Satpura Range

The Satpura Range is a picturesque chain of seven hills that winds its way from Gujarat’s eastern region to Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, completely through the center of the nation’s territory. Consider this range to be the green spine of the nation; it runs parallel to the Vindhya Range. This chain of hills, with its highest peak, Dhupgarh and Amarkantak, serves as a natural barrier. Stretching about 900 kilometers east to west, nestled between the Narmada and Tapti rivers, the range is a geographical landmark.

In this article, we are going to discuss the Satpura Range and its attached information in detail.

Satpura Range – Overview

Here is the general overview of Satpura Range as mentioned below:

Feature	Description
Composition	Satpura, Mahadeo, and Maikala hills
Formation	Tectonic, around 1.6 billion years ago, through folding and uplift, classified as a Horst.
Length	Approximately 900 km
States	States covering Satpura ranges are: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.
Highest Peak	Dhupgarh, located in Mahadeo Hills, Madhya Pradesh, India. Elevation: 1,350 meters.
Major Hills	Mahadeo hills (east of Satpura) featuring Pachmarhi and Dhupgarh (1350m); Maikala hills (east of Mahadeo) including Amarkantak plateau (1127m).
Geological Features	Rich in bauxite due to Gondwana rocks; composed mainly of schists, granites, and quartzites, covered in basalt lavas.
Natural Features	Home to Dhuandhar Falls over the Narmada in Madhya Pradesh; features plateau-like peaks, sharp southern slopes, and gentler northern ones; characterized by river valleys, fault scarps, and dense forests of teak, sal, and bamboo.
Location	Spans across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh; runs parallel to the Vindhya Range, dividing the Indo-Gangetic plain and the Deccan Plateau; spans from Gujarat to Chhattisgarh.
Significance	Part of the western Deccan plateau; forms a watershed between the Narmada and Tapti rivers, meaning “Seven Folds”; includes peaks over 4000 feet; offers rich biodiversity, rugged hills, dense forests, and significant geological features.
Climate variation	The eastern range receives more rainfall, contrasting with the drier western part.
Boundaries	Bounded by the Narmada Graben to the north and the Tapi Graben to the south; joins the Chotanagpur Plateau at its eastern end.
Topography	Varied, with heights ranging from 300 to 1,350 meters; highest peak is Dhupgarh.

Satpura Range on Map

Satpura Range

Satpura Range – Rivers

The Satpura Range plays a pivotal role in shaping the river systems of central India, marking the origin of significant rivers like the Narmada and Tapti which flow to the Arabian Sea, and influencing others like the Mahanadi and Godavari towards the Bay of Bengal. This geographical feature not only shapes the region’s river systems but also supports diverse ecosystems and human settlements across its span.

Satpura Range – Climate and Vegetation

The Satpura Range, with its varying climate from east to west, harbors diverse ecosystems.

• The eastern parts, receiving more rainfall, are covered in wet deciduous forests, forming an ecoregion with the eastern Ghats.
• The western Satpura, Narmada valley, and western Vindhya Range from the dry deciduous woodlands ecoregion.
• Significant forests persist, sheltering endangered species such as Bengal tigers and sloth bears.
• Key protected zones like Satpura National Park highlight the range’s ecological importance in a tropical climate.

7 Hills of Satpura Range

The Satpura Range does not have specifically named “seven hills” like some other mountain ranges. However, it is a vast range with numerous hills, peaks, and plateaus spread across different states. Here are some prominent hills and peaks in the Satpura Range:

Hill/Peak	Location
Dhupgarh	Madhya Pradesh
Mahadeo Peak	Madhya Pradesh
Chikhaldara	Maharashtra
Pachmarhi	Madhya Pradesh
Toranmal	Maharashtra
Chausath Yogini Temple	Madhya Pradesh
Kanha Hill	Madhya Pradesh

Satpura Range – Significance

• The Satpura Range provides essential amenities which includes regulating the climate, purification of water, as well as wildlife habitats, resulting in a gem of both ecological and cultural significance.
• It serves as a major the watershed, promotes creative endeavours, and supports agricultural production, forestry, and tourism.
• Many national parks, hill stations, reserves, and tourist numbers are all yearly draws to this area.
• A popular site for trekking, fishing, and outdoor pursuits, Pachmarhi is known as the “Queen of Satpuras.”
• Numerous biosphere reserves, rare species, rivers, waterfalls, and difficult terrain are among the attractions.
• The peak with the highest elevation in the Satpura Range is Dhupgarh.
• Being a horst, the Satpura Range is an elevated land mass delineated by faults.
• The Indian Subcontinent is divided between the northern Indo-Gangetic plain and the southern Deccan Plateau by the Satpura and Vindhya peak points.

Reserves Present – Satpura Range

Table indicating the Important reserves located in Satpura Range as mentioned below.

Reserve Name	Location
Satpura Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary	Maharashtra
Pench Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve	Madhya Pradesh
Kanha Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh
Sanjay Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary	Madhya Pradesh
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra

Conclusion

The Satpura Range, which runs throughout the centre of India, inherently divides the Deccan Plateau away from the Indo-Gangetic Plain. A zone rich in life, both ecologically and geologically speaking, the Satpura Range is more than just a collection of mountains. Because of its rivers, forests, and diverse topography, which support a vast diversity of species, the surrounding areas are inspired and fed. Indian natural resources and beauty must be preserved for future generations, as development plays a significant role in the nation’s ecological richness. This may be achieved by striking a balance between conservation and development.

Related Links

1. 7 Major Mountain Ranges in India
2. Highest Mountain Peaks in India
3. Types and Significance of Water Divide
4. Geographical Location of India

Satpura Range- FAQs

Why is Satpura Range famous?

The Satpura Range is famous for several reasons:

1. Biodiversity: The Satpura Range is known for its rich biodiversity, with diverse flora and fauna, including many endemic species.
2. Scenic Beauty: The Satpura Range is characterized by its scenic beauty, with picturesque landscapes, dense forests, rugged hills, and meandering rivers.
3. Cultural Heritage: The Satpura Range has a rich cultural heritage, with several ancient temples, caves, and archaeological sites scattered across the region.

What are the seven mountains of Satpura Range?

Dhupgarh, Shikhar, Mahadeo, Chota Mahadeo, Amarkantak, Bori, and Tapti are the seven mountains of Satpura Range.

What is the highest peak of Satpura range?

The highest peak of the Satpura Range is Dhupgarh. It is located in the Mahadeo Hills subrange of the Satpura Range in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.

In which state is Satpura range?

The Satpura Range spans across multiple states in central India. The states through which the Satpura Range passes include:

1. Madhya Pradesh
2. Maharashtra
3. Gujarat
4. Chhattisgarh

Which river flows from the Satpura range?

Tapi river and Narmada river flows from the Satpura range.

Who is the queen of Satpura?

The queen of Satpura is Pachmarhi .

How old is Satpura Range?

Satpura Range is approximately 600million to 65 million years old.