INTERESTING FACT ABOUT WESTERN GHAT IN INDIA

 10 Interesting facts about the Western Ghats in India

1.UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Western Ghats, also called the Sahyadri Hills, are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their exceptional biodiversity and unique ecosystems. They are considered one of the “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world.

Western Ghat

2. Geographical Stretch

The Western Ghats stretch for about 1,600 km along the western coast of India, passing through six states

1.  Maharashtra
2.  Goa
3.  Karnataka
4.  Kerala
5.  Tamil Nadu
6.  Gujarat (small portion)

  They run parallel to the Arabian Sea, forming a natural barrier that influences India’s climate.

3. Age and Formation

Geologically, the Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas. They were formed around 150 million years ago during the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The Deccan Plateau was uplifted and tilted westward, forming these mountain ranges.

4. Climate Regulator of Peninsular India

The Ghats play a crucial role in shaping India’s climate. They block the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the western side (Konkan, Malabar Coast) and creating a rain-shadow region on the eastern side (Deccan Plateau). This is why places like Cherrapunji in the northeast and Mawsynram are wet, while interior Maharashtra and Karnataka are relatively dry.

5. Biodiversity Hotspot

The region is home to over 7,400 species of plants, nearly 508 species of birds, 139 species of mammals, 179 species of amphibians, and countless reptiles and insects. Many species are endemic (found nowhere else). Examples include:

1. Malabar civet (mammal)
2. Purple frog (discovered in 2003)
3. Lion-tailed macaque (primate)

6. Home to Ancient Forests

The Ghats host some of the last remaining tropical evergreen forests in India, especially in the Nilgiris, Silent Valley (Kerala), and Agasthyamalai Hills. These forests are comparable to the Amazon rainforest in terms of ecological importance.

7. Sacred Rivers Origin Here

Many major Indian rivers originate from the Western Ghats, such as:

1. Godavari
2. Krishna
3. Kaveri
4. Periyar
5. Tunga-Bhadra

  These rivers support millions of people through irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.

8. Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The Ghats are dotted with ancient temples, caves, and pilgrimage sites. Examples include

Jyotiba temple in Maharashtra

Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Karnataka

Sabarimala temple in Kerala

The mountains are often referred to as sacred hills in Hindu mythology.

9. Hotspot for Spices and Ayurveda

Kerala and Karnataka’s parts of the Western Ghats are famous for spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which have been traded for centuries. Many rare medicinal plants used in Ayurveda also grow in the region, making it a living pharmacy.

Spices

10. Tourism and Trekking Heaven

The Western Ghats are dotted with stunning hill stations, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and trekking routes. Famous spots include:

• Munnar (Kerala)
• Coorg (Karnataka)
• Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)
• Nilgiri Hills (Tamil Nadu)

Waterfalls like Jog Falls (Karnataka) and Athirapally Falls (Kerala) attract thousands of visitors every year.

In short, the Western Ghats are not just mountains – they are a living museum of biodiversity, culture, and history, vital to India’s ecology and economy.