Last updated on February 26th, 2023 at 03:48 pm
South India is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, with the Western Ghats mountain range being one of the most prominent natural features. This article gives information regarding the important mountain passes in South India and this topic is helpful for candidates appearing for various Government exams.
Important Mountain Passes in South India – Location & Significance
The topic ‘Mountain Passes in India’ is an important topic for both UPSC Prelims and Mains as questions are framed from this topic both objectively and subjectively.
The location and connecting regions of mountain passes are given in the table. Check it!
| Mountain Pass | Location | Connecting Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Shencottah Gap | Western Ghats | Madurai, Tamil Nadu – Kottayam, Kerala |
| Bhor Ghat | Western Ghats | Palasdari – Khandala (railway), Khopoli – Khandala (road), Maharashtra |
| Thal Ghat | Western Ghats | Kasara, Maharashtra |
| Palakkad Gap | Western Ghats | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – Palakkad, Kerala |
Significance of each Mountain Pass in South India:
Significance of each mountain pass:
- Shencottah Gap: It is an important pass that connects the cities of Madurai in Tamil Nadu with Kottayam district in Kerala. It is a major transportation route and facilitates the movement of people and goods between the two states.
- Bhor Ghat: The pass has significant historical importance as it was developed by the Satavahana dynasty to connect the ports of Choul, Revdanda, and Panvel on the Konkan coast with the surrounding areas on the Deccan plateau. Today, it plays a massive part in the Great Indian Peninsula Railway laid from Mumbai to Pune.
- Thal Ghat: It is one of the four major routes, rail, and road routes leading into Mumbai. The railway line, which passes through the ghat is the steepest in India with a gradient of 1 in 37. The pass is crucial for the transportation of goods to and from Mumbai, which is one of the largest commercial hubs in India.
- Palakkad Gap: The pass is located in the Western Ghats between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and was an important instrument for human migration across India’s southern tip throughout settled history. It also connects Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu with Palakkad in Kerala, making it an important transportation route.
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Interesting facts about mountain passes in South India:
Here’s a table of interesting facts about mountain passes in South India:
| Mountain Pass | Location | Interesting Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Shencottah Gap | Madurai-Kottayam | – Second largest gap in the Western Ghats.- Road and rail lines pass through the gap connecting Shencottah with Punalur.- Historically significant for trade and commerce |
| Bhor Ghat | Palasdari-Khandala | – One of the important routes between Mumbai and Pune.- Historically significant as an ancient trade route.- Connects the ports of Choul, Revdanda, Panvel, etc. on the Konkan coast with the Deccan plateau |
| Thal Ghat | Kasara-Mumbai | – One of the four major routes, rail and road routes, leading into Mumbai- Railway line passing through the ghat has a gradient of 1 in 37, making it one of the steepest in India.- Significantly important for transportation of goods and people |
| Pal Ghat | Tamil Nadu-Kerala | – Important instrument for human migration across India’s southern tip.-Connects Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu with Palakkad in Kerala.- Significantly important for trade and commerce. |
Important mountain passes in South India; FAQs
We have provided it in the above article, Just check it!
Bhor Ghat was the ancient route developed by Satavahana to connect the ports of Choul, Revdanda Panvel. For more details, go through the above article!
Shencottah Gap is the second-largest gap in the Western Ghats, which is situated five kilometres from town, and road-rail lines pass through this gap which connects Shencottah with Punalur.
Thal Ghat is one of the four major routes, rail and road routes. For more information, go through the article!
Mountain passes in Southern India have been important trade and migration routes for centuries, connecting different regions and facilitating the movement of goods and people. For more information, go through the article!