India is a geographically diverse country with a wide variety of physical features, ranging from the lofty Himalayas in the north to the vast coastal plains in the south. Covering an area of 3.28 million square kilometres, India is the seventh-largest country in the world and occupies a strategic position in South Asia. Its diverse landforms influence the country’s climate, agriculture, biodiversity, economy, and culture.
AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Static GK- Indian Geographical Features
Major Physiographic Divisions of India
1. The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas are the youngest and highest fold mountains in the world. They form a natural boundary between India and the Tibetan Plateau and stretch for about 2,400 km from Jammu & Kashmir in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
Major Divisions
A. Himadri (Greater Himalaya)
- Highest Himalayan range.
- Average elevation: 6,000 metres.
- Permanently snow-covered.
- Source of major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Indus.
- Important peaks include Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi, and Kamet.
B. Himachal (Lesser Himalaya)
- Average height: 3,500–4,500 metres.
- Contains famous hill stations:
- Shimla
- Mussoorie
- Nainital
- Darjeeling
- Rich in forests and tourism.
C. Shiwalik (Outer Himalaya)
- Southernmost Himalayan range.
- Lowest elevation.
- Formed mainly of unconsolidated sediments.
- Famous for Duns, such as Dehradun and Kotli Dun.
Importance of Himalayas
- Protect India from cold Central Asian winds.
- Cause monsoon rainfall by blocking moisture-laden winds.
- Source of perennial rivers.
- Rich biodiversity and forests.
- Natural defence barrier.
2. The Northern Plains
The Northern Plains have been formed by the deposition of sediments brought by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
Features
- Area: Approximately 7 lakh sq km.
- Highly fertile alluvial soil.
- Supports intensive agriculture.
- Densely populated region.
Divisions
- Bhabar – Pebble-covered belt along the foothills.
- Terai – Marshy and forested region.
- Bhangar – Older alluvial deposits.
- Khadar – New alluvial deposits renewed every year by floods.
Importance
- Food grain production.
- Dense transportation network.
- Major industrial and urban centres.
3. The Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest landmass of India, composed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Major Divisions
A. Central Highlands
- Includes Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand Plateau, and Chotanagpur Plateau.
- Rich in minerals.
B. Deccan Plateau
- Lies south of the Narmada River.
- Triangular in shape.
- Bounded by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
- Formed mainly by basaltic lava flows.
Importance
- Rich in coal, iron ore, manganese, bauxite, and mica.
- Major centre for mining and industries.
- Black soil region suitable for cotton cultivation.
4. The Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
Located mainly in western Rajasthan, the Thar Desert extends into Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
Features
- Receives less than 150 mm rainfall annually.
- Sandy plains and sand dunes.
- Sparse vegetation.
- River Luni is the only major river.
Importance
- Rich in gypsum and limestone.
- Wind and solar energy potential.
- Tourism through camel safaris and desert festivals.
5. Coastal Plains
India has a coastline of approximately 7,516.6 km, including islands.
Western Coastal Plain
Extends from Gujarat to Kerala.
Divisions
- Konkan Coast
- Kannad Coast
- Malabar Coast
Eastern Coastal Plain
Extends from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
Divisions
- Northern Circars
- Coromandel Coast
Importance
- Ports and harbours.
- Fishing industry.
- Coconut and rice cultivation.
- Trade and commerce.
6. The Islands
India possesses two major island groups.
A. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Located in the Bay of Bengal.
- Mostly volcanic origin.
- Barren Island is India’s only active volcano.
- Indira Point is the southernmost point of India.
B. Lakshadweep Islands
- Located in the Arabian Sea.
- Coral islands.
- Famous for lagoons and marine biodiversity.
Important Mountain Ranges of India
| Mountain Range | Location |
|---|---|
| Himalayas | Northern India |
| Aravalli | Rajasthan to Delhi |
| Vindhya | Central India |
| Satpura | Central India |
| Western Ghats | Western Coast |
| Eastern Ghats | Eastern Coast |
| Nilgiri Hills | Tamil Nadu-Karnataka-Kerala Junction |
| Purvanchal Hills | Northeast India |
Major Rivers of India
Himalayan Rivers
- Indus
- Ganga
- Yamuna
- Brahmaputra
Peninsular Rivers
- Godavari
- Krishna
- Kaveri
- Mahanadi
- Narmada
- Tapi
Major Mountain Passes
| Pass | State |
| Zoji La | Ladakh |
| Nathu La | Sikkim |
| Shipki La | Himachal Pradesh |
| Rohtang Pass | Himachal Pradesh |
| Bomdi La | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Lipulekh Pass | Uttarakhand |
Highest Peaks in India
| Peak | Height |
| Kanchenjunga | 8,586 m |
| Nanda Devi | 7,816 m |
| Kamet | 7,756 m |
| Saltoro Kangri | 7,742 m |
| Saser Kangri | 7,672 m |
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- Largest physiographic division: Peninsular Plateau
- Youngest mountain range: Himalayas
- Oldest mountain range: Aravalli
- Longest river in India: Ganga
- Longest river originating in India: Godavari
- Largest river island: Majuli (Assam)
- Highest peak in India: Kanchenjunga
- Largest delta: Sundarbans Delta
- India’s only active volcano: Barren Island
- Southernmost point of India: Indira Point
- Highest plateau: Ladakh Plateau
- Largest desert: Thar Desert
- Longest coastline state: Gujarat
- Largest coastal plain: Eastern Coastal Plain
- Largest island: Middle Andaman Island
