What is the Difference Between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats?

The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats are two mountain ranges that run along the western and eastern edges of the Deccan Plateau in peninsular India, respectively. They differ in several aspects:

• Continuity: The Western Ghats are continuous and can be crossed only through passes, while the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and separated by large rivers.
• Elevation: The average elevation of the Western Ghats is 900 to 1,100 meters above sea level, whereas the Eastern Ghats have an average elevation of about 600 meters above sea level.
• Rivers: The Western Ghats are the source of most peninsular rivers, while the Eastern Ghats have sparse forests containing valuable timber and are cut by rivers falling into the Bay of Bengal.
• Biodiversity: The Western Ghats are considered a biodiversity hotspot due to their dense forests and diverse flora and fauna, while the Eastern Ghats have a more sparse vegetation cover.

Some notable mountain ranges and hills in the Eastern Ghats include the Javadi Hills, Palconda range, Nallamala hills, and Mahendragiri hills. In contrast, the Western Ghats are also known as Sahyadri and include the Nilgiri, Annamalai, and Cardamom hills.

Comparative Table: Western Ghats vs Eastern Ghats

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats:

The Western Ghats are continuous mountain ranges, while the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous. The Western Ghats have a higher elevation and are more fertile, with a larger tribal population and a higher level of biodiversity. On the other hand, the Eastern Ghats are lower in elevation, less fertile, and have a smaller tribal population. They are also less biodiverse compared to the Western Ghats.