Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


Introduction
Th e study of one’s own region is the fi rst 
step to become a global citizen. Th e purpose 
of studying our local territory is to understand 
life in our environment. In the last fi ve lessons, 
you have learnt about various geographical 
characterstics of our country. In this lesson 
and those that follow, we shall learn about the 
geography of Tamil Nadu. You will get to know 
about the etymology, history of formation, 
location, size, physical divisions, rivers, climate, 
soil and natural vegetation of Tamil Nadu in 
this chapter.
Its exquisite physiography and climate 
makes our state unique in India. It has long 
and sunny beaches, waterfalls, hills, forests and 
varied fl ora and fauna. 
Not to Scale
LOCATION OF TAMIL NADU IN INDIA
N
S
E W
As per, the States 
Reorganisation Act, 1956, state 
boundaries were reorganised 
on some linguistic basis.
?  Name the fi rst state of India created on 
linguistic basis.
?  Why was the capital of Tamil Nadu 
renamed?
200
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
Page 2


Introduction
Th e study of one’s own region is the fi rst 
step to become a global citizen. Th e purpose 
of studying our local territory is to understand 
life in our environment. In the last fi ve lessons, 
you have learnt about various geographical 
characterstics of our country. In this lesson 
and those that follow, we shall learn about the 
geography of Tamil Nadu. You will get to know 
about the etymology, history of formation, 
location, size, physical divisions, rivers, climate, 
soil and natural vegetation of Tamil Nadu in 
this chapter.
Its exquisite physiography and climate 
makes our state unique in India. It has long 
and sunny beaches, waterfalls, hills, forests and 
varied fl ora and fauna. 
Not to Scale
LOCATION OF TAMIL NADU IN INDIA
N
S
E W
As per, the States 
Reorganisation Act, 1956, state 
boundaries were reorganised 
on some linguistic basis.
?  Name the fi rst state of India created on 
linguistic basis.
?  Why was the capital of Tamil Nadu 
renamed?
200
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
201
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Find out and write:
Divisions Numbers
Districts 
Revenue Divisions
Taluks
Firkas
Revenue Villages
Municipal Corporations
Municipalities
Panchayat Unions (Blocks)
Town Panchayats
Village Panchayats
Lok Sabha Constituencies
Assembly Constituencies
 Physiographic Divisions
Let’s see the major physical features of 
Tamil Nadu and their characteristics.
Tamil Nadu is located on the Peninsular 
Plateau, known as Deccan Plateau. It is also a 
part of the ancient Gondwana land that broke 
away 135 million years ago during Cretaceous 
Period. Tamil Nadu is divided into the 
physical divisions of Western Ghats, Eastern 
Ghats, Plateaus, Coastal and Inland plains.
 Western Ghats
Western Ghats extend from the Niligris 
in the north to Marunthuvazh Malai at 
Swamithope in Kanyakumari district in the 
south. Height of the Western Ghats ranges 
from 2,000 to 3,000 metres. It covers an area 
of about 2,500 sq.km. Though the Western 
Ghats is a continuous range, it has some 
passes. The passes are Palghat, Shencottah, 
Aralvaimozhi, and Achankoil. The Niligris, 
Anaimalai, Palani hills, Cardamom hills, 
Varusanadu, Andipatti and Pothigai hills are 
the major hills of Western Ghats .
  Location and Size
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of 
India, located in the southern most part 
of the country. It extends from 8°4'N to 
13°35'N latitudes and from 76°18'E to 80°20'E 
longitudes. Its extremities are 
? in eastern - Point Calimere
? in western - hills of Anaimalai
? in northern - Pulicat lake
? in southern - Cape Comorin
It covers an area of 1,30,058 sq.km and is 
the 11
th
 largest state in India. It covers 4% of 
the area of our country.
Boundaries and Neighbours
Tamil Nadu is bounded by the Bay of 
Bengal in the east, Kerala in the west, Andhra 
Pradesh in the north, Karnataka in the 
northwest and Indian Ocean in the south. Gulf 
of Mannar and Palk Strait separate Tamil Nadu 
from the Island of Sri Lanka, which lies to the 
southeast of India. The state has 906.9 km 
long coastline, the third-longest in India after 
Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Administrative Divisions
Already we have learnt that the state of 
Tamil Nadu had only 13 districts at the time 
of its formation. After that, the state was 
reorganised several times for the administrative 
convenience. 
Activity
• Find out the coastal districts of Tamil 
Nadu with the help of a map.
• Mark the districts of Tamil Nadu which 
share their boundary with the states of 
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala 
separately.
• Mention the districts of Tamil Nadu.
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   201 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   201 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
Page 3


Introduction
Th e study of one’s own region is the fi rst 
step to become a global citizen. Th e purpose 
of studying our local territory is to understand 
life in our environment. In the last fi ve lessons, 
you have learnt about various geographical 
characterstics of our country. In this lesson 
and those that follow, we shall learn about the 
geography of Tamil Nadu. You will get to know 
about the etymology, history of formation, 
location, size, physical divisions, rivers, climate, 
soil and natural vegetation of Tamil Nadu in 
this chapter.
Its exquisite physiography and climate 
makes our state unique in India. It has long 
and sunny beaches, waterfalls, hills, forests and 
varied fl ora and fauna. 
Not to Scale
LOCATION OF TAMIL NADU IN INDIA
N
S
E W
As per, the States 
Reorganisation Act, 1956, state 
boundaries were reorganised 
on some linguistic basis.
?  Name the fi rst state of India created on 
linguistic basis.
?  Why was the capital of Tamil Nadu 
renamed?
200
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
201
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Find out and write:
Divisions Numbers
Districts 
Revenue Divisions
Taluks
Firkas
Revenue Villages
Municipal Corporations
Municipalities
Panchayat Unions (Blocks)
Town Panchayats
Village Panchayats
Lok Sabha Constituencies
Assembly Constituencies
 Physiographic Divisions
Let’s see the major physical features of 
Tamil Nadu and their characteristics.
Tamil Nadu is located on the Peninsular 
Plateau, known as Deccan Plateau. It is also a 
part of the ancient Gondwana land that broke 
away 135 million years ago during Cretaceous 
Period. Tamil Nadu is divided into the 
physical divisions of Western Ghats, Eastern 
Ghats, Plateaus, Coastal and Inland plains.
 Western Ghats
Western Ghats extend from the Niligris 
in the north to Marunthuvazh Malai at 
Swamithope in Kanyakumari district in the 
south. Height of the Western Ghats ranges 
from 2,000 to 3,000 metres. It covers an area 
of about 2,500 sq.km. Though the Western 
Ghats is a continuous range, it has some 
passes. The passes are Palghat, Shencottah, 
Aralvaimozhi, and Achankoil. The Niligris, 
Anaimalai, Palani hills, Cardamom hills, 
Varusanadu, Andipatti and Pothigai hills are 
the major hills of Western Ghats .
  Location and Size
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of 
India, located in the southern most part 
of the country. It extends from 8°4'N to 
13°35'N latitudes and from 76°18'E to 80°20'E 
longitudes. Its extremities are 
? in eastern - Point Calimere
? in western - hills of Anaimalai
? in northern - Pulicat lake
? in southern - Cape Comorin
It covers an area of 1,30,058 sq.km and is 
the 11
th
 largest state in India. It covers 4% of 
the area of our country.
Boundaries and Neighbours
Tamil Nadu is bounded by the Bay of 
Bengal in the east, Kerala in the west, Andhra 
Pradesh in the north, Karnataka in the 
northwest and Indian Ocean in the south. Gulf 
of Mannar and Palk Strait separate Tamil Nadu 
from the Island of Sri Lanka, which lies to the 
southeast of India. The state has 906.9 km 
long coastline, the third-longest in India after 
Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Administrative Divisions
Already we have learnt that the state of 
Tamil Nadu had only 13 districts at the time 
of its formation. After that, the state was 
reorganised several times for the administrative 
convenience. 
Activity
• Find out the coastal districts of Tamil 
Nadu with the help of a map.
• Mark the districts of Tamil Nadu which 
share their boundary with the states of 
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala 
separately.
• Mention the districts of Tamil Nadu.
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   201 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   201 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
202
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Not to Scale
All districts of Tamil Nadu 
except the Chennai, The 
Nilgiris and Kanyakumari 
were bifurcated at different 
points of time.
Between which latitude and longitude, 
is your school located?
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   202 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   202 07-02-2023   14:12:26 07-02-2023   14:12:26
www.tntextbooks.in
Page 4


Introduction
Th e study of one’s own region is the fi rst 
step to become a global citizen. Th e purpose 
of studying our local territory is to understand 
life in our environment. In the last fi ve lessons, 
you have learnt about various geographical 
characterstics of our country. In this lesson 
and those that follow, we shall learn about the 
geography of Tamil Nadu. You will get to know 
about the etymology, history of formation, 
location, size, physical divisions, rivers, climate, 
soil and natural vegetation of Tamil Nadu in 
this chapter.
Its exquisite physiography and climate 
makes our state unique in India. It has long 
and sunny beaches, waterfalls, hills, forests and 
varied fl ora and fauna. 
Not to Scale
LOCATION OF TAMIL NADU IN INDIA
N
S
E W
As per, the States 
Reorganisation Act, 1956, state 
boundaries were reorganised 
on some linguistic basis.
?  Name the fi rst state of India created on 
linguistic basis.
?  Why was the capital of Tamil Nadu 
renamed?
200
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
201
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Find out and write:
Divisions Numbers
Districts 
Revenue Divisions
Taluks
Firkas
Revenue Villages
Municipal Corporations
Municipalities
Panchayat Unions (Blocks)
Town Panchayats
Village Panchayats
Lok Sabha Constituencies
Assembly Constituencies
 Physiographic Divisions
Let’s see the major physical features of 
Tamil Nadu and their characteristics.
Tamil Nadu is located on the Peninsular 
Plateau, known as Deccan Plateau. It is also a 
part of the ancient Gondwana land that broke 
away 135 million years ago during Cretaceous 
Period. Tamil Nadu is divided into the 
physical divisions of Western Ghats, Eastern 
Ghats, Plateaus, Coastal and Inland plains.
 Western Ghats
Western Ghats extend from the Niligris 
in the north to Marunthuvazh Malai at 
Swamithope in Kanyakumari district in the 
south. Height of the Western Ghats ranges 
from 2,000 to 3,000 metres. It covers an area 
of about 2,500 sq.km. Though the Western 
Ghats is a continuous range, it has some 
passes. The passes are Palghat, Shencottah, 
Aralvaimozhi, and Achankoil. The Niligris, 
Anaimalai, Palani hills, Cardamom hills, 
Varusanadu, Andipatti and Pothigai hills are 
the major hills of Western Ghats .
  Location and Size
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of 
India, located in the southern most part 
of the country. It extends from 8°4'N to 
13°35'N latitudes and from 76°18'E to 80°20'E 
longitudes. Its extremities are 
? in eastern - Point Calimere
? in western - hills of Anaimalai
? in northern - Pulicat lake
? in southern - Cape Comorin
It covers an area of 1,30,058 sq.km and is 
the 11
th
 largest state in India. It covers 4% of 
the area of our country.
Boundaries and Neighbours
Tamil Nadu is bounded by the Bay of 
Bengal in the east, Kerala in the west, Andhra 
Pradesh in the north, Karnataka in the 
northwest and Indian Ocean in the south. Gulf 
of Mannar and Palk Strait separate Tamil Nadu 
from the Island of Sri Lanka, which lies to the 
southeast of India. The state has 906.9 km 
long coastline, the third-longest in India after 
Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Administrative Divisions
Already we have learnt that the state of 
Tamil Nadu had only 13 districts at the time 
of its formation. After that, the state was 
reorganised several times for the administrative 
convenience. 
Activity
• Find out the coastal districts of Tamil 
Nadu with the help of a map.
• Mark the districts of Tamil Nadu which 
share their boundary with the states of 
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala 
separately.
• Mention the districts of Tamil Nadu.
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   201 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   201 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
202
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Not to Scale
All districts of Tamil Nadu 
except the Chennai, The 
Nilgiris and Kanyakumari 
were bifurcated at different 
points of time.
Between which latitude and longitude, 
is your school located?
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   202 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   202 07-02-2023   14:12:26 07-02-2023   14:12:26
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203
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Cardamom Hills
These hills are also known as Yela Mala 
hills located in the southwestern part of  
Tamil Nadu. It acquires its name from the 
cardamom spice, which is commonly grown 
here. Pepper and coffee are the other crops 
cultivated over the hills. They meet the 
Anaimalai hills in the northwest, the Palani hills 
in the northeast and Varusanadu and Andipatti 
hills in the southeast.
Varusanadu and Andipatti Hills
Another eastward extension of Western 
Ghats is Varusanadu and Andipatti hills. 
Megamalai (the highway mountain), 
Kalugumalai, Kurangani hill station, and Suruli 
and Kumbakarai waterfalls are found on these 
hills. Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wild life 
Sanctuary is located in the southern slope of 
these hills in Virudhunagar district. Vaigai river 
and its tributaries originate in this region.
Pothigai Hills
Its major part lies in Tenkasi district with 
its southern slope in the Kanyakumari district. 
Pothigai hills are called with different names 
such as the Shiva Jothi Parvath, Agasthiyar hills 
and Southern Kailash. These hills feature richest 
biodiversity in the Western Ghats. This area is 
known for its rich evergreen forest, waterfalls 
and ancient temples. Kalakkad Mundanthurai 
Tiger Reserve is located in this region.
Mahendragiri Hills
This continous range is situated along 
the border of Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli 
districts and is a part of the southern range of 
the Western Ghats. Its average height is 1,645 
metres. 
Nilgiri Hills
The Nilgiri hills is located in the 
Northwestern part of Tamil Nadu. It consists of 
24 peaks with more than 2,000 metres height. 
Doddabetta is the highest peak (2,637 metres) 
of this hills followed by Mukkuruthi (2,554 
metres). Ooty and Coonoor are the major hill 
stations located on this hills. It has more than 
2,700 species of flowering plants and the state 
animal Nilgiri Tahr is found in this hill. 
Doddabetta
Anaimalai
Anaimalai is located in the border of 
Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is located to the 
south of Palghat Gap. Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, 
Aliyar Reserved Forest, Valparai hill station, 
Kadamparai hydroelectric Power Plant are 
located on this hills. Aliyar and Tirumurthy 
dams are located at the foothills of this range.
Palani Hills
Palani hills are the eastward extension of 
the Western Ghats. These hills are located in 
Dindigul district. Vandaravu (2,533 metres) is 
the highest peak in the Palani hills. Vembadi 
Shola (2,505 metres) is its second highest peak. 
The hill station of Kodaikanal (2,150 metres) lies 
in the south central portion of the range. 
Palani Hills
Peaks in Western Ghats Height(m)
doddabetta 2,637
Mukkuruthi 2,554
Perumalmalai 2,234
Vandaravu 2,533
Kottaimtalai 2,019
Pagasura 1,918
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   203 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   203 07-02-2023   14:12:26 07-02-2023   14:12:26
www.tntextbooks.in
Page 5


Introduction
Th e study of one’s own region is the fi rst 
step to become a global citizen. Th e purpose 
of studying our local territory is to understand 
life in our environment. In the last fi ve lessons, 
you have learnt about various geographical 
characterstics of our country. In this lesson 
and those that follow, we shall learn about the 
geography of Tamil Nadu. You will get to know 
about the etymology, history of formation, 
location, size, physical divisions, rivers, climate, 
soil and natural vegetation of Tamil Nadu in 
this chapter.
Its exquisite physiography and climate 
makes our state unique in India. It has long 
and sunny beaches, waterfalls, hills, forests and 
varied fl ora and fauna. 
Not to Scale
LOCATION OF TAMIL NADU IN INDIA
N
S
E W
As per, the States 
Reorganisation Act, 1956, state 
boundaries were reorganised 
on some linguistic basis.
?  Name the fi rst state of India created on 
linguistic basis.
?  Why was the capital of Tamil Nadu 
renamed?
200
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   200 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
201
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Find out and write:
Divisions Numbers
Districts 
Revenue Divisions
Taluks
Firkas
Revenue Villages
Municipal Corporations
Municipalities
Panchayat Unions (Blocks)
Town Panchayats
Village Panchayats
Lok Sabha Constituencies
Assembly Constituencies
 Physiographic Divisions
Let’s see the major physical features of 
Tamil Nadu and their characteristics.
Tamil Nadu is located on the Peninsular 
Plateau, known as Deccan Plateau. It is also a 
part of the ancient Gondwana land that broke 
away 135 million years ago during Cretaceous 
Period. Tamil Nadu is divided into the 
physical divisions of Western Ghats, Eastern 
Ghats, Plateaus, Coastal and Inland plains.
 Western Ghats
Western Ghats extend from the Niligris 
in the north to Marunthuvazh Malai at 
Swamithope in Kanyakumari district in the 
south. Height of the Western Ghats ranges 
from 2,000 to 3,000 metres. It covers an area 
of about 2,500 sq.km. Though the Western 
Ghats is a continuous range, it has some 
passes. The passes are Palghat, Shencottah, 
Aralvaimozhi, and Achankoil. The Niligris, 
Anaimalai, Palani hills, Cardamom hills, 
Varusanadu, Andipatti and Pothigai hills are 
the major hills of Western Ghats .
  Location and Size
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of 
India, located in the southern most part 
of the country. It extends from 8°4'N to 
13°35'N latitudes and from 76°18'E to 80°20'E 
longitudes. Its extremities are 
? in eastern - Point Calimere
? in western - hills of Anaimalai
? in northern - Pulicat lake
? in southern - Cape Comorin
It covers an area of 1,30,058 sq.km and is 
the 11
th
 largest state in India. It covers 4% of 
the area of our country.
Boundaries and Neighbours
Tamil Nadu is bounded by the Bay of 
Bengal in the east, Kerala in the west, Andhra 
Pradesh in the north, Karnataka in the 
northwest and Indian Ocean in the south. Gulf 
of Mannar and Palk Strait separate Tamil Nadu 
from the Island of Sri Lanka, which lies to the 
southeast of India. The state has 906.9 km 
long coastline, the third-longest in India after 
Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Administrative Divisions
Already we have learnt that the state of 
Tamil Nadu had only 13 districts at the time 
of its formation. After that, the state was 
reorganised several times for the administrative 
convenience. 
Activity
• Find out the coastal districts of Tamil 
Nadu with the help of a map.
• Mark the districts of Tamil Nadu which 
share their boundary with the states of 
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala 
separately.
• Mention the districts of Tamil Nadu.
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   201 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   201 07-02-2023   14:12:25 07-02-2023   14:12:25
www.tntextbooks.in
202
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Not to Scale
All districts of Tamil Nadu 
except the Chennai, The 
Nilgiris and Kanyakumari 
were bifurcated at different 
points of time.
Between which latitude and longitude, 
is your school located?
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   202 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   202 07-02-2023   14:12:26 07-02-2023   14:12:26
www.tntextbooks.in
203
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
Cardamom Hills
These hills are also known as Yela Mala 
hills located in the southwestern part of  
Tamil Nadu. It acquires its name from the 
cardamom spice, which is commonly grown 
here. Pepper and coffee are the other crops 
cultivated over the hills. They meet the 
Anaimalai hills in the northwest, the Palani hills 
in the northeast and Varusanadu and Andipatti 
hills in the southeast.
Varusanadu and Andipatti Hills
Another eastward extension of Western 
Ghats is Varusanadu and Andipatti hills. 
Megamalai (the highway mountain), 
Kalugumalai, Kurangani hill station, and Suruli 
and Kumbakarai waterfalls are found on these 
hills. Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wild life 
Sanctuary is located in the southern slope of 
these hills in Virudhunagar district. Vaigai river 
and its tributaries originate in this region.
Pothigai Hills
Its major part lies in Tenkasi district with 
its southern slope in the Kanyakumari district. 
Pothigai hills are called with different names 
such as the Shiva Jothi Parvath, Agasthiyar hills 
and Southern Kailash. These hills feature richest 
biodiversity in the Western Ghats. This area is 
known for its rich evergreen forest, waterfalls 
and ancient temples. Kalakkad Mundanthurai 
Tiger Reserve is located in this region.
Mahendragiri Hills
This continous range is situated along 
the border of Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli 
districts and is a part of the southern range of 
the Western Ghats. Its average height is 1,645 
metres. 
Nilgiri Hills
The Nilgiri hills is located in the 
Northwestern part of Tamil Nadu. It consists of 
24 peaks with more than 2,000 metres height. 
Doddabetta is the highest peak (2,637 metres) 
of this hills followed by Mukkuruthi (2,554 
metres). Ooty and Coonoor are the major hill 
stations located on this hills. It has more than 
2,700 species of flowering plants and the state 
animal Nilgiri Tahr is found in this hill. 
Doddabetta
Anaimalai
Anaimalai is located in the border of 
Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is located to the 
south of Palghat Gap. Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, 
Aliyar Reserved Forest, Valparai hill station, 
Kadamparai hydroelectric Power Plant are 
located on this hills. Aliyar and Tirumurthy 
dams are located at the foothills of this range.
Palani Hills
Palani hills are the eastward extension of 
the Western Ghats. These hills are located in 
Dindigul district. Vandaravu (2,533 metres) is 
the highest peak in the Palani hills. Vembadi 
Shola (2,505 metres) is its second highest peak. 
The hill station of Kodaikanal (2,150 metres) lies 
in the south central portion of the range. 
Palani Hills
Peaks in Western Ghats Height(m)
doddabetta 2,637
Mukkuruthi 2,554
Perumalmalai 2,234
Vandaravu 2,533
Kottaimtalai 2,019
Pagasura 1,918
16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   203 16_Geography_Unit_6_EM.indd   203 07-02-2023   14:12:26 07-02-2023   14:12:26
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204
  Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu
from a local deity, Servarayan. The highest peak 
in the southern part of the Eastern Ghats is 
located in this range. The peak is Solaikaradu 
and its height is 1,620 metres. The hill station 
Y ercaud, which is known as poor man’s Ooty, is 
located on this range. 
Kolli Hills 
It is a small mountain range located in 
Namakkal district. It covers an area of about 
2,800 sq.km. It rises up to 1300 metres. This is a 
mountain range that runs almost parallel to the 
east coast of South India. Arpaleeswarar temple 
located on this range is an important pilgrim 
centre. It has the largest cover of evergreen or 
shola forest when compared to other parts of 
the Eastern Ghats. Several coffee plantations, 
fruits, flowers and silver-oak estates are found 
in this region.
  The Eastern Ghats
Unlike Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats is a 
discontinuous and irregular one. It is dissected 
at many places by the rivers, which drain 
into the Bay of Bengal. Its height ranges from 
1,100 to 1,600 metres. These hills separate the 
plains from plateaus. Javadhu, Servarayan, the 
Kalrayan, Kollimalai and Pachaimalai are the 
major hills of the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu 
and are located in northern districts of the state. 
Javadhu Hills
Javadhu hills are an extension of the 
Eastern Ghats spread across parts of Vellore 
and Tiruvannamalai districts and separates 
these two districts. Many peaks with the height 
of 1,100–1,150 metres are located in this range. 
Melpattu is its highest peak. Many parts of this 
range are covered with bluish grey granites. It 
is noted for its fruit bearing trees, medicinal 
herbs and sandalwoods. Due to illegal logging, 
sandalwood trees are disappeared now.
Kalvarayan Hills
The name ‘Kalvarayan’ comes from the 
word ‘Karalar’ , the ancient name of the present 
tribes. It is another major range of hills in the 
Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. This range, along 
with the Pachaimalai, Aralvaimalai, Javadhu 
and Servarayan hills, separates the river basins 
of Cauvery and Palar. The height of this hill 
ranges from 600 to 1,220 metres. 
Servarayan Hills 
It is a mountain range located near the 
Salem city with the height ranging from 1,200 
to 1,620 metres. The name of the range comes 
Peaks in Eastern Ghats Height(m)
Solaikaradu 1,620
Pazhamalai 1,500
Urgamalai 1,486
Kuttirayan 1,395
Muganur 1,279
Valsamalai 1,034
 Why are mountain heights measured from 
mean sea level and not from ground level?
Major hills in Tamil Nadu
Districts Hills
Coimbatore
Maruthamalai, Velliangiri 
and Anaimalai
Dharmapuri
Theertha malai, Chitteri and 
Vathalmalai
Dindigul Palanimalai
Erode Chenni hills and Sivan hills
Tirupattur Yelagiri hills
Tenkasi Pothigai hills
Vellore
Javadhu and Rathinamalai 
hills
Namakkal Kolli hills
Salem
Servarayan, Kanjamalai and 
Chalk hills
Kallakurichi Kalvarayan hills
Villupuram Gingee hills
Perambalur Pachaimalai
Kanyakumari Marunthuvazhmalai
Tirunelveli Mahendragiri
The Nilgiris Nilgiri hills
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