point for three religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. In Hindu mythology, the range holds great significance and it also attracts holy sages and Tibetan monks. Additionally, the Himalayas have a significant impact on India's climate as they block cold winds from moving southward. However, there are several other major mountain ranges in India that also play a crucial role in the country's environment and culture. Keep reading to learn about these prominent ranges.

Great Himalaya Range

• The Himalaya mountain range in India is divided into the Great Himalaya, Middle Himalaya, and Outer Himalaya ranges. The Great Himalaya is the highest zone, stretching over 1,200 miles along India's northern border. 
• It has perpetually snow-covered peaks, with the loftiest ones found in Sikkim, including Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. The highest peak within India's borders is Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand. 
• The Great Himalaya is also home to important glaciers, such as Gangotri and Yamunotri, which are the sources of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. The range attracts trekkers and religious devotees, with popular pilgrimage sites and trekking destinations. However, some areas have restricted access for security reasons.

Middle Himalaya Range

• The Middle Himalaya, covered in forests and fertile land, runs parallel to the Great Himalaya and is located on its southern side. With elevations ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 feet above sea level, this range is more accessible than the Great Himalaya. 
• It is home to popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Nainital, as well as the Great Himalayan National Park and adventure destinations like Auli and the Valley of Flowers National Park. 
• The Middle Himalaya also includes the Kashmir Valley, Darjeeling, and Gangtok. The Pir Panjal Range and Dhauladhar Range are the major mountain ranges within this region. 
• The Pir Panjal Range stretches from Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh and offers treks and attractions like Gulmarg and a railway tunnel. The Dhauladhar Range overlooks Dharamsala and McLeodganj and provides opportunities for trekking.

Outer Himalaya Shivalik Range

• The Outer Himalayas, also known as the Shivalik Range, are the foothills of the Himalayas. They separate the mountains from the plains and consist of valleys and hills with elevations not exceeding 5,000 feet above sea level. 
• The range spans Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. The Kalka Shimla Mountain Railway offers a scenic journey through the Shivalik Range, while Haridwar and Rishikesh attract Hindu pilgrims and yoga enthusiasts. 
• Adventure activities like river rafting can be enjoyed in Rishikesh, and Kalimpong provides a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga, as well as opportunities for hiking and exploring Buddhist monasteries.

Trans-Himalaya Karakoram Range

• The Trans-Himalaya, located in Ladakh, is India's most isolated and remote mountain range. It consists of the Karakoram, Zanskar, and Ladakh ranges. The Karakoram Range, often referred to as "the roof of the world," is known for its craggy terrain and impressive peaks. 
• The highest peak in the Karakoram Range is K2, located in disputed territory controlled by Pakistan. In India, the highest peaks include Saltoro Kangri, Saser Kangri, and Mamostong Kangri. The Karakoram Range is heavily glaciated and offers opportunities for mountaineering, especially from the Nubra Valley. 
• Permits are required due to its sensitive border location. Recently, tourists have been allowed to visit Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, and Rimo Expeditions organizes trips in the area.

Trans-Himalaya Ladakh Range

• The Ladakh Range is located south of the Karakoram Range and stretches between the Nubra Valley and Leh. It runs parallel to the Indus River and borders Tibet. The landscape is characterized by granite rocks and limited vegetation. 
• The peaks in this range range from approximately 16,400 to 19,700 feet above sea level. Instead of prominent peaks, the Ladakh Range is renowned for its breathtaking high-altitude mountain passes. The most famous of these is Khardung La, often mistakenly claimed as the highest drivable road in the world. 
• With an altitude of 17,582 feet, it is advisable to spend only a short time there to avoid altitude sickness. The Sham Valley Trek, which passes through foothill villages, offers an excellent opportunity to explore the Ladakh Range. Yama Adventures and Ladakhi Women's Travel Company are reputable organizers of this trek.

Trans-Himalaya Zanskar Range

• The Zanskar Range, situated south of the Ladakh Range and across the Indus River, separates Ladakh from the Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir. Its peaks are higher than those in the Ladakh Range, with many exceeding 19,500 feet above sea level. 
• Notable peaks include Nun and Kun, both over 23,000 feet. Climbing these peaks is possible but challenging. The Zanskar region experiences harsh weather, with heavy snowfall blocking mountain passes in winter. The frozen Zanskar River creates a unique trekking route known as the Chadar Trek, considered one of the most difficult treks in India. 
• Rafting on the river is possible during July and August. Zanskar is also known for its Buddhist monasteries, such as the impressive Phugtal Monastery. Himalayan Homestays, a community-based tourism initiative, organizes treks and accommodations in Zanskar villages.

Purvanchal Range

• The Purvanchal Range is located south of the Brahmaputra River, forming the boundary between India and Myanmar. It stretches across the northeastern states of India, with decreasing elevation towards the south. 
• The average height of peaks in this range is around 9,845 feet above sea level. The highest peak is Dapha Bum in Arunachal Pradesh, standing at 15,020 feet. Other notable peaks include Saramati in Nagaland and Phawngpui in Mizoram. 
• The Northeast region is known for its tribal culture and offers attractions such as Namdapha National Park and Keibul Lamjao National Park. Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh provides a stunning view of the Purvanchal Range.

Aravalli Range

• The Aravalli Range, stretching 500 miles from Gujarat to Delhi, primarily resides in Rajasthan and serves as a barrier against the harsh Thar desert climate. Mount Abu hosts the highest peak, Guru Shikhar, reaching 5,650 feet above sea level, while Udaipur features a concentration of hills and historic forts like Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh. 
• The range is rich in archaeological significance, with evidence of ancient civilizations dating back to the Stone Age. However, the Aravalli Range faces environmental challenges, including deforestation and illegal mining, posing threats to its natural beauty.

Vindhya Range

• The Vindhya Range spans central India along the northern side of the Narmada River. It consists of chains of hills, ridges, and plateaus, stretching over 675 miles from Gujarat to Bihar. With an average elevation of 980-2,100 feet above sea level, the range's sandstone structure limits its height. 
• The Vindhya Range holds cultural significance, mentioned in ancient Hindu texts as the historical boundary between Sanskrit-speaking Aryans and indigenous Dravidians. 
• The area is also known for its prehistoric paintings in the Bhimbetka caves and the historic city of Mandu. Notably, the Vindhya Range is one of the two mountain ranges mentioned in the Indian national anthem.

Satpura Range

• The Satpura Range runs alongside the southern side of the Narmada River, parallel to the Vindhya Range. It spans approximately 560 miles, extending from Gujarat to Chhattisgarh. 
• The range is higher than the Vindhya Range, with peaks exceeding 4,000 feet, including Dhupgarh, the tallest peak in central India. Pachmarhi, the sole hill station in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its cave temples and has served as a filming location for Bollywood movies. 
• Chauragarh Peak features an important temple and a historic fort. Satpura National Park offers opportunities for nature exploration, wildlife encounters, and trekking.

Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats is a lengthy mountain range stretching approximately 5,250 miles along India's western coast. It separates the coast from the Deccan plains and spans multiple states. With over 70 peaks ranging from 1,713 to 8,842 feet above sea level, it showcases impressive variation in height. Notably, Anamudi in Kerala is the highest peak. 
• The Western Ghats serves as a vital weather barrier, impacting India's monsoon patterns and receiving substantial rainfall. Beyond its geographical significance, the range is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, housing around 30 percent of India's flora and fauna species. 
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. Numerous national parks and tourist destinations, such as Matheran, Ooty, and Coorg, offer opportunities to explore this natural wonder.

Eastern Ghats

• The Eastern Ghats, similar to the Western Ghats, is a mountain range that separates the eastern coast from the plains of India. It stretches through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, meeting the Western Ghats at the Nilgiri mountains. 
• Although flatter than its western counterpart, the Eastern Ghats still features some peaks exceeding 3,280 feet in elevation. Major rivers in southern India divide the range into distinct sections. The Eastern Ghats is agriculturally significant, with fertile lands supporting crop cultivation. 
• Bhubaneshwar in Odisha and Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh serve as major access points to the region. Tourist attractions include Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Simlipal National Park in Odisha, as well as the Araku Valley and Borra caves in Andhra Pradesh.