List of Mountain Ranges in India, Map, Peaks, Key Features

Mountain Ranges in India are among the most spectacular and diverse mountain systems in the world, stretching from the snow-capped peaks of the North to the lush green ridges of the South. These ranges play a crucial role in shaping the country’s climate, act as the source of perennial rivers, and serve as natural barriers. Understanding these mountain ranges is essential for geography enthusiasts and competitive exam aspirants alike.

For students and aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, understanding the geography of the major mountain ranges of India including their peaks, passes, and river systems is essential for the Geography and Environment sections of the syllabus.

Mountain Ranges in India Overview

The list of mountain ranges in India can be broadly categorized into Northern India (Himalayan system) and Peninsular India (Deccan and coastal systems). These ranges are not just geographical features but are the lifelines of the Indian subcontinent, hosting rich biodiversity and influencing the monsoon patterns.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Note: While the Himalayas are the most prominent, the mountain ranges of peninsular India like the Western and Eastern Ghats are equally significant for their ecological and economic contributions.

Mountain Ranges in India

This section explores the diverse mountain ranges in India, categorized by their geographical location and geological characteristics. Each major range includes key features and regional tables for structured understanding.

Himalayan Mountain Ranges in India 

The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of tectonic plates. They define India’s northern border and divide into three parallel ranges. The system includes the Greater, Middle, and Outer Himalayas.

• Greater Himalayas (Himadri): These are the northernmost and highest ranges. Peaks exceed 6000 m. Kangchenjunga is the highest peak in the Indian part of the Himalayas. Major rivers like the Ganga originate here.
• Middle Himalayas (Himachal): Located south of Himadri, these ranges have an average elevation of 3700-4500 m. Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar are significant ranges. Popular hill stations like Shimla and Mussoorie are here.
• Outer Himalayas (Shivalik): This is the outermost and southernmost range. It is 10-50 km wide with elevations up to 2000 m. It forms fertile “Doons” and “Duars” valleys.

Trans-Himalayan Ranges

These ranges lie immediately north of the Great Himalayas. They extend parallel to the main Himalayan range in a west-east direction.

• Karakoram Range in India: This range is part of the Trans-Himalayas. It holds K2, the highest mountain range in India. It features significant glaciers like Siachen.
• Ladakh Range: It lies between the Shyok and Indus rivers. Leh city is on its southern edge.
• Zanskar Range: Located between the Greater Himalayas and the Ladakh Range. Nanga Parbat marks its northwest culmination.

Purvanchal Range (Eastern Mountains)

The Purvanchal Range represents the eastern extension of the Himalayas. It runs along India’s eastern boundary with Myanmar.

• Patkai Hills: These are the northernmost part of Purvanchal. They mark the border with Myanmar.
• Naga Hills: Located in Nagaland, with Mount Saramati as its highest peak.
• Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills): Found in Mizoram, featuring Phawngpui, also known as Blue Mountain.
• Manipur Hills: These hills in Manipur include Loktak Lake. They form a boundary with Myanmar.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Peninsular Indian Mountain Ranges

These ancient mountain ranges of peninsular India are typically older and heavily eroded. They represent relicts of once taller mountain systems.

• Aravalli Range: This is one of the world’s oldest residual mountain ranges. It extends from Delhi to Gujarat. Guru Shikhar is its highest peak.
• Vindhya Range: A discontinuous chain running across central India. It traditionally separates North and South India. Many Ganga-Yamuna tributaries originate here.
• Satpura Range: Located south of the Vindhya Range, between the Narmada and Tapi rivers. It is a relict mountain range. Dhupgarh is its highest peak.

Western Ghats Mountain Range

The Western Ghats mountain range is a continuous chain along India’s western coast. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major biodiversity hotspot.

• Sahyadri: This is the local name for the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. The range has an average elevation of 1500 m.
• Nilgiri Hills: These hills are at the trijunction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Doddabetta is their highest peak. They mark the meeting point of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
• Anaimalai Hills: Located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Anai Mudi, the highest peak in South India, lies here.
• Cardamom Hills: These are the southernmost hills of the Western Ghats, known for spice cultivation.

Eastern Ghats Mountain Range

The Eastern Ghats mountain range forms a discontinuous chain along India’s eastern coast. It is highly eroded by major east-flowing rivers.

• Nallamala Hills: Found in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, these hills host extensive undisturbed forests.
• Javadi Hills: Situated in northern Tamil Nadu, between the Ponnaiyar and Palar rivers.
• Seshachalam Hills: Located in Andhra Pradesh, home to Tirupati city.
• Jindhagada Peak: This peak in Andhra Pradesh is the highest point in the Eastern Ghats.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Northern and North-Eastern Mountain Ranges of India

India’s northern and north-eastern regions are dominated by some of the most significant and highest mountain ranges in the world. These mountain ranges of northern India form the backbone of the country’s topography and influence climate, river systems, and biodiversity. They include young fold mountains, high peaks, and important passes that have strategic and historical significance.

Major Mountain Ranges of Northern India

The northern region of India is primarily defined by the Himalayan mountain ranges in India, which can be divided into three parallel ranges:

• Pir Panjal Range: Part of the Middle Himalayas, it extends across Jammu & Kashmir and is known for its scenic passes like Banihal Pass.
• Shivalik Range: The southernmost range of the Himalayas, forming foothills, and famous for narrow valleys and forested areas.

Mountain Ranges in North East India

The mountain ranges in north east India form a continuation of the Himalayan system, often referred to as the Purvanchal Range. These ranges are rugged, forested, and include several smaller hills and plateaus.

Mountain Passes and Strategic Routes

Northern India is home to several important mountain passes in India, which historically served as trade routes and invasion corridors. Examples include:

• Banihal Pass – Jammu & Kashmir
• Rohtang Pass – Himachal Pradesh
• Nathu La – Sikkim
• Jeep Passes of Arunachal Pradesh – connecting remote valleys in the North East
  

Map of Mountain Ranges

A mountain ranges map of India helps visualize the distribution of these northern and north-eastern ranges along with their major peaks and passes. This map is a handy tool for competitive exam preparation and geography studies.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

Formation of Mountain Ranges in India

India’s diverse mountain ranges form through distinct geological mechanisms. The Himalayas and Trans-Himalayas are classic examples of young fold mountains. They arise from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This immense pressure causes the Earth’s crust to fold and uplift into high peaks. Peninsular ranges, like the Aravallis, are ancient residual mountains. They formed millions of years ago, and erosion has since worn them down. The Vindhya and Satpura ranges are block mountains, created by faulting and uplifting. These mechanisms explain the varied geological features across the subcontinent.

Formation of Fold Mountains

Fold mountains form when two or more tectonic plates push together. This compression causes rocks and debris to buckle and fold. The Himalayas are young fold mountains.

Formation of Residual Mountains

Residual mountains are remnants of older, larger mountain ranges. Erosion by wind, water, and ice wears down softer rocks. Harder, more resistant rock remains, forming residual mountains like the Aravallis.

Formation of Block Mountains

Block mountains develop from faults in the Earth’s crust. Tectonic forces create fractures. Blocks of crust are uplifted, forming mountains, while others subside, forming valleys. The Vindhya and Satpura ranges are examples.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF