Difference between Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats
India is a land of diverse landforms and geographies. The country is home to towering mountains, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Among the major mountain ranges of India, the Eastern and Western Ghats are quite famous. While the two mountain ranges might seem similar, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we will explore the differences between the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats.
Location and Extent
The Western Ghats are a long mountain chain located along the western coast of India. It runs parallel to the coast for around 1,600 km, from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu. The Western Ghats are also known as the Sahyadri Mountains. On the other hand, the Eastern Ghats are a series of discontinuous mountain ranges located along the eastern coast of India. The Eastern Ghats stretch for about 1,750 km, from Odisha to Tamil Nadu.
Altitude and Terrain
The Western Ghats are known for their towering peaks and high altitude. Some of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats include Anamudi (2,695m) in Kerala and Doda Beta (2,236m) in Maharashtra. The terrain of the Western Ghats is rugged, rocky, and characterized by narrow valleys and steep slopes. In contrast, the Eastern Ghats have a lower altitude, with the highest peak being Mahendragiri (1,501 m) located in Tamil Nadu. The terrain of the Eastern Ghats is comparatively smoother, with gentle slopes and wide valleys.
Biodiversity
Both the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats are renowned for their rich biodiversity. However, the Western Ghats are considered to be a biodiversity hotspot, while the Eastern Ghats are relatively less explored. The Western Ghats are home to a vast array of endemic plant and animal species. The region also boasts of several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. Some of the iconic wildlife species found in the Western Ghats include the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and lion-tailed macaque. The Eastern Ghats are also home to several unique plant and animal species, although they are not as extensively studied as the Western Ghats.
Culture and People
The Western Ghats are home to several indigenous tribes that have lived in close affiliation with nature for centuries. These include the Warli, Bhil, and Kolam tribes in Maharashtra, and the Irula, Kurumba, and Toda tribes in Tamil Nadu. The Western Ghats region is known for its rich cultural heritage, music and dance forms, and unique cuisine. The Eastern Ghats are also home to several indigenous tribes, although they are not as well-known as the tribes of the Western Ghats. The region is also known for its unique cuisine and traditional art and craft forms.
In conclusion, while both the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats are a part of India’s rich natural heritage, they are quite different in terms of location, altitude, terrain, biodiversity, culture, and people. If you are a nature lover, trekking enthusiast, or a wildlife aficionado, exploring the Western or Eastern Ghats is a must-do activity in your travel itinerary.
Table difference between eastern ghats and western ghats
| Eastern Ghats | Western Ghats | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Located on the eastern coast of India | Located on the western coast of India |
| Length | More than 1,000 km | More than 1,600 km |
| Height | Lower than the Western Ghats | Higher than the Eastern Ghats |
| Biodiversity | Rich in endemic species, but less diverse overall | Extremely rich in biodiversity, with numerous endemic species and important wildlife sanctuaries |
| Climate | Drier, with fewer rivers and waterfalls | Wetter, with numerous rivers, waterfalls, and forests |
| Human population | More densely populated with large cities and towns | Less densely populated with smaller villages and towns |