The Western Ghats extend along the coast of the Hindustan Peninsula from north to south. They are usually called a mountain range, but in reality they are not quite ordinary mountains. The folds of the area formed in ancient times, when the ancient supercontinent of Godwan collapsed. The ghats are the edge of the vast Deccan Plateau, which forms the entire peninsula. The ridge is separated from the Indian Ocean by a small plain strip.
Location
The name very accurately describes the external features of the mountains. Translated from ancient Sanskrit, the word "ghats" means steps. Mountains, however, look like them. The Western and Eastern Ghats differ from each other. The western region is steep, and the eastern one goes into the plain more smoothly. The northern part of the mountains is represented by monolithic ridges formed during the influx of one plate to another more than 150 million years ago. The Southern Ghats, called the Malabar Coast, are more like solitary sloping hills.
One of the most popular tourist destinations for which the Western Ghats are famous is Goa. This small Indian state is dotted with river beds flowing from the mountains and carrying their waters to the Arabian Gulf. The traveler will easily pick up a suitable excursion to the mountains that will meet his wishes. By the way, vacation and living in Goa is considered one of the most economical options. The tourism infrastructure of the region is under active development; local business owners have room to grow. But the beautiful nature more than compensates for the shortcomings of the service.
An equally popular place for which many seek to visit the Western Ghats is Mumbai. This ancient city is the second most populous in the world (after the Philippine capital). Here you will find luxurious hotels and restaurants, theaters and museums, colorful antiquities and monuments of modern art.
Unique nature
Biologists call the Western Ghats a unique nature reserve. There are several species of animals that are not found anywhere else in the world: macaques, lion-tailed macaques, hood gulman, prickly dormouse, goat-tar, Indian leopard and others. Along with them live less rare animals, for example, the Indian elephant and the baboon. Many tourists go here to admire the butterfly population. In recent years, their numbers have declined, and once was one of the largest in the world. The total number of rare species of animals living in the Ghats has exceeded 3 hundred.
The flora is also diverse. India's calling card is tea. The country ranks second in the world (after China) in its procurement. Most of the harvest is obtained on the terraces of the Gat mountains. The tea plantations were organized by the East India Company at the end of the century before last. When the English colonialists left Hindustan, the plantations were preserved and have since been carefully cultivated.
For centuries, the local population has been engaged in agriculture. Many cultures are brought here, imported by Europeans back in colonial times.
Man-made and natural attractions
Going to the Western Ghats, consider a route. Fans of the animal world will be interested in visiting unique nature reserves: Mudumalai, Bandipur, Nilgiri. The magnificent rose garden in Udhagamandalam is noteworthy. The national parks of Eravikulam, Karimpuzh, Mukurtthi and Silent Valley attract coolness on a hot day and help to learn more about the unique nature of the Gat mountains.
There is something to see for lovers of antiquities. The city of Palakkad is especially interesting in this regard. Going to it, visit the ancient fort, the Jain temple, the Brahmin monastery.
Interesting Facts
- Mount Ana Moody is the highest point of India south of the Himalayas. Its name is translated from Sanskrit as "elephant head." In shape, it resembles an elephant's forehead.
- Yakshagan is a traditional art in these parts. This is a dance with a plot that is performed only by men.
- In the Botanical Garden you can admire the petrified tree, whose age is 20 million years.
- On the terraces of the Western Ghats, unique tea trees grow from bushes.
- And the most important thing is the following. The Western Ghats is a unique place in which the concept of "holiday season" does not exist. The nature is affectionate all year round, and you can go on a trip at any time.