Mountain Ranges in India

India is a land of many beautiful mountain ranges that cover almost every part of the
country. From the high Himalayas in the north to the green hills of the Western and
Eastern Ghats in the south, these ranges add to India’s natural beauty. They also play an
important role in climate, rivers, and rich wildlife. The details of all the important
Mountain Ranges in India has been shared below.

1. The Himalayas

The Himalayas are among the most prominent and youngest fold mountain ranges in the
world, formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate millions of years
ago. Stretching over 2,500 km from west to east, they form a natural barrier between the
Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau.

Length: ~2,500 km

Width: 160-400 km

Highest Peak: Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters)

Spread Across: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan

Borders: Karakoram & Hindu Kush (NW), Tibetan Plateau (N), Indo-Gangetic Plain (S)

The Himalayas are divided into three main parallel ranges (from north to south):

Greater Himalayas (Himadri)

Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)

Outer Himalayas (Shivalik)

I. The Greater Himalayas (Himadri)

The Greater Himalayas, also known as Himadri or the Inner Himalayas, form the
northernmost and highest range of the Himalayan system. This range has an average
elevation of around 6,000 meters, containing many of the world’s tallest peaks such as
Mount Everest (8,849 m), Kanchenjunga (8,598 m), and Nanga Parbat. It is the
permanent snow-covered zone and the origin of major glaciers like Gangotri and
Satopanth, which give rise to sacred rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna.
II. Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)

The Lesser Himalayas, also known as the Himachal Range or Middle Himalayas, lie to the
south of the Himadri. They have an average elevation ranging from 3,700 to 4,500
meters and consist of rugged terrain with deep valleys and forested slopes. Major
mountain ranges like the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Nag Tibba belong to this region. It is
home to several popular hill stations such as Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, and
Dharamshala, making it a prominent zone for tourism and habitation.

III. Outer Himalayas (Shivalik)

The Outer Himalayas, also known as the Shivalik Hills, form the southernmost and
youngest range of the Himalayan system. They stretch for about 2,400 km from the
Indus Gorge in the northwest to the Brahmaputra valley in the east, with an average
height of 1,500-2,000 meters. The range is composed mainly of loose sediments and
gravel, making it prone to erosion. It features fertile Doon and Duar valleys (like
Dehradun), and is known by local names such as Dafla Hills, Dundwa Range, and Churia
Hills in different regions.

2. The Karakoram Range

The Karakoram Range, located in the northern region of India (Ladakh and Jammu &
Kashmir), is one of the most rugged and high-altitude mountain systems in the world.
Stretching across India, Pakistan, and China, it features some of the highest peaks on
Earth, including K2 (8,611 meters), the second-highest peak in the world. The range is
also home to vast glaciers like the Siachen Glacier, which is the longest glacier outside
the polar regions.

Location: Northern India (Ladakh & J&K), extending into Pakistan and China

Highest Peak: K2 (8,611 m), world’s second-highest mountain

Major Glaciers: Siachen, Baltoro, Biafo, and Hispar

Importance: Acts as a natural barrier and holds great strategic and defense
significance for India

3. The Purvanchal Range

The Purvanchal Range, also known as the Eastern Hills, is an extension of the Himalayas
located in northeastern India, curving southward beyond the Dihang River. It runs along
the borders of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam, forming a scenic
landscape of lush hills and dense forests. The region is known for its rich biodiversity,
humid climate, and tribal culture, making it an ecological hotspot. These ranges also play
a key role in preventing soil erosion and maintaining the stability of the northeastern
terrain.

Location: Northeastern India (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura)

Highest Peak: Dapha Bum (4,570 m)

Major Hills: Patkai, Naga, Mizo, and Manipur Hills

Significance: Rich in biodiversity, cultural diversity, and ecological importance

4. The Aravalli Range

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, stretches for
about 700 km from Delhi and Haryana through Rajasthan to Gujarat. Formed during the
Precambrian era, it is a residual mountain range that has been heavily eroded over
millions of years. Despite its age, the Aravallis play a vital role in blocking the expansion
of the Thar Desert, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance in
northwestern India. The famous Mount Abu hill station and Guru Shikhar (1,722 m), its
highest peak, lie within this range.

Location: Extends across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat

Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) in Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Type: Ancient fold (residual) mountains

Significance: Prevents desert spread, rich in minerals, and hosts historical sites

5. The Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, run parallel to the western coast of
India for about 1,600 km from Gujarat to Kerala. This mountain range is one of the eight
biodiversity hotspots in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It plays a major
role in influencing the Indian monsoon, maintaining ecological balance, and supporting
diverse flora and fauna. The region is home to scenic hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad,
and Mahabaleshwar, as well as Anamudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in South India.

Location: Extends through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil
Nadu

Highest Peak: Anamudi (2,695 m), Kerala

Local Names: Sahyadri (Maharashtra), Nilgiri, Anaimalai, and Cardamom Hills (South)

Significance: Regulates monsoon, rich biodiversity, UNESCO World Heritage Site

6. The Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous and eroded mountain range running along the
eastern coast of India from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. Unlike the Western Ghats, they are not
continuous and are intersected by major east-flowing rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari,
Krishna, and Kaveri. These ancient hills are rich in minerals, forests, and biodiversity,
playing a crucial role in the ecology and agriculture of eastern India. The Jindhagada
Peak (1,690 m) in Andhra Pradesh is the highest point in the Eastern Ghats.

Location: Extends through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil
Nadu

Highest Peak: Jindhagada Peak or Arma Konda or Sitamma Konda(1,690 m), Andhra
Pradesh

Major Hills: Javadi, Nallamala, Palkonda, Seshachalam, and Shevaroy Hills

Significance: Source of east-flowing rivers, rich in minerals and forest resources

7. The Vindhya Range

The Vindhya Range is a discontinuous chain of hills and plateaus located in central India,
extending across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Bihar and Chhattisgarh. It
runs almost parallel to the Narmada River and forms a natural boundary between North
and South India. The range holds great mythological and cultural significance, being
mentioned in many ancient Hindu scriptures as the southern limit of the Aryavarta
region. Its terrain consists of rocky ridges and forested plateaus, rich in minerals and
wildlife.
 Location: Central India – Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh

Highest Peak: Sad-Bhawna Shikhar (752 m)

Type: Discontinuous and ancient mountain range

Significance: Marks the boundary between North and South India; rich in mineral and
cultural heritage

8. The Satpura Range

The Satpura Range lies to the south of the Vindhya Range and extends through Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. It consists of a series of flat-topped plateaus
and rugged hills, with an average elevation of 600-900 meters. The range is known for
its dense forests, rich biodiversity, and significant role in separating the Narmada and
Tapi river valleys. Its highest peak, Dhupgarh (1,350 m) near Pachmarhi in Madhya
Pradesh, is also the highest point in Central India.

Location: Extends through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh

Highest Peak: Dhupgarh (1,350 m), near Pachmarhi

Type: Relict (eroded) mountain range formed by plateaus

Significance: Source of major rivers, rich in forests and wildlife sanctuaries like
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

9. The Nilgiri Hills

The Nilgiri Hills, meaning “Blue Mountains,” are located at the junction of Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, and Karnataka, forming part of the Western Ghats. These hills are known for their
rolling tea gardens, pleasant climate, and rich biodiversity. The Doddabetta Peak (2,637
m) is the highest point in the Nilgiri range and one of the highest in South India. The
Nilgiris also serve as a meeting point of the Eastern and Western Ghats, making them a
vital ecological and geographical link in southern India.

Location: Junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka

Highest Peak: Doddabetta (2,637 m), Tamil Nadu

Known For: Tea plantations, scenic beauty, and biodiversity

 Significance: Connects Eastern and Western Ghats; major hill stations like Ooty and
Coonoor

Mountain Ranges in India Map

The Mountain Ranges in India Map clearly shows how these ranges are spread across the
country, shaping its geography and climate. In the north, the Himalayas and Karakoram
dominate, while the Aravalli, Vindhya, and Satpura ranges define central India’s terrain.
The Western and Eastern Ghats run along the peninsular coasts, and the Purvanchal hills
mark the country’s eastern frontier. Together, these ranges form the backbone of India’s
physical landscape.... Read more at: [Link]
ranges-in-india/