The highest peak in South India – Anamudi | other high peaks

Outside of the Himalayas, the Western Ghats is the mountain range with the highest peaks in India. There are several peaks in the Western Ghats having elevations greater than 2,500 m (8,200 ft). All of these above 2,500 m peaks are present in South India. Anamudi, which has an elevation of 2,695 m (8,842 ft), is the highest peak in South India. This article provides information about Anamudi as well as some other high peaks of South India.

Anamudi

Anamudi is the highest peak in South India as well as Western Ghats (2,695 m/8,842 ft). It is located in the Anaimalai Hills of Kerala, a subrange of Western Ghats. The peak is surrounded by dense evergreen forests which are home to some enthralling wildlife that includes the Asian elephant and the endangered Nilgiri tahr.

The Eravikulam National Park where Anamudi is located is just a few kilometers from Munnar, a hill station in South India famous for its tea and coffee plantations.

Anamudi peak is special in so many ways. It has the greatest topographic isolation of all peaks in India. Topographic isolation is the minimum distance to a point of equal elevation. Anamudi has topographic isolation of more than 2,100 km (1,305 miles). It means in a radius of about 2,100 km taking Anamudi as the center, no mountain exists which has an elevation greater than Anamudi.

Anamudi translates to “elephant’s head” in the local language. The peak got its name as it somewhat looks like an elephant’s head. Anamudi is also known as the “Everest of the South“.

Other high peaks in South India

Meesapulimala

Meesapulimala is just a tad shorter than Anamudi. It is the second-highest peak in South India and Western Ghats. The peak has an elevation of 2,640 m (8,661 ft).

Meesapulimala is a popular trekking destination that offers breathtaking views. The best time to trek Meesapulimala (or any other place in Western or Eastern Ghats) is from October to mid-March. During monsoons, rains are too heavy for a trek, and during summers, the scorching sun stops any activity.

Doddabetta

Doddabetta peak is the highest peak of the Nilgiri hills, a subrange of Western Ghats. It is one of the highest peaks in South India with an elevation of 2,637 m (8,652 ft). Located just 9 km from the popular hill station of Ooty, Doddabetta peak serves as a popular tourist spot. Tourists visiting Ooty often visit the peak.

Kolaribetta

Kolaribetta peak is the second-highest peak in the Nilgiri hills. The peak has an elevation of 2,630 m (8,629 ft). Located in Mukurthi National Park, the peak lies very close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.

(Also read: 10 major mountain ranges in India | subranges | destinations)

Highest mountain peak by South Indian state

State	Highest mountain peak
Kerala	Anamudi (2,695 m)
Tamil Nadu	Doddabetta (2,637 m)
Karnataka	Mullayanagiri (1,929 m)
Andhra Pradesh	Arma Konda (1,680 m)
Telangana	Doli Gutta (965 m)

Before you click away, lets learn some interesting facts.

• The Western Ghats mountain range is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, much older than the Himalayas.
• The Western Ghats range is one of the very few biodiversity hotspots in the world.
• The Nilgiri biosphere reserve where the Mukurthi National Park is located was the first biosphere reserve that was established in India. It was established in 1986.
• Trekking in the Western Ghats may provide you with an opportunity to see the Nilgiri tahr, a species endemic to Nilgiri hills and other ranges of South India. Nilgiri Tahr is a threatened species with only a few thousand indivisuals left in the world.
• Anamudi is the highest peak in Kerala, Western Ghats, and South India.
• Mullayana Giri is the highest peak in Karnataka. It has an elevation of 1,929 m. There is a small temple located at the summit dedicated to sage Mullappaa Swamy.
• The highest point in the Satpura range is Dhupgarh which has an elevation of 1,350 m.
• The highest point in the Aravali range is Guru Shikhar which has an elevation of 1,722 m.
• Doddabetta is the highest peak in Tamil Nadu with an elevation of 2,637 m (8,652 ft),

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Read more

• Major Mountain ranges in the world
• Highest mountains in the world – the eight-thousanders