The Eastern Ghats are a long chain of hills found on the east side of India. These hills run through states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. They are not as tall or strong as the Western Ghats, but they are still very important for Indian geography.
Many rivers like Godavari and Krishna flow through them. The Eastern Ghats are full of plants, animals, and useful minerals. In this post, you will learn easy and important facts about the Eastern Ghats—perfect for exams like SSC, Banking, RRB NTPC, UPSC, and other state-level competitive exams. With clear points and simple notes, you can remember everything easily. Let’s explore the amazing Eastern Ghats together!
What are the Eastern Ghats?
The Eastern Ghats are a long chain of hills and mountains that run along the eastern coast of India. These hills are not continuous, meaning they are broken at many places by rivers.
📝 Definition:
The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous mountain ranges that run parallel to the east coast of India, from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
Location of Eastern Ghats
The Eastern Ghats run parallel to the Bay of Bengal, passing through multiple states on the eastern side of India.
However, they are not continuous like the Western Ghats, and are frequently interrupted by rivers that flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Direction | North-East to South-West |
| States Covered | Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal |
| Coastline Nearby | Bay of Bengal |
| Highest Peak | Jindhagada Peak in Andhra Pradesh (1,690 m) |
| Example Rivers Cutting Through Eastern Ghats | Mahanadi, Krishna, Kaveri, Godavari, Pennar, |
🧠 Tip to Remember States
👉 “Wise Tigers Often Attack Tired Kids”
(West Bengal, Telangana, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
[Note: Do not rely too much on tips and tricks; just visualize the map given below.]
Difference Between Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats
The Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats are two significant mountain ranges flanking the eastern and western coasts of India, respectively. They exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of geography, climate, biodiversity, and more.
Here’s a comprehensive comparison:
| Aspect | Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Continuity | Continuous mountain range running parallel to the western coast. | Discontinuous range, fragmented by rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. |
| Elevation | Higher average elevation, with peaks like Anamudi reaching 2,695 meters. | Generally lower elevations; highest peak is Arma Konda at 1,690 meters. |
| Orientation | Runs parallel to the western coast, from Gujarat to Kerala. | Runs along the eastern coast, from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. |
| Climate | Receives heavy rainfall, especially on the windward side, leading to lush greenery. | Receives comparatively less rainfall, resulting in a drier climate. |
| Biodiversity | Recognized as one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity; home to numerous endemic species. | Less rich in biodiversity with fewer endemic species due to its drier climate. |
| Soil Types | Predominantly laterite soil, suitable for plantation crops like tea, coffee, and spices. | Soils vary from red to lateritic to black, supporting crops like pulses and millets. |
| River Systems | Origin of major peninsular rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. | Rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri cut through the range, leading to its discontinuity. |
| Geological Age | Younger compared to the Eastern Ghats; formed during the break-up of the supercontinent Gondwana. | Older than the Western Ghats; part of the ancient Indian shield. |
| Agriculture | Favorable for plantation agriculture due to fertile soils and ample rainfall. | Supports cultivation of drier crops; irrigation-based farming is prevalent. |
Soil Types in the Eastern Ghats
The soil types in the Eastern Ghats are diverse due to varied climatic and topographical features. The region predominantly features:
- Red soil (most abundant)
- Black soil
- Laterite soil
- Alluvial soil
Climate
The Eastern Ghats fall within the tropical monsoon climate zone. They receive rainfall from both:
- The Southwest Monsoon
- The Northeast Monsoon
This dual monsoon influence results in seasonal variations and supports diverse vegetation.
Forest Types
The Eastern Ghats are home to rich biodiversity and are covered with:
- Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
- Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
These forest types support a variety of flora and fauna, making the region ecologically significant.
River Valley
The Moyar River Valley marks the confluence point of the Eastern and Western Ghats. This area is ecologically significant and is located near the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu.
Convergence Point
The Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu is the meeting point of:
- The Eastern Ghats
- The Western Ghats
This convergence forms a biodiversity hotspot and is home to many endemic species.
Notable Peaks
Here are some of the highest peaks in the Eastern Ghats:
| Peak Name | Elevation (m) | State |
|---|---|---|
| Arma Konda | 1,690 m | Andhra Pradesh |
| Gali Konda | 1,643 m | Andhra Pradesh |
| Sinkram Gutta | 1,620 m | Andhra Pradesh |
✅ Zindagad (Arma) Konda is the highest point in the Eastern Ghats, located in Andhra Pradesh.
Largest Hills Range
- Javadi Hills in northern Tamil Nadu are the largest hill range within the Eastern Ghats.
Northern Limit
- The Simlipal Range in northern Odisha marks the northernmost extent of the Eastern Ghats.
Geological Age
The Eastern Ghats are much older than the Himalayas and the Western Ghats. These ancient hills are part of the Indian shield and have undergone extensive erosion over millions of years.
Flora and Fauna of Eastern Ghats
The Eastern Ghats are rich in plants and animals, especially in areas like Papikonda National Park and Simlipal Hills.
🌳 Trees Found:
- Sal
- Teak
- Bamboo
- Sandalwood
🐅 Animals Found:
- Tigers
- Elephants
- Sloth Bears
- Wild Boars
- Birds like Peacocks and Hornbills
🎯 Exam Tip:
Questions often come from flora, fauna, or national parks found in the Ghats.
Important Hills and Ranges in Eastern Ghats
| Hill Range | Located In |
|---|---|
| Nallamala Hills | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
| Shevaroy Hills | Tamil Nadu |
| Simlipal Hills | Odisha |
| Palkonda Hills | Andhra Pradesh |
| Javadi Hills | Tamil Nadu |
Rivers Cutting Across the Eastern Ghats
These rivers originate in Central or Western India and flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
| River | Cuts Through |
|---|---|
| Mahanadi | Odisha |
| Godavari | Andhra Pradesh |
| Krishna | Andhra Pradesh |
| Kaveri | Tamil Nadu |
Importance of Eastern Ghats
- ✅ Rich in minerals like bauxite, limestone, and iron ore
- ✅ Supports tribal population and agriculture
- ✅ Rainfall supports forests and biodiversity
- ✅ Rivers are used for irrigation and hydroelectricity
Protected Areas in the Eastern Ghats
| National Park / Reserve | State |
|---|---|
| Simlipal National Park | Odisha |
| Papikonda National Park | Andhra Pradesh |
| Sri Venkateswara NP | Andhra Pradesh |
| Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve | Tamil Nadu |
Quick Revision Points
- The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous hills along the eastern coast of India.
- Red soil is the most common soil type.
- Lower than Western Ghats.
- Zindagad (Arma) Konda is the highest peak.
- Rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, and Krishna cut through the range.
- Spread across 6 states – WB, Odisha, AP, TN, Telangana, and Karnataka.
- Rich in wildlife, forests, and minerals.
- Receives rainfall from both monsoons.
- Simlipal is the northernmost point.
- Nilgiri Hills: Convergence of Eastern and Western Ghats.
Final Motivation
🌟 Keep going, champs! Learning geography can be super fun when you break it into small pieces. The Eastern Ghats may be old and broken, but your knowledge will be strong and complete. Every topic you master brings you one step closer to success in your exams.
Stay curious, stay consistent, and you’ll crack it!
