Physical Features of India

Bhangar is old alluvium found in higher areas. For exams remember Bhangar as old and Khadar as new.

The Shiwaliks form the outermost and southernmost Himalayan range. They are relatively low hills made of loose sediments. Himadri is the northernmost and highest range. Exam tip: remember the order—Himadri, Himachal, Shiwalik.

The Himalayan Mountains are one of India's major physical divisions. For exams remember the list of six divisions.

Andaman and Nicobar are included in India's major island groups. For exams remember the Bay of Bengal.

The western coastal plains are narrow between the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea. For exams remember the comparison with the eastern coast.

Eastern coastal plains are generally broader than western coastal plains. For exams remember their relation with delta formation.

The Godavari forms a delta on the eastern coast as it flows into the Bay of Bengal. For exams remember deltas of eastern rivers.

Krishna and Kaveri flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal. For exams remember east flowing peninsular rivers.

Narmada and Tapi flow westward into the Arabian Sea. For exams remember them as west flowing rivers.

Konkan Coast is associated with the western coastal region of Maharashtra and Goa. For exams remember parts of the western coast.

The Malabar Coast is mainly associated with the western coastal part of Kerala. For exams remember Malabar and Western Ghats together.

Coromandel Coast is located on the southeastern coastal part of India. For exams remember its connection with Tamil Nadu.

The Thar is India’s major dry and sandy desert region. It lies mainly in western Rajasthan and receives very little rainfall. The Terai is a moist belt along the Himalayan foothills, so it is not a desert. Exam tip: The Thar Desert is also called the Great Indian Desert.

Island groups are land areas surrounded by sea. For exams remember Lakshadweep and Andaman Nicobar.

The Himalayas are India's young and high mountainous region. For exams remember them as young fold mountains.

The Western and Eastern Ghats meet near the Nilgiri Hills in South India. For exams remember Nilgiri.

Nilgiri Hills are in South India near the meeting area of Western and Eastern Ghats. For exams remember South India.

The Karakoram is associated with the northwestern Himalayan region of India. For exams remember the Ladakh region.

Shiwalik is the outermost and southern range of the Himalayas. For exams remember the three Himalayan ranges.

Himadri is the Greater Himalayan range and contains high peaks. For exams remember Himadri as the High Himalaya.