Sahyadri

Sahyadri, commonly known as the Western Ghats, is a major mountain range along the western edge of the Indian peninsula. It runs roughly 1,600 kilometers from the border region of Gujarat and Maharashtra in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, forming a coastal-facing barrier parallel to the Konkan coast. The range intercepts the southwest monsoon, generating lush forests on the western slopes while contributing to drier conditions on the inland side. The name Sahyadri is used in Marathi and Sanskrit to refer to these mountains.

Geologically, the Western Ghats are among the oldest mountains on Earth, largely composed of Precambrian basalt that forms part of the Deccan Plateau. Elevations range from about 600 meters to over 2,600 meters above sea level; Anamudi in Kerala is the highest peak at about 2,695 meters, with Kalsubai in Maharashtra and Mullayanagiri in Karnataka among the notable high points in their regions.

Biodiversity and conservation, the Sahyadri hosts a high level of biodiversity with numerous endemic species. It includes several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. In 2012, the Western Ghats were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their ecological significance and biodiversity. The range is a crucial source of water for major river systems such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, and faces pressures from development, deforestation, and mining, prompting protected-area networks and conservation efforts.