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Exploring the Western Ghats: India’s Sahyadri Mountain Range
A journey through the 1,600 km mountain chain stretching along the western coast of the Indian peninsula.
This guide was written with AI help by Indias.com. Check details such as timings, access and bookings with official sources before you travel.
Tags: Western Ghats · Sahyadri · Indian Geography · Deccan Plateau · Mountain Ranges · Natural Heritage
The Western Ghats, also recognized as the Sahyadri, represent a significant mountain range extending 1,600 km along the western coastline of India. This massive natural formation covers an area of approximately 160,000 square kilometers, forming a nearly continuous chain along the edge of the Deccan Plateau. The range begins at the Tapti River and concludes at Swamithoppe in the Kanyakumari district at the southern tip of the country.
Traversing six different Indian states, the range passes through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Before continuing its path toward the southern reaches of the peninsula, the Western Ghats converge with the Eastern Ghats at the Nilgiris. This geographic marvel serves as a primary feature of India’s western landscape.
Geological Origins
Geologic evidence suggests that the Western Ghats were formed during the break-up of the ancient supercontinent known as Gondwana. The mountains emerged along India's west coast during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods.
This formation occurred specifically as the Indian landmass separated from the African continent. Today, the range remains a testament to these ancient tectonic shifts that shaped the Indian peninsula.
Regional Divisions and Elevation
The mountains are categorized into three distinct sections based on their elevation and geography. The northern section features heights ranging from 900 to 1,500 meters, while the middle section, located south of Goa, typically maintains a lower elevation of less than 900 meters.
As the range moves into its southern section, the altitude rises significantly once again. Throughout the entire chain, several individual peaks reach heights exceeding 2,000 meters.
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