Nilgiri–Anaimalai–Cardamom hills
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Overview
The Nilgiri, Anaimalai and Cardamom hills form the southern end of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Nilgiris meet the Eastern Ghats near the junction of three states.
South of the Palakkad Gap, the Anaimalai hills hold Anamudi (about 2,695 m), the highest peak in peninsular India; the Cardamom hills continue further south.
These hills have shola forests, tea and cardamom plantations, and several tiger reserves such as Anamalai, Parambikulam and Periyar.
Geography and key facts
- Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu and Kerala
- Anamudi: highest peak in peninsular India
- Palakkad Gap separates the Nilgiris from the Anaimalai
- Tea, cardamom; Periyar and Anamalai reserves
Why it matters for UPSC
Know where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet and which hills lie on each side of the Palakkad Gap.
Note for UPSC
The southern end of the Western Ghats, meeting near the Nilgiris; holds Anamudi, the highest peak in peninsular India.
Questions test the order of ranges, the states they cover and the rivers and passes linked with them.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Nilgiri–Anaimalai–Cardamom hills yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Mountain range
- States / UTs
- Tamil Nadu, Kerala
- Extent on map
- 8.3°–10.7°N, 76.3°–78.6°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Physical Features and Drainage of India (map lesson)
- Physiographic Divisions of India in Depth (map lesson)
- Climate, Soils and Natural Vegetation (map lesson)
- Natural Vegetation and Biogeography of India (map lesson)
- Biodiversity: Levels, Hotspots, Threats and Global Frameworks (map lesson)
- The Indian Monsoon: Mechanism, Seasons and Variability (map lesson)