Western Ghats

The Western Ghats rise between the Konkan coast and the uplands around Belgaum. Their steep western slopes intercept the southwest monsoon, feeding streams and supporting forests from the coast towards the crest. East of the range the land opens onto the Deccan plateau. Passes through these hills linked the inland kingdoms of Karnataka and Maharashtra with the ports of the Arabian Sea, while the rugged terrain formed a formidable barrier to armies as well as travellers.