Study Guides/Geography/Eastern Ghats vs Western Ghats
Study Guide · Geography

Difference Between Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats

The Peninsular Plateau of India is flanked by two major mountain ranges along its coasts: the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. This is a highly repeated question in Class 9 Geography (Physical Features of India).

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the main difference between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats?

Answer

The Western Ghats are continuous and much higher, causing heavy rainfall. The Eastern Ghats are lower and discontinuous, having been cut apart by major rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal.

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Key Facts

Western Ghats: Continuous, Higher (900-1600m), Highest peak is Anamudi.

Eastern Ghats: Discontinuous (cut by rivers), Lower (600m), Highest peak is Mahendragiri.

Rivers: Most major peninsular rivers originate in the Western Ghats and cut through the Eastern Ghats.

1. Western Ghats

  • Location: Lie parallel to the western coast of India (facing the Arabian Sea).
  • Continuity: They are continuous and can only be crossed through specific mountain passes (like Thal, Bhor, and Pal Ghats).
  • Elevation (Height): They are much higher. Average elevation is 900 to 1600 metres.
  • Rainfall: They cause heavy orographic rainfall by blocking the moisture-laden monsoon winds coming from the Arabian Sea.
  • Highest Peak: Anamudi (2,695 metres) in Kerala.

2. Eastern Ghats

  • Location: Lie parallel to the eastern coast of India (facing the Bay of Bengal).
  • Continuity: They are discontinuous and irregular. They have been heavily eroded and cut through by major rivers (Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, Kaveri) flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Elevation (Height): They are much lower. Average elevation is 600 metres.
  • Rainfall: They receive relatively less rainfall compared to the Western Ghats.
  • Highest Peak: Mahendragiri (1,501 metres) in Odisha.

Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats?+

The Western Ghats are continuous and much higher, causing heavy rainfall. The Eastern Ghats are lower and discontinuous, having been cut apart by major rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Name the highest peak of the Western Ghats.+

The highest peak of the Western Ghats is Anamudi (2,695 metres).

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