Which is the Junction Point of Eastern and Western Ghats?
VerifiedAnswer: Nilgiri Hills
Explanation:
The Nilgiri Hills serve as the crucial junction point where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet in southern India. This unique geographical feature creates a natural bridge between these two major mountain ranges, making it one of the most significant topographical landmarks in the Indian subcontinent.
Located primarily in Tamil Nadu, with portions extending into Kerala and Karnataka, the Nilgiri Hills are situated at approximately 11°N latitude and 76°E longitude. The name "Nilgiri" literally means "Blue Mountains" in Tamil, referring to the blue haze that often envelops these hills due to the eucalyptus trees and other vegetation.
The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coastline of India, stretching from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south. Meanwhile, the Eastern Ghats extend along the eastern coast, running through states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. These two mountain ranges converge at the Nilgiri Hills, creating a unique ecosystem and geographical formation.
The junction at Nilgiri Hills is particularly significant because it creates a biodiversity hotspot where species from both mountain ranges intermingle. This convergence results in exceptional flora and fauna diversity, making the region ecologically invaluable. The hills are home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals that have evolved in this unique meeting point of two distinct geographical systems.
The highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills is Doddabetta, standing at 2,637 meters above sea level. This elevation, combined with the tropical location, creates a pleasant climate that has made the region famous for hill stations like Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Coonoor, and Kotagiri. These hill stations were developed during the British colonial period as summer retreats due to their cooler temperatures compared to the surrounding plains.
From a geological perspective, the Nilgiri Hills are part of the ancient Deccan Plateau and are composed primarily of metamorphic rocks. The convergence of the Eastern and Western Ghats here creates unique water drainage patterns, with rivers flowing toward both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal from this central junction point.
Understanding this junction point is crucial for students of Indian geography as it helps explain the connectivity between India's two major mountain systems and their collective impact on the country's climate, ecology, and human settlements. The Nilgiri Hills thus represent not just a geographical meeting point, but a crucial link in India's mountainous landscape that influences weather patterns, river systems, and biological diversity across the southern peninsula.
