Travelling to the mountain ranges in India is a feast for your eyes and soul. Breathtaking landscapes will allure you with magical and scenic settings amidst the sheer tranquillity of nature. The ranges in India are lined with carpets of emerald greens, pristine white snow-caps and rare flora and fauna that are distinct to the area. From the glorious Himalayas to the verdant Western Ghats, India is encompassed by towering ranges that protect the country.
If you are craving some peace, head over to these off-beat locations with mountain ranges that will capture your heart. Blessed with mind-nurturing scenic beauty, pleasant climate and rare wildlife, you will be in awe of the surprises bestowed upon you by nature.
7 major mountain ranges in India for the nature lover in you:
1. The Himalayan Range
One of the major mountain ranges in India, the Himalayan range is home to some of the highest peaks in the world. Himalaya, translating to an abode of snow in Sanskrit, offers a diverse and breathtakingly beautiful landscape formed from the collision of two tectonic plates. Lying in the Himalayan range is the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, at 8,849 m. Among the other important mountain ranges in India, Kanchenjunga the world’s third tallest mountain at 8,586 m. and Nanda Devi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are part of India’s glorious history.
A haven for nature and wildlife lovers, enjoy the Himalayan experience the old-fashioned way from any of India’s northern hill stations.
2. The Aravalli Range
In our list of mountain ranges in India, the Aravallis are one of the oldest landscapes that span over a massive 800 km. The range varies from 10 km to 100 km covering the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. One of the most beautiful mountain ranges in India, Aravalli, translating to a line of peaks, is every photographer’s dream destination. Guru Shikhar is Aravalli’s highest point at an elevation of 1,722 m. The famous Aravalli Range plays a key role in maintaining India’s climate by blocking wind-carrying rains that reach the Thar Desert.
Witness the beauty of this range by planning a holiday to any of these hill stations near Delhi.
3. The Karakoram and Pir Panjal Range
There are plenty of different mountain ranges in India. One of them is the Karakoram and Pir Panjal range that lies to the Northwest and South of the Himalayas. Boasting the world’s second highest peak, K2 at 8,611 m falls in the Karakoram Range. Spanning over 500 km, the Karakoram Range is located in the disputed region between India and Pakistan. While the Pir Panjal Range running in the southern direction of the Himalayan Range falls in the Jammu & Kashmir state of India. The climate and terrain of these mountain ranges in India are barren and extremely hard to traverse. Karakoram is home to the world’s second and third longest glaciers in non-polar regions — Siachen, which is also one of the coldest places of India, and Biafo. The best destination to witness the beauty of these mountain ranges in India is Gulmarg in Kashmir.
4. Western Ghats
If you’re wondering how many mountain ranges are there in India? The answer is seven. And among these seven, one of them is the resplendently beautiful Western Ghats. Fringed with lush greenery, streaming waterfalls and rapid rivers, the 1,600 km long mountain range runs from Gujarat to Kanyakumari. Also known as the Sahyadri Mountain range in India, the Western Ghats comprise the Nilgiris, Anaimalai and Cardamom mountain ranges. The highest peak of this range is Anamudi at 2,695 m in Kerala. Home to over 139 mammals, 508 birds, 180 amphibian species and over 250 reptiles, the Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes plenty of tourist attractions like the Jog Falls and Bandipur National Park.
5. Eastern Ghats
If you're wondering which mountain range to visit for an immersive holiday experience, try the Eastern Ghats. Lined with green paddy fields, aromatic coffee plantations, historic caves and pilgrimage sites, these mountain ranges in India run along the Indian Peninsula parallel to the Bay of Bengal. Passing through West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Jindhagada Peak, at 1,690 m, is the highest peak of this range.
6. Satpura and Vindhya Range
Falling in Central India within the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Satpura and Vindhya ranges run parallel to each other. Among the two, the Satpura range is higher and a source of rivers Narmada and Tapti. Blessed with scenic landscapes and tourist attraction spots, like the Pachmarhi hill station, Kanha National Park and Omkareshwar Temple. The highest points of the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges in India are Kalumar Peak (752 m) and Duphgarh Peak (1,350 m), respectively.
To witness the surreal beauty of the Satpura range, plan a weekend getaway to any hill station near Mumbai.
7. Purvanchal Range
Part of the major mountain ranges in India, the Purvanchal range is an extension of the Himalayas in Eastern India. Also known as the Eastern Mountain Range, this extension is divided into three parts — the Garo Khasi Jaintia Hills, the Patkai Bum Hill and Lushai Hill. Covering all the northeastern states of India, that are also known as the seven sisters, these different mountain ranges in India are rimmed with dense forests, lush tea gardens and mesmerising cavernous valleys.
Now that you know the names of mountain ranges in India, you can plan a vacation from April to October for a pleasant experience in the hills. Clear skies, fresh air and thrilling nature trails will welcome you with open arms as you embrace the slow mountain life.