India's most significant hills, and why every traveller should visit them

Whenever the topic of the geography of India comes up, one automatically imagines the magnificent Himalayan range of mountains. Yet there are some other regions in India that boast equally spectacular scenery and lie outside the mountainous terrain. There are some hill ranges in India which are extremely old. Their significance lies not only in their contribution to the formation of empires and legends but also in their contribution to biodiversity. These hills have also contributed towards making some of the finest trips possible in India. Ranging from ancient mountain ranges to mystical tea plantations and pilgrim peaks, there is much more to these hills than just stunning scenery.

One of the most ancient mountain formations found on Earth is the Aravallis mountain formation, predating even the formation of the Himalayas mountains. The Aravallis have played a crucial role in shaping the geographical features of northwest India by stretching across Gujarat to Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. Travellers interested in exploring the lakes and palaces in Udaipur as well as wildlife sanctuaries and hill resorts within the Aravallis will surely find them quite interesting. Another important function performed by the Aravalli mountain range is the prevention of desertification into the east.

The importance of the Vindhya mountain ranges can hardly be overstated from an historical perspective. Often seen as the marker separating north and south of India, the Vindhyas have a rich tradition of presence in old Indian literature. One such archaeological gem of the region is the Bhimbetka rock shelters, where prehistoric paintings can be found. Thick forests and falls complement the natural beauty of this range, and tourists often overlook their cultural importance.

Parallel to the Vindhyas, Satpura hills rank among India’s most significant sites for biodiversity. Among the animals found here include tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and numerous types of birds. As opposed to many other sites for wildlife tourism, visitors can explore parts of Satpura by foot and get an authentic jungle experience. Apart from offering wildlife tourism facilities, the hills are famous for their scenic beauty as well.

Shivalik hills are the outer foothills of the Himalayas that span across several north Indian states. They are famous for their dense forest cover and scenic beauty. People visiting Shivalik are often on their way to mountain destinations. Besides being famous for their beauty, the hills are renowned for the fossils found here. The fossils discovered in Shivalik have been instrumental in studying the geological history of the region.

There are few mountain ranges in India more loved than the Nilgiris, or Blue Mountains. Famous for its undulating tea plantations, eucalyptus groves, and hill stations like Ooty and Coonoor, the Nilgiris belong to the Western Ghats which have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Further, Nilgiris offer an abundant display of vegetation and wildlife as well as tourism in the form of travelling on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway

One of the most stunning places in the northeastern part of India is the Khasi Hills, which include some of the most picturesque sites in the region. The area includes stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and amazing sights created by nature along with man, such as the root bridges of the local Khasi tribe. Moreover, two of the rainiest spots in the world, Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, are located here.

Nallamala Hills is the place for nature enthusiasts and spiritually inclined tourists as they are covered by dense forests teeming with abundant wildlife, including that of Bengal tigers. In addition, Nallamala Hills also hosts Srisailam Temple, which is one of the most significant pilgrimages among Hindus. Deep valleys, picturesque drives through dense forests, and other such attractions make it an interesting travel destination.

Anamalai Hills, which are part of Western Ghats in South India, are famous for their rich flora and fauna and scenic beauty. Apart from others, tea plantations can be found here, along with huge forests occupied by animals like elephants, gaur, leopards, among others. Some of the famous places to visit in this region are Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Valparai Hill Station.

Known for being the home to Kodaikanal, the beautiful hill station of Southern India, the Palani Hills comprise grasslands, forests, waterfalls, and lakes, making them an excellent destination for trekking and exploring Mother Nature. Other than their cool climate and mesmerizing beauty, what makes the Palani Hills unique and special are their rich ecosystem.

The spectacular Girnar Hills that rise from the plains of Gujarat are one of the most visited pilgrimage spots in India. This destination comprises stairs that take you through a series of temples and shrines with magnificent views of the entire landscape. It is considered sacred by both Hindus and Jains and is visited by many pilgrims all year round. Even those not interested in religion can enjoy an interesting climb up the Girnar Hills.