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India’s Physical Features: A Comprehensive Guide

Main Physical Features of India

The physical features of India are the Himalayas, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Deccan Plateau, and the Coastal Plains. Each of these regions has unique features that set it apart. 

The Himalayas are home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, while the Indo-Gangetic Plain is a large region of land that stretches from eastern Afghanistan to peninsular India. The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau covering a large area of southern India, and the Coastal Plains are a series of lowlands that border the Arabian Sea. 

5 Physical Features in India

1. The Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayan range is a vast system of mountains that stretches across the entire north of India. This impressive mountain range is home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The Himalayas are also the source of many of India’s major rivers, including the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. The mountains play a vital role in Indian culture and heavily feature Hindu mythology. 

2. The Indo-Gangetic Plains 

The Indo-Gangetic Plains, also known as the Great Indian Plains or the North Indian Plains, is a large and fertile alluvial plain located in northern India. The plains extend more than 2,500 kilometres (1,600 miles) from Pakistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east.  

They are bounded on the north by the Himalayan Mountains, on the east by the Assam Hills and the Patkai Range, on the south by the Aravalli Range, and on the west by the Thar Desert. 

The Gangetic River system—comprising the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra rivers—flows across the plains from west to east, draining nearly one-third of India’s territory. The tables are extensively farmed and densely populated.

The Ganga Plains stretches out across the states of Bihar,  Jharkhand, West Bengal, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

3. The Thar Desert

The Thar Desert is one of the most distinctive physical features of India. It’s located in the northwest of the country and covers an area of around 200,000 square kilometres. The desert is home to some villages and traditional communities and many plant and animal life. 

The Thar Desert is amongst the physical features of India that has extreme weather conditions, with summer temperatures often reaching 50 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh environment, the people there have learned to adapt and thrive in this unique landscape.

4. The Western Ghats

The Western Ghats are a mountain range in western India and part of the more extensive Himalayan Mountain range. The Western Ghats span over 1,600 kilometres and are one of the most biodiverse areas globally, containing over 4,000 plant species and more than 140 mammal species. The mountains are also a significant water source for India, providing water to 40% of the country’s population. 

5. The Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats are a stunning mountain range in southeastern India. They rise to a height of nearly 2,000 metres and offer some of the most spectacular views in the country. The ghats are also incredibly varied, with everything from dense rainforest to barren limestone cliffs. 

The eastern side of the range is much wetter than the western side and is home to beautiful waterfalls. The area is also home to many tribal groups who have lived in the region for centuries.  

Other Important Points For Physical Features Of India Notes

-A landmass of 1.3 million square kilometres, India is the world’s second-largest country by area.

-The country has a coastline of 7,517 kilometres.

-India has a variety of landscapes, from the Himalayas in the north to the tropical south.

-India is home to the world’s second-highest peak, Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters (29,035 feet).

Conclusion

The essential physical features of India are The Himalayan Mountains, The Indian Desert, The Northern Plains, The coastal plains, Peninsular Plateau and the Islands. The country is home to wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. The Himalayan Range is an impressive mountain range home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. 

The Indo-Gangetic plains are large and fertile alluvial plains located in northern India. The Thar Desert is located in the northwest of the country and covers an area of around 200,000 square kilometres. The Western Ghats is a famous tourist destination home to many ancient temples and national parks. If you’re looking for an incredible Indian landscape to explore, the Eastern Ghats are a must-see!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Railway Examination Preparation.

Which is an important physical feature of India?

Ans. The Himalayas are amongst the extensively significant physical features of India. Its width is around 150- 400 ...Read full

What are the main sections of the Himalayan belt?

Ans. The Himadri or Greater Himalayas. Its average peak is up to 6000 metres a...Read full

What constitutes the northern plain of India?

Ans. The Northern Plains can again be divided into three significant parts. The Punjab Plains, the Ganga Plains and ...Read full

What are other important physical features of India?

Ans. The Himalayas have the world’s tallest mountains. The Indo-Gangetic...Read full

Where does the Ganga plain Spread?

Ans. The Ganga Plains stretches out across the states of Bihar,  Jharkhand, West Bengal, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and...Read full