tourism in coastal plains of india

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Coastal Plains in India- Types & Significance (UPSC Notes)

The Indian coastline which is 7516.6 km long covers 6100 km of mainland coastline along with the Andaman, Nicobar and the Lakshadweep islands. The coastline of India touches 13 states and Union Territories. The western coastal plains are along the Arabian Sea whereas the eastern coastal plains are located along the Bay of Bengal.

Physical features of India are a very important segment in the Geography section of the UPSC syllabus . In this article, we talk in brief about the coastal plains in India. Candidates appearing for the IAS Exam can also download the notes PDF at the end of this article.

Coastal Plains in India

India is a country that is surrounded by the sea on three of its sides. The coastal plains in India are along the west and east of the country.  Extending up to 7516.6 km, the coastal plains in India are of two types:

Eastern Coastal Plains of India

Western Coastal Plains of India

The eastern coastal plains stretch from West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south and pass through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Deltas of the rivers Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari and Cauveri are present in the eastern coastal plain. The deltas are very fertile and productive for agriculture. Therefore, the delta of the River Krishna is called the ‘ Granary of South India ‘. The Eastern coast is again divided into three categories:

• Utkal coast:  Extending between the Chilika Lake and Kolleru Lake, they are much wider than the western coastal plains and undergo immense rainfall. Some of the crops that are cultivated here are rice, coconut and banana.
• Andhra coast:  Extending between the Kolleru Lake and Pulicat Lake, the Andra coast forms a basin area for the Krishna and the Godavari rivers.
• Coromandel coast:  The Coromandel coast extends between Pulicat Lake and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. This Indian coastline remains dry in summer and receives rainfall during the winters due to the north-east monsoons.

Western Coastal Plains stretches from Kerala in the south to Gujarat in the north passing through Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. The western coastal plains stretch for 1500 km north to south and its width ranges from 10 to 25 km. The West Continental Shelf is at its widest off the Bombay coast. This place is rich in oil. Along the Malabar Coast, there are many beautiful lagoons which makes the place a tourist destination. The western coast is narrower than the eastern coast.

The western coast is further divided into four categories:

• Kachchh and Kathiawar coast:  Kachchh, formerly a gulf is formed by the deposition of silt by the Indus. The area of Kachchh is covered with shallow water during the monsoons and is divided into Great Rann in the north and Little Rann in the east. Whereas, Kathiawar is situated to the south of Kachchh.
• Konkan coast: It extends between Daman in the north to Goa in the south. Rice and cashew are the two important crops of this region.
• Kanada coast: It extends between Marmagaon and Mangalore and is rich in iron deposits.
• Malabar coast: Extending between Mangalore to Kanyakumari, the Malabar coast is relatively broad. This region also consists of lagoons running parallel to the coast in southern Kerala.

Significance of Indian Coastlines

The coastlines of India extends up to 7516.6 km including the island groups Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep. As a result, the areas that are covered under the Indian coastlines enjoys a favourable climate with no extreme temperature which is ideal for human development. Some of the major significance of the coastal plains in India are mentioned below:

•  The coastal plains in India are mostly covered by fertile soils which are best for cultivations. Rice is the major crop that is cultivated in these regions.
• The big and small ports along the Indian coastlines helps in carrying out trade.
• The sedimentary rocks of these coastal plains are said to contain large deposits of mineral oil which can be used as a source of marine economy.
• Fishing has become an important occupation of the people living in coastal areas.
• The coastal plains in India are rich in coastal and marine ecosystems which also include a wide range of mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries and lagoons serving as great tourism potential.

The geographical distribution of India is an important part to cover for UPSC 2024 . Several questions can be asked from this section in the UPSC prelims as well as in the IAS mains exams.

Coastal Plains in India:- Download PDF Here

Frequently asked Questions about Coastal Plains

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• Coastal Plains of India

About Coastal Plains of India

The coastal plains of India lie on both sides of peninsular India. The eastern coastal plains of India are along the Arabian Sea and the western coastal plains of India are along the Bay of Bengal. The eastern coastal plains extend from West Bengal to the southernmost point of Kanyakumari and the western coastal plains extend from the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat to the southernmost point of Kanyakumari. As it is clear the coastal plains of India meet at the peninsular tip at Kanyakumari, also the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland. The coastal plains of India exist in-between the long-range mountain ranges and the water bodies on each side. The eastern coastal plains exist in-between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal and the western coastal plains exist between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. 

In India, the coastal regions are known for trade, agriculture, tourist centers, industrial centers, salt making, and fishing. They offer crucial hinterlands for the large ports. Different parts of the Indian coastal plains own fertile and rich soil where apart from the tice several other crops can be grown. 

A coastal plain is called a low-lying and flat land that is adjacent to the sea coast. The coastal plains in India lay on either side of the Deccan Plateau with the eastern and western coast of India. The total extension of these two is 6150 km from the Rann of Kutch from the west to West Bengal.

What is a Coastal Plain?

A coastal plain is a flat low-lying area of land, which is adjacent to the sea coast. Geographically speaking, a coastal plain is a low-relief landmass that is surrounded by the sea or an ocean on one side and the highlands on the other. Thus, they are bounded seaward because of the shoreline and landward because of the highlands. As one follows from the sea to the highlands, there is a gradual increase in the elevation of the land area rising gently in a series of flat-land terraces separated by scraps or hills with altitudes reaching 100m-300m.

Western Coastal Plains 

The western coastal plain is sandwiched between the Arabian sea and Western ghats. It is called a narrow plain. It comprises a three-section, Konkan (Mumbai Goa) is the northern part of India. Kannad Plain is the central stretch while the Malabar coast is known as the Southern Stretch.

Eastern Coastal Plains

The eastern coastal plain with the Bay of Bengal is leveled and wide. In the northern part, this is called the Northern Circar while the southern part is called the Coromandel Coast. The large rivers like Mahanadi, the Krishna, the Godavari and the Kaveri have also built enormous deltas on the coast. Chilika lake is a crucial feature of the eastern coast.

This is an overview of these two types of coastal plains, you will get the detailed definition of these two prepared by the Vedantu experts below.

Coastal Plains of India and How are they Formed?

The story of the coastal plains of India and how they are formed is an interesting one from the viewpoint of geography. The Indian subcontinent was part of a supercontinent called the Gondwanaland about 140 million years ago. As the supercontinent split, the Indian tectonic landmass got isolated and over millions of years traveled towards the Eurasian plate and eventually combined with it. Thus, the regular and quite straight coastline of India is the result of the breaking up of the Gondwanaland during the Cretaceous period. Because of this breaking, it not only gave rise to the coast-line in the south but with it the coastal plains of India also came into existence. 

As is already known the coastal plains of India are divided into the following two coastal plains:

Western Coastal Plains

Both the coastal plains together form a coastline of 7516.6km. This coastline includes the Indian mainland coastline with a length of 6100km and the shorelines of the Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar islands. The coastal plains of India are a part of 13 state and union territories of India. Altogether the coastal plains is a result of a beautiful formation of landmass because of the location of the three huge water bodies surrounding the Indian subcontinent. 

Both the eastern coastal plains and western coastal plains are shown in the given figure:

Both the coastal plains are further explained below:

The eastern coastal plains stretch from West Bengal in the north to the southern tip of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, in the south. The coastal plains also include the states of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. As mentioned above they lie between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. The region covers deltas formed by the rivers of Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri spread throughout the southeast peninsula. These deltas of the eastern coastal plains are very fertile. An example of this is the delta of the river Krishna which is known as the ‘Granary of South India’. 

The eastern coastal plains can be further subdivided into the following three coasts:

The Utkal Coast: They extend from Chilka Lake to the Kollur Lake covering a very wide area. It is the recipient of heavy rainfall owing to the Eastern Ghats. Rice, coconut, and banana are some of the major crops for cultivation. 

Andhra Coast: It extends from Kollur Lake in the north to Pulicat Lake in the south. It covers the basin area of the Krishna and Godavari rivers. 

Coromandel Coast: It falls in between Pulicat Lake and Kanyakumari. It also received high rainfall because of the northeast monsoon, especially during the winter season. 

When asked to name the states union territories forming the eastern coastline the answer can be given from above as West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The western coastal plains extend from Gujarat in the north to the state of Kerala in the South. In-between it covers the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. Although it covers a length of 1500 km, the western coastal plains are very narrow as compared to their counterpart in the east with a width of 10 km to 25 km. The Bombay Coast is the widest area of the western coastal plains. Significant features of these coastal plains include oil-rich areas and beautiful lagoons in the Malabar Coast which are attractive tourist destinations. Even they receive heavy rainfall due to the Western Ghats during the southwest monsoon.

The western coastal plains can be further divided into the following areas:

Kachchh and Kathiawar Coast: Kachchh formed from the silt deposition by the Indus is covered with shallow water during the monsoon season. It is divided into the Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch in the east. Located to the south of Kutch comes the Kathiawar coast.

Konkan Coast: It extends from Daman union territory in the north to the state of Goa in the south. The major crops that grow in these coastal areas are rice and cashew nuts. 

Kanada Coast: An iron-rich area this region lies in-between the Marmagaon and Mangalore regions. 

Malabar Coast: Extending between Mangalore and Kanyakumari it is a relatively broad area and is well-known for the lagoons running parallel to the southern coast in Kerala.

In India, coastal plains do not offer many port areas but host many attractive sites for tourist destinations. Along with that, they are recipients of high rainfall and thus are centers of many economical, agricultural, and pisciculture activities. A very brief description of the coastal plains of India is given in this article which also offers an insight into the peculiarities of the Indian landmass. 

Several crops depend on the coastal regions in India, so their importance must be well-known by each citizen. As discussed above, different regions support the cultivation of different crops, so a fair idea about it could help students gain better marks in their examination. The aim of Vedantu experts is not only to help the students gain better marks, but they also gain knowledge about the different parts of the country.

FAQs on Coastal Plains of India

1. What are the Coastal Plains of India?

The coastal plains of India are divided into two: the Eastern Coastal Plains and the Western Coastal Plains. The Eastern Coastal Plains lie in between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal covering the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The Western Coastal Plains lie in between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea covering the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala. So, this is how all the coastal plains are described.

2. What are Coastal Plains?

Coastal plains are low lying flat-lands near the sea-shore. They are surrounded by a huge water body such as an ocean or a sea on one side and highlands on the other. Thus, the flat-lands bounded seaward due to the sea-shore and landward due to the highlands. There is a gradual increase in the landmass as one goes from the sea-shore to the highlands which is a characteristic feature of the coastal plains.

3. How eastern and western coastal plains are differentiated? 

The topic of differentiating eastern and western coastal plains is crucial for the students as this topic brings a good chance to gain marks. In UPSC preparation as well, this topic is considered crucial. Moreover, the eastern coast is broader than the western coastal plains. Eastern coastal plain is present in between the bay of Bengal in the Eastern ghats and east to its west. While the western coastal plain is present between the western ghats and the Arabian sea.

4. Is it enough to study eastern and western coastal plains from Vedantu? 

Yes, Veddantu has explained eastern and western coastal plains in a very detailed manner. The subject matter experts of Vedantu have explained all the sides of both the plains, their formation, their features, and more. The information by the Vedantu tutors has been framed in a manner that students will be able to gain knowledge as well as a great score for their examination. To make the most of the given data, the students have to do a thorough study so that they can utilize it in the best possible manner.

5. How could I download the study material of eastern and western coastal plains from Vedantu? 

The process of downloading eastern and western coastal plains study material from Vedantu is really simple. You just need to log in using your username and password. Once you are there, you can access it online and read it and for further study, you can get a printable PDF. In addition to this, the Vedantu tutors are available for its students if they are not able to get any topics or have any confusion. Thus, the process of reaching Vedantu is really simple to follow.

Coastal Areas of India

Coastal Areas of India: The Indian coastline of about 7516.6 km includes 5422.6 km of mainland and 2094 km of coastline belonging to Indian islands, the major ones being the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea. The coastline touches 13 States and Union Territories of India. 

India has acomparativelyunswerving and consistent coastline with not many sites for natural harbors of good quality. It is believed that the origin of the Indian coastline was the faulting or in other words the Continental Drift of the Gondwanaland during the Cretaceous period. The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea also came into existence during the Cretaceous or early Tertiary period after the disintegration of Gondwanaland. The Indian Coastline comprises the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala,

Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal. The Cities in the Coastline of

India are notable for trading through Ships from International as well as domestic coastal cities.Apart from the big port cities the coasts are also dotted with small yet beautiful towns and villages that have beautiful beaches and quaint ways of life that are major tourist attractions.

Eastern Coast of India

The eastern coast is situated in the middle ofthe Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.It stretches from the Sunderbans delta to the southern tip of the Indian mainland, Kanyakumari.It is dotted with various deltas e.g. those of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Cauvery.The lagoon in the the Pulicat lake and the Chilka lake are important geographical landmarks of the east coast. The eastern coast has regional names by which they are more popular locally e.g. Odisha coast is locally known as the Utkal Coast, south of the Utkal lies the Andhra coast and south to the Andhra lies the Tamil Nadu coast. The southern part of the Andhra coast and the Tamil Nadu together are called the Coramandal coast.

East Coastal Plain

The coastal plains commence in the north with the Suwarnarekha River and stretches to Kanyakumari in the south. The plains lie between the eastern coastline, bordered by the Bay of Bengal in the east and to the i.e. west are the Eastern Ghat Hills. The East Coastal Plains extend for about 1500 km.

In comparison to the western plains, the eastern coastal plains are wider. The fertile plains are known as the ‘Granary of the South’ as nearly a quarter of the eastern coastal plain area is a part of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri deltas.

The Eastern Coastal Plain is dotted with a number of Sand Dune Lagoons that are enclosed between the sand dunes and the coast. These are slightly bridged to the bay e.g. Chilka Lake in the Utkal coast, Kolleru and Pulicat lakes in the Andhra coast. The island of Shriharikota, which is the satellite and rocket launching hub, the Space Research Centre, of India is situated in the Pulicatlake.

West Coast of India

The western coast is situated in the middle of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.It extends from the Gulf of Cambay in the north to Cape Comorin in the south. The coasts are rich in alluvium brought by the streams that originate in the Western Ghats. There are a number of small bays (coves), estuaries (Narmada and Tapi) and creeks in the west coast. The Kerala coast is dotted with geographical features like lakes, lagoons and backwaters, the largest being the Vembanad Lake.

The western coast has regional names by which they are more popular locally e.g. the Maharashtra and the Goa coast are known as the Konkan coast and the Karnataka and the Kerala  coast are known as the Malabar Coast.

West Coastal Plain

The north to south extension of the Western Coastal Plain is from the white salt desert of Kutch to Kanyakumari,respectively. To the east of the plains are the Western Ghats and to the west is the clear blue Arabian Sea.The West Coastal Plains are comparatively narrower than the eastern coastal Plains, the plains get narrower as they proceed to the south. Andunlike, the eastern plains the rivers that originate in the Western Ghats Hills do not form deltas while draining into the Arabian Sea.

The West Coastal Plains are very important with the view of agriculture and trade. A lot of sugarcane, spices, rice and coconut are produced in these fertile plains and the ports of Chennai, Mormugao, Mumbai, Kochi etc. are important sea ports from which international trade is carried out.

Significance of Coastal Regions

• The Coastal areas of India are extremely fertile regions and are an important source of crops like rice, exotic crops like various spices and rich crops like dry fruits.
• Coconut trees grow all along the coast. These are not only fruit bearing trees but are also a source of coconut oil, coconut husk which is also used as fuel by the locals.
• The coastal areas are very significant for international and domestic sea-route trade. The complete length of the coast is marked with seaports of various sizes that aide and encourage trade.
• Mineral oil is another resource which is found in the sedimentary rocks of the coastal plains. Large deposits of mineral oil are said to be in theKrishna-Godavari Basin.
• MONAZITE, a reddish-brown phosphate mineral containing rare earth metals is found in fair amounts in the sands of the Kerala coast, is an important component in the generation of nuclear power.
• Another important occupation of coastal areas is fishing.
• Production of salt is prevalent in the low lying areas of Gujarat.
• Coastal areas are prime tourist destination as they have a spectacular variety of attractions to offer to visitors. The beaches, coral reefs, adventure activities, nature, scenic beauty are just to name a few.

List of Coastal Cities in India

12 most popular beaches of india.

The Indian coastline extends to an impressive 7,516.6 km bordered by the Bay of Bengal in the east, Indian Ocean in the south and the Arabian Sea in the west. The coastline of

India has a splendour of mesmerising beaches. The coastline is a treasure trove for tourists with their golden and white beaches. Tourists from world over flock to the exotic beaches of Goa, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar etc. Apart, from their beauty the beaches offer ample opportunities for adventures sports, mostly water adventure such as surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling etc.

1. Calangute Beach, Goa

It is amongst the popular beaches of North Goa. It is famous for the Goan nightlife and mouth-watering seafood. The beach also offers water sports like Parasailing, sailing, windsurfing etc. Otherfamous beaches of Goa are Anjuna, Palolem,Colva, Candolimetc.

2. Kovalam Beach, Kerala

The Kovalam is unanimously considered as the most beautiful beach of Kerala and amongst the most frequented beaches of India. Kovalam is in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and is its natural beauty makes gives you a heavenly feeling. Kovalamis a group of three beaches and stretches for about 17 km on the Arabian Sea coast. The beaches that comprise Kovalam are the Lighthouse Beach, the Hawah Beach and the Samudra Beach. Other popular beaches of Kerala are the Alappuzha Beach and the Muzhappilangad Beach with, Muzhappilangad being the only Drive-in Beach in Asia.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

3. Diveagar Beach, Maharashtra

This beautiful stretch of beach known as Diveagar, is a part of the Maharashtra or

Konkan coast, it is at a distance of about 170 km from Mumbai. Located on the MumbaiGoa highway, Diveagar Beach has a dense coverage of Belu trees. The Konkan coast of Maharashtra is famous for typical white-sand beaches and palm trees.

4. Marina Beach, Tamil Nadu

Marina is the hot spot of Chennai, located on the Coramandal coast.The beach stretches for about 13 km along the Bay of Bengal, making a name for itself for being the longest urban beach of the country.

5. Puri Beach, Orissa

The Puri Beach, situated in the same city as the famous JagannathPuri Temple, is a tourist attracting beacon.This beach is popular for sand art and the Puri Beach Festival, which is held annually. This treasure of nature is located just 35km from the famousKonark templeand 60 km from the capital city Bhubaneshwar.

6. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman Islands

The award winning Radhanagar Beach is on the Havelock Island in the Great Andaman. It has been awarded for its quality and beauty and is ranked amongst the best beaches of Asia and is one of the must visit beaches of India. Other, nearby, popular beaches are Vijaynagar Beach,and Elephant Beach.

7. Devka Beach, Daman and Diu

Located in Daman, Devka Beach is an importanttourist attractions of the area. The beach offers a number of water sports and a golden sand beach with Coconut, Palm and Hoka trees lining the coastline.Other popular beaches of Daman and Diu are

Chakratirth,Gomtimata, Nagao and a petite Sunset Point.

8. Agatti Island Beach, Lakshadweep

The tranquil beaches of the Lakshdweep islands are popular for their quality beaches, especially for swimming. Amongst them is the Agatti beach, which stretches for about 5.6 km. The coral atoll, sparkling clear waters,coral fishes and coral reefs make this beach unique. The availability of water adventure sports like scuba diving,snorkeling and kayaking is another point gainer for the beach.

9. Promenade Beach, Puducherry

A major attraction for the tourists in Puducherry, the Promenade beach is a fascinating natural site.The road runs alongsidethe Beach dotted with famous landmarks like the Heritage Town hall,Dupleix and Statue of Mahatma Gandhi situated along the beach.

Other popular beaches of Puducherry are Paradise beach and the Auroville beach.

10. Ramakrishna Beach, Andhra Pradesh

This beach is afamous tourist attraction siteof Visakhapatnam and believed to be one of the most exotic beaches on the Eastern Coast. The spectacular beach is full of action with swimming, sun bathing and beach volleyball. Apart from this, the nearby Aquarium museum and the Kali temple are also must visit sites for the tourists. Other popular beaches of Andhra Pradesh are Suryalanka, Manginapudi,Rishikondand Bheemunipatnambeaches.

11. Digha Beach, Kolkata

The Digha Beach of Kolkata is one of the most frequented beaches of the Bay of Bengal coast. The last few years have witnessed the growing popularity of the Digha beach, especially as an excursion or a weekend getaway destination.The other popular beaches around the Digha beach are the New Digha,Chandaneshwar and Shankarpur.

12. Karwar Beach, Karnataka

Situated on the banks of the river Kali, Karwar is a good place to enjoy sun, sea and sand. The beauty of this beach has inspired many an artist. Karwar Beach is abeautiful natural  tourism product especially because of its flora and fauna and the fascinating Kali river bridge. Other popular beaches along the Karwar are the Devbagh Beach, Casurina Beach and Binaga Beach.

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Gorgeous coastal towns to visit in India

Panchali Dey , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA Updated : Aug 6, 2021, 08:00 IST

India’s coastline is one of the world’s longest, and is home to some gorgeous coastal towns that are quite popular with tourists from far and near. Most of these coastal cities are located along the south-west coast of India and assure a peaceful and calm getaway through the country’s unparalleled natural riches. If you are intrigued, check these gorgeous coastal towns in India that you should definitely visit.

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is one of the most culturally rich coastal cities, located on the southern end of India. Home to famous ancient temples, memorials, museums, forts, and religious sites, Kanyakumari is a city that has a lot to offer. Some of the top attractions of this place are the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thanumalayan Temple, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Wandering Monk Museum, and Vattakottai Fort. Also, Sothavilai, Muttom, and Sanguthurai are some more seaside spots that you should not miss visiting.

Kerala’s another dreamy coastal town is Kovalam that is famed for being home to architectural wonders, calm beaches, and beautiful landscapes. When here, you get to witness the best combination of sun, sand and sea, and it is worth a visit. Further, since the city boasts of pleasant weather throughout the year, its beaches, such as Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, and Lighthouse Beach are major crowd pullers. Also, if you have time, don’t miss visiting the Aazhimala Shiva Temple and Halcyon Castle.

Well-known for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine beaches, Gokarna is one of the popular vacation spots in South India. Nestled on the coast of Karwar in Karnataka, this coastal city is an ideal spot to experience the best of sun as well as sand. Places of interest that are popular among visitors are Gokarna Beach, Om Beach, Paradise Beach, Mahabaleshwara Temple, and Koti Tirtha.

Also known as the Gateway to Kerala, Kochi is one of the most gorgeous coastal cities that South India boasts of. This beautiful sea paradise is a famous port city, which is dotted with basilicas, ancient buildings and forts, palaces, and synagogues. Being home to numerous beaches, such as Fort Kochi Beach, Veeranpuzha Beach, Cherai Beach, and many more, Kochi makes for an interesting spot to indulge in various water sports. Apart from this, the must-visit attractions here are Paradesi Synagogue, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kerala Folklore Museum, and Hill Palace.

Pondicherry

It’s a beautiful coastal city in India that is well-known for its modern-day elegance, as well as old-world charm. Popularly known as Pondy, this former French colony is famous for its colonial architecture, rich culture, forts, pristine beaches, and palaces that date back to the pre-colonial era. Some of the best spots to enjoy waterside activities are the Promenade Beach, Auroville Beach, Serenity Beach, Karaikal Beach, and Mahe Beach.

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India’s coastline is one of the world’s longest, and is home to some gorgeous coastal towns that are quite popular with tourists from far and near. Most of these coastal cities are located along the s...

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Coastal Plains – Classification and Significant Features – UPSC Indian Geography Notes

Coastal plains, sprawling expanses of low-lying land adjacent to oceans or seas, exhibit a unique blend of geological, ecological, and cultural significance. Characterized by their gentle slopes and proximity to bodies of water, coastal plains represent vital interfaces between terrestrial and marine environments, offering diverse ecosystems and supporting a multitude of life forms. From the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast to the marshy deltas of river mouths, these plains serve as dynamic landscapes shaped by natural forces such as tides, currents, and erosion. Their significance extends beyond their scenic beauty, encompassing economic activities, biodiversity conservation, and human settlement. Understanding the features and functions of coastal plains is crucial for environmental management, sustainable development, and safeguarding against the impacts of climate change.

• Stretching over 7516.6 kilometres, the Indian coastline encompasses 6100 kilometres of mainland shorelines and the islands of Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep. 
• Comprising 13 states and union territories, the coastal geography is characterized by the western coastal lowlands bordering the Arabian Sea and the eastern coastal plains running parallel to the Bay of Bengal.

The Peninsular plateau is flanked by narrow coastal strips that stretch along the west, bordering the Arabian Sea, and the east, along the Bay of Bengal.

India’s coastal plains, with a combined length of 7516.6 km, are categorized into two distinct regions:

• Eastern Coastal Plains of India
• Western Coastal Plains of India

Table of Contents

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN

• The Western Coastal Plains extend from Kerala in the south to Gujarat in the north, passing through Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. 
• Spanning approximately 1500 kilometers from north to south, these plains exhibit varying widths ranging from 10 to 25 kilometers. 
• The West Continental Shelf reaches its maximum breadth near the coast of Bombay, where the region is abundant in oil resources.
• Noteworthy features of the Western Coastal Plains include picturesque lagoons along the Malabar Coast, making it a sought-after tourist destination. 
• In comparison to the eastern coast, the western shore is narrower. The western coast is further divided into four distinct sections:

Kachchh and Kathiawar Coast:

• Formed by the deposition of silt carried by the Indus, the coasts of Kachchh and Kathiawar feature unique landscapes.
• During monsoons, Kachchh experiences shallow flooding, dividing the land into the Great Rann in the north and the Little Rann in the east.
• The Kutch Peninsula, once an island surrounded by oceans and lagoons, was filled with material transported by the Indus River over time.
• Recent lack of rainfall has led to a parched and semi-desert environment in Kachchh.

Konkan Coast:

• Stretching from Daman in the north to Goa in the south, the Konkan coast is known for its cultivation of rice and cashew.
• This region boasts a diverse agricultural landscape and a scenic coastal stretch.

Kanada Coast:

• Extending from Madgaon to Mangalore, the Kanada coast is abundant in iron resources.
• The narrow plain, with an average width of 30-50 kilometers (maximum 70 kilometers near Mangalore), is characterized by streams originating in the Western Ghats, forming waterfalls in certain areas.

Malabar Coast:

• Stretching from Mangalore to Kanyakumari, the Malabar coast is extensive and features lagoons running parallel to the shore in southern Kerala.
• Notable features include ‘Kayals’ (backwaters) that serve various purposes such as fishing, interior navigation, and tourism.
• The Malabar coast exhibits distinct characteristics, contributing to its significance in the regional landscape.

EASTERN COASTAL PLAIN

• The Eastern Coastal Plains span from West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, traversing Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. 
• Distinguished by the deltas of major rivers like Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Cauvery, these plains are agriculturally vibrant, characterized by exceptionally fertile and productive soils. 
• The Krishna River delta, renowned as the “Granary of South India,” exemplifies the agricultural prosperity supported by these deltas.

The eastern shore is categorized into three distinct sections :

Utkal coast:.

• Extending from Chilika Lake to Kolleru Lake, the Utkal coast is notably wider than the western coastal plains, receiving substantial rainfall.
• Cultivation of crops such as rice, coconut, and banana thrives in this region.
• The Mahanadi delta is a significant part of the Utkal coast, with Chilka Lake standing out as a prominent physiographic feature.

Andhra Coast:

• Stretching from Kolleru Lake to Pulicat Lake, the Andhra coast serves as a basin for the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
• South of the Utkal Plain, this area extends up to Pulicat Lake, with Sriharikota Island forming a natural barrier to the lake.
• The Andhra coast, except for Visakhapatnam and Machilipatnam, features a straight shoreline and a limited number of excellent harbors.

Coromandel Coast:

• Extending from Pulicat Lake to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, the Coromandel coast experiences dry conditions in the summer and receives rainfall during the winter, influenced by the northeast monsoons.
• The most notable feature of the Coromandel coast is the Cauvery delta, spanning 130 kilometers in width.
• The Cauvery delta, known for its fertile lands and extensive irrigation systems, has earned the reputation of being the “granary of South India.”
• The Eastern Coastal Plains, with their rich agricultural practices and diverse physiographic features, play a crucial role in India’s economic and agricultural landscape.
• India boasts a coastline that spans approximately 7516.6 kilometers, encompassing the island groups of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. 
• The coastal regions benefit from a favorable environment characterized by moderate temperatures, making them conducive to human habitation and growth.

The coastal plains of India are predominantly covered by fertile soils, creating an ideal setting for agriculture. Among the crops cultivated, rice holds significant importance as a staple food in these regions. The expanse of the Indian coasts is dotted with both large and small ports, facilitating robust commercial activities.

Notably, the sedimentary rocks found in these coastal plains are reported to harbor substantial reserves of mineral oil, presenting opportunities for marine-based economic activities. Fishing has emerged as a vital occupation for communities residing along the coast, contributing to the livelihoods of many.

Beyond economic activities, the coastal plains of India are rich in diverse coastal and marine ecosystems. Mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and lagoons are among the varied habitats that flourish along the coasts. This ecological diversity not only supports marine life but also provides excellent opportunities for tourism. The scenic beauty and biodiversity of these coastal areas attract visitors, contributing to the tourism sector and offering recreational experiences for enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

FAQs – Indian Coastal Plains and Peninsular Plateau:

1. how long is the indian coastline, and what does it include.

A: The Indian coastline stretches approximately 7516.6 kilometers, encompassing mainland shorelines and islands such as Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep.

2. What are the two main categories of India’s coastal plains?

A: India’s coastal plains are divided into the Eastern Coastal Plains and Western Coastal Plains.

3. Describe the Western Coastal Plains, including notable features.

A: The Western Coastal Plains extend from Kerala to Gujarat, covering Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. Features include oil-rich regions, picturesque lagoons, and distinct sections like Kachchh and Kathiawar, Konkan, Kanada, and Malabar.

4. What are the distinct sections of the Western Coastal Plains?

A: The Western Coastal Plains are divided into Kachchh and Kathiawar, Konkan, Kanada, and Malabar coasts.

5. Highlight the characteristics of the Malabar Coast.

A: The Malabar Coast, stretching from Mangalore to Kanyakumari, features extensive lagoons, including ‘Kayals’ (backwaters) used for fishing, navigation, and tourism.

6. Explain the Eastern Coastal Plains and its significant deltas.

A: The Eastern Coastal Plains span from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu, hosting major river deltas like Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Cauvery. These deltas are highly fertile, with the Krishna River delta known as the “Granary of South India.”

7. What are the distinct sections of the Eastern Coastal Plains?

A: The Eastern Coastal Plains are divided into the Utkal Coast, Andhra Coast, and Coromandel Coast.

8. What is the agricultural significance of the Cauvery delta in the Coromandel Coast?

A: The Cauvery delta, part of the Coromandel Coast, is renowned as the “granary of South India” due to its fertile lands and extensive irrigation systems.

9. How is the Peninsular Plateau shaped geologically?

A: The Peninsular Plateau is a flat elevated landmass composed of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. It originated from the fragmentation and movement of the Gondwana continent.

10. What are the key characteristics of the Central Highlands within the Peninsular Plateau?

A: The Central Highlands feature a sloping terrain, rounded sandstone hills, and tributaries like Chambal, Kali Sindh, Banas, Parwan, and Parbati rivers.

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Coastal Plains in India

Coastal plains in india.

• Coastline of India is about 7517 Km long.
• 6100 km of mainland coastline and 1417 km Indian islands .
• 13 States and UTs have coastal plains in India
• Gujarat – 1215 Km
• Andhra Pradesh – 974Km
• Tamil Nadu – 907 Km
• Maharashtra – 652.6 Km
• Kerala – 569.7 Km
• Odisha – 476.4 Km
• Karnataka – 280 Km
• Goa (with Daman & Diu) – 160.5 Km
• West Bengal – 157.5 Km
• Puducherry – 30.6 Km (UT)

Western Coastline of India

• Kutch and Kathiawar coast

Gujarat Plain

• Konkan coast
• Malabar coast

Eastern Coastline of India

Utkal plain, andhra plain, coromandel coast.

Western Coastal Plains of India

• It extends from Rann of Kutch  in the north to Cape Comorin (Kanniyakumari).
• Western coastal plains in India are an example of a submerged coastal plain .
• Because of this submergence, it is a narrow belt with an average width of about 65 km
• It provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbors.
• Kandla, Mazagaon, JLN port Navha Sheva, Marmagao, Mangalore, Cochin, etc. are some important natural ports located along the west coast.
• Western coastal plains of India are narrow in the middle and get broader towards north and south.
• Rivers flowing through this coastal plain do not form any delta but a few estuaries.
• The estuaries of the Narmada and the Tapi are important.

Kutch & Kathiawar Coast

• Kutch coast is an extension of the Peninsular plateau ( made of the Deccan Lava ).
• It is treated as part of the Western coastal plains of India as they are now leveled down.
• The Kutch Peninsula was an island surrounded by seas and Kutch lagoons .
• These seas and lagoons were later filled by sediment brought by the Indus River which used to flow through this area.
• Lack of rains in recent times has turned it into an arid and semi-arid landscape.
• Salt-soaked plain to the north of Kutch is the Great Rann.
• Its southern continuation, known as the Little Rann lies on the coast and southeast of Kutch.
• The Kathiawar Peninsula lies to the south of the Kutch.
• The Gir Range is located in the southern part of the Kathiawar peninsula.
• It is covered with dense forests and is famous as the home of the Gir lion.
• Mt. Girnar (1,117 m) is the highest point and is of volcanic origin .
• The Gujarat Plain lies east of Kutch and Kathiawar and slopes towards the west and south-west.
• Formed by the rivers Narmada , Tapi , Mahi and Sabarmati
• The plain includes the southern part of Gujarat and the coastal areas of the Gulf of Khambat .
• The eastern part of this plain is fertile enough to support agriculture

Konkan Coast

• The Konkan coast is located in the south of the Gujarat plain.
• Konkan coast extends from Daman to Goa.
• It is a 720 km long coastline.
• This is the most submerged coastal plains of India.
• Konkan coast has some features of marine erosion including cliffs, shoals, reefs and islands in the Arabian Sea .
• The Thane creek around Mumbai is an important coastline of India which provides an excellent natural harbour.
• Coast of Goa and Karnataka
• It is the narrowest coastal plain with an average width of 8-25 km, the maximum being 70 km near Mangalore.
• Sharavati river makes Gersoppa (Jog) Falls which is 271 m high.

Malabar Coast

• The Kerala Plain is also known as the Malabar Plain.
• Between Mangalore and Kanniyakumari.
• It is a wider and low-lying plain.
• Malabar coast is a compound coastline.
• It shows evidence of both submergence and emergence coastal plain.
• The existence of lakes , lagoons , backwaters , spits, etc. is a significant characteristic of the Malabar coast.
• The backwaters, locally known as kayals are the shallow lagoons.
• Largest among these is the Vembanad Lake .
• Every year the famous Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) is held in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala.

Eastern Coastal Plains of India

• The Eastern coastline is extended from the Subarnarekha river along the West Bengal-Odisha border to Kanniyakumari .
• The Eastern coastal plain of India is broader and is an example of an emergent coast .
• There are well-developed deltas on the eastern coastline of India
• Deltas formed by the rivers flowing eastward into the Bay of Bengal, include Mahanadi , Godavari , Krishna , and Kaveri.
• The Eastern coastline of India is emergent in nature and the continental shelf extends up to 500 km into the sea.
• It makes it difficult for the development of good ports and harbors.
• This plain is known as
• Northern Circars – Mahanadi to Krishna river
• Carnatic – Krishna to Cauvery river
• Tropical cyclones originate in the Bay of Bengal and make landfall on the Eastern coast.
• Most of these tropical cyclones impact the Coromandel Coast.
• The Utkal Plain comprises coastal areas of Odisha .
• It includes the Mahanadi river delta.
• The most prominent physiographic feature of this plain is the Chilika Lake .
• It is the biggest lake in the country and its area varies between 780 sq km in winter to 1,144 sq km in the monsoon months.
• South of the Utkal Plain and extends up to Pulicat Lake .
• Pulicat lake has been barred by a long sand spit known as Sriharikota Island .
• The two deltas of Godavari and Krishna have merged with each other and formed a single physiographic unit.
• The combined delta has advanced by about 35 km toward the sea during recent years.
• Kolleru Lake which was once a lagoon at the shore but now lies far inland.
• This coastline of India lacks good harbors except for Vishakhapatnam and Machilipatnam .
• Coromandel Coast or Tamil Nadu Plain stretches from Pulicat lake to Kanniyakumari.
• Pulicat Lake is the 2nd largest brackish water lagoon in India.
• The fertile soil and large scale irrigation facilities have made the Cauvery delta ( Thanjavur ) the granary of South India .
• Coromandel Coast or Payan Ghat plain stretches from Krishna delta to Kanyakumari

Significance of the Coastal Plains in India

• Large parts of the coastal plains in India are covered by fertile soils on which different crops are grown.
• Coconut trees grow all along the coastline of India.
• The entire length of the coastline of India is dotted with big and small ports which help in carrying out trade.
• The sedimentary rocks of these plains are said to contain large deposits of mineral oil ( KG Basin ).
• Sands of M alabar   coast have large quantities of Monazite sand , which can be used for nuclear power.
• Fishing is an important occupation of the people living in the coastal plains of India.
• Low lying areas of Gujarat are famous for producing salt.
• Kerala’s backwaters are important tourist destinations .
• Goa provides good beaches. This is also an important tourist destination.

Some Important Beaches

• Marina, TN – The longest beach in India
• Kovalam, Kerala – Monazite and Limonite found here
• Girgaum Chowpatti, MH – Famous for Ganesh Chaturthi
• Alappuzha, Kerala – Venice of the East

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Western and Eastern Coastal Plains of India

Coastal Plains in India: India has a total of 7517 kilometres of coastline, of which 6100 km are on the peninsula between the peninsular plateau and the sea.

Coastal Plains in India: India has a total of 7517 kilometres of coastline, of which 6100 km are on the peninsula between the peninsular plateau and the sea. India's peninsular plateau is bordered by slender coastal plains that vary in breadth from north to south. 

These can be broadly split into two categories based on their geographic location and current geomorphological processes:

• The western coastal plains
• The eastern coastal plains.

How were coastal plains formed?

India was a component of the Gondwanaland supercontinent. One hundred forty million years ago, it was there. The supercontinent separated, leaving the tectonic landmass of India all by itself. It travelled toward the Eurasian plate for millions of years before joining it.

India's regular and predominantly straight coastline results from Gondwanaland's disintegration during the Cretaceous epoch. The coastal plains of India were also created as a result, in addition to the southern coastline.

Western Coastal Plains: 

Extent: Between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, a narrow band of coastal plains called the Western Coastal Plains is 50 km wide. These plains stretch from the coast of Gujarat in the north to the coast of Kerala in the south.

Physiography and other characteristics:

• India's west coast is both emerging and submerging. Faulting has caused the northern portion of the coast to be submerged, and the Kerala coast in the south is an example of an emerging shore.
• The western coastal plains are r elatively small in the centre and gradually gain wider as they move north and south. Except for the coastal areas of Kachchh and Kathiawar, these are smaller than their eastern counterparts.
•  The South-West Monsoon winds have impacted the coast for six months since it is straight. So the coastal plains in the west are wetter than those in the east.
• The western coast's greater indentation than the eastern coast provides the natural prerequisites for developing ports and harbours. Important natural ports on the west coast include Kandla, Mazagaon, JLN port Navha Sheva, Marmagao, Mangalore, Cochin, etc.
• Coves (a very small bay), creeks (a short, sheltered waterway such as an inlet in a shoreline or channel in a marsh), and a few estuaries scattered over the western coastal plains. The two largest estuaries are those of the Narmada and the Tapi.
• No delta is formed by the rivers that pass across this coastal plain. Numerous little rivers flow down from the Western Ghats, creating a series of waterfalls.
• The Kayals - The "Kayals" are a distinctive feature of the Malabar coast (backwaters). The shallow lagoons or inlets of the sea that make up these backwaters run parallel to the coastline. These are important tourist destinations and are used for inland navigation and fishing. The Vembanad lake is the biggest of these lagoons. Kochi is located near the sea's entrance.

Subdivisions:

The western coastal plains may be divided into the following sub-sections

Kutch and Kathiawar region: Although Kathiawar is built of Deccan Lava and there are Tertiary Rocks in the Kutch area, Kutch and Kathiawar are still recognized as vital parts of the Western Coastal Plains since they have been levelled down.An island with seas and lagoons surrounding it was the Kutch Peninsula. Later, material from the Indus River, which once flowed through this region, was imported to fill these seas and lagoons. The recent drought has left the area with an arid and semi-arid terrain. The Great Rann is a salt-drenched plain to the north of Kutch. The Little Rann, its southern extension, is located on the seashore and southeast of Kachchh. South of the Kachchh is where you will find the Kathiawar Peninsula. Small streams emanate from a highland in the Mandav Hills' centre in all directions  

Gujarat Plain: East of Kachchh and Kathiawar is the Gujarat Plain, which slopes toward the west and southwest. The Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Sabarmati rivers formed the plain, which comprises the southern region of Gujarat and the Gulf of Khambhat's coastal regions. Although the eastern portion of this plain is suitable for farming, most of it is covered in wind-blown loess towards the ocean (heaps of sand). 

Konkan Plain: From Daman to Goa, the Konkan Plain is located south of the Gujarat plain (50 to 80 km wide). The Arabian Sea contains islands, cliffs, shoals, and other marine erosion-related phenomena. Around Mumbai, a significant embayment called Thane Creek forms a bay and serves as a great natural harbour.

Karnataka Coastal Plain: From Goa to Mangalore, it is a narrow plain with an average width of 30 to 50 kilometres. The Western Ghats' streams sometimes descend along precipitous hillsides to create waterfalls. When the Sharavati flows down such a steep slope, it creates the 271 m-tall Gersoppa (Jog) Falls, a spectacular waterfall.

Kerala Plain: Between Mangalore and Kanyakumari is the Kerala Plain, sometimes referred to as the Malabar Plain. Compared to the plain of Karnataka, this is much wider. The plain is low-lying. A key feature of the Kerala coast is the presence of lakes, lagoons, backwaters, spits, etc.

Eastern Coastal Plains:

Extent: These vast plains, which stretch between the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats, are wider on average than the West Coastal Plains at 120 km. These plains stretch from the Subarnarekha river to Kanyakumari along the West Bengal-Odisha border. The rivers Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery, which make up some of the greatest deltas, fill the littoral zone with alluvial material, forming a significant portion of the plains.

Physiography and other features:

The ground is lifted, or the sea level is lowered to create the coastline of emergence. The emergence characteristics include bars, spits, lagoons, salt marshes, beaches, sea cliffs, and arches. The Tamil Nadu coast on India's east coast, in particular, is a coast of emergence.

Dunes are constantly moving over the broader, drier eastern coastal plains.

Here, where rivers pour into the Bay of Bengal from the east, are well-developed deltas. These include the Krishna, Kaveri, Godavari, and Mahanadi deltas.

It has fewer ports and harbours due to its emergent character. Since the continental shelf reaches 500 km into the ocean, building effective ports and harbours is challenging.

A significant landmark on the eastern coast is Chilika Lake. It is India's largest saltwater lake.

This plain is referred to as the Northern Circars and the Carnatic, between the Mahanadi and Krishna rivers and between the Krishna and Kaveri rivers.

Subdivisions: Northern Circar and Coromandel Coast (or Payan Ghat) can be divided into two parts. 

Utkal Plain: The coastal regions of Odisha make up the Utkal Plain.

Part of it is the Mahanadi delta. The Chilka Lake is the most notable physiographic feature of this plain. The largest lake in the nation, its area ranges from 780 square kilometres in the winter to 1,144 square kilometres during the monsoon season.

Low hills dot the lowlands to the south of Chilka Lake.

Andhra Plain: It stretches up to Pulicat Lake and is located south of the Utkal Plain. This lake has been blocked by Sriharikota Island, a long dune (ISRO launch facility). The plain's most notable characteristic is the delta created by the Godavari and Krishna rivers. Together, the two deltas have fused to form a single physiographic unit. In recent years, the united delta has moved closer to the sea by around 35 kilometres. This is evident from Kolleru Lake's current location, formerly a lagoon at the shore but now deep inland, or the "Coastline of Emergence." Except for Visakhapatnam and Machilipatnam, this plain portion has a straight coast and severely lacks excellent harbours.

Tamil Nadu Plain: From Pulicat Lake to Kanyakumari, a distance of 675 kilometres, lies the Tamil Nadu Plain. It is 100 kilometres wide on average. The Cauvery delta, where the plain is 130 km broad, is the most significant feature of this plain. The Cauvery delta is considered the granary of South India due to its rich soil and extensive irrigation systems.

Significance of the Coastal Plains

• The coastal plains of India are largely covered by excellent soils that are ideal for agriculture.
• Large and small ports of Indian coastlines help in trade and investment.
• For coastal residents, fishing has become a necessary activity.
• Coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as a vast array of mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and lagoons, abound in India's coastal plains, providing good tourism options.
• Indian coastal lines are one of the primary forms of transportation, and oil exchanges are conducted exclusively over the ocean channel. 
• India's coastlines aid in exchanging and utilising such shorelines for our financial development. 
• The shoreline can be used to produce fish, pearls, and salt.
• The beach is also devoid of pollutants and can be used to saddle wind force.
• India advantages from a long beach front line by being located at the highest point of the Indian sea.

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Indian Coastline

Last updated on October 18, 2022 by ClearIAS Team

Where is the coastline of India and what is its classification? How the coastline of emergence and submergence was created? Why is it so important? Is there any further classification of the western and the eastern coast? To answer these questions, read further.

The 7516.6 km long Indian coastline covers nearly 6100 km of the continent’s land area, along with the islands of Andaman, Nicoba r, and Lakshadweep . 13 states and Union Territories are located along India’s coastline.

The eastern coastal plains are situated along the Bay of Bengal, whereas the western coastal plains are along the Arabian Sea.

Table of Contents

India’s Western Coastal Plains

From Kerala in the south to Gujarat in the north, the Western Coastal Plains pass through Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. The western coastal plains are 10 to 25 km wide and extend approximately 1500 km from north to south.

Off the coast of Mumbai, the West Continental Shelf is at its widest. Oil is abundant in this area. There are numerous lovely lagoons along the Malabar Coast, which draws tourists to the area. Compared to the eastern coast, the western coast is narrower.

The western coast is further divided into the following four groups

Learn more from: ClearIAS Study Materials

Kachchh and Kathiawar coast: The coasts of Kachchh and Kathiawar were created by the sediments deposited by the Indus River. Kachchh was formerly a gulf. During the monsoons, the Kachchh region is separated into the Great Rann in the north and the Little Rann in the east by shallow water. Kathiawar, on the other hand, is located south of Kachchh.

Konkan coast : It stretches from Goa in the south to Daman in the north. The two main crops in this area are cashews and rice.

Kannada coast: It stretches between Marmagaon and Mangalore and is known as the Kannada coast.

Malabar coast: The comparatively broad Malabar coast stretches from Mangalore to Kanyakumari. Lagoons that run parallel to the coast are also part of this area in southern Kerala.

Indian Eastern Coastal Plains

The eastern coastal plains pass through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as they travel from West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. The eastern coastal plain contains the deltas of the Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Cauveri rivers.

The deltas are incredibly fertile and agriculturally productive. As a result, the River Krishna’s delta is referred to as the “Granary of South India.”

Three groups make up the Eastern coast

Utkal coast: The Utkal coast is substantially wider than the western coastal plains and experiences a great deal of rainfall. It stretches between Chilika Lake and Kolleru Lake. A few of the crops grown here include banana, coconut, and rice.

Andhra coast: The Krishna and Godavari rivers flow through the Andhra coast, which stretches between Kolleru Lake and Pulicat Lake.

Coromandel coast: In Tamil Nadu, the Coromandel coast stretches from Pulicat Lake to Kanyakumari. Due to the northeast monsoons, this Indian coastline is dry in the summer and wet in the winter.

Coastlines of Emergence and Submergence

The coast of emergence is created when the land is raised or when the sea level is lowered. The converse situation applies to the coastline of submergence.

The characteristic features of emergence include bars, spits, lagoons, salt marshes, beaches, sea cliffs, and arches.

Submerged Landforms The Tamil Nadu coast on India’s east coast, in particular, seems to be a coast of emergence.

On the other hand, India’s west coast is simultaneously emerging and submerging. Faulting has caused the northern portion of the coast to be submerged, and the Kerala coast in the south is an example of an emerging shore, the Coast of Coromandel (Tamil Nadu) the emerging coast, Coast of Malabar (Kerala Coast) the emergence coast.

Significance

• The Indian coastlines are important because they provide places with a favorable climate without excessive temperature swings, which is perfect for human development. The following are some of the coastal plains’ notable contributions to India:
• Most of India’s coastal plains are covered in fertile soil , making them ideal for farming. The principal crop grown in these areas is rice.
• Trade is facilitated by the numerous ports, both large and small, that line the Indian coastlines.
• According to reports, these coastal plains’ sedimentary strata include significant reserves of mineral oil that might support the maritime economy.
• The occupation of fishing has grown in importance among coastal residents. One of the largest fishing industries in the world benefits from India’s access to the Indian Ocean.
• The coastal plains of India are home to a variety of mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and lagoons, all of which have significant tourist potential.
• Gujarat’s low-lying regions are renowned for their salt production. Goa has excellent beaches. This is a significant tourist site as well.
• The backwaters of Kerala are popular travel locations.

Due to its wide coastline, India also occupies a prominent position in the logistics sector, which is the backbone of every economy.

The government’s numerous current initiatives and technological breakthroughs speak well for the future of the maritime logistics sector.

The areas covered by India’s 7516.6 kilometers of coastline enjoy a fairly comfortable climate with few high temperatures, making them ideal for human progress.

Article written by Chetna Yadav.

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Transforming Coastal Zone for Sustainable Food and Income Security pp 591–605 Cite as

Coastal Ecosystems of India and Their Management to Enhance Blue Carbon Storage

• Rattan Lal 6  
• Conference paper
• First Online: 10 August 2022

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Coastal ecosystems, covering 440,000 km long shoreline globally and 7517 km in India, are the source of numerous ecosystem services for nature conservancy and human wellbeing. These highly diverse ecosystems include mangroves, seagrasses, salt marshes, coral reefs, lagoon and tidal flats. However, both the coastline and the coastal ecosystems are under pressure by anthropogenic activities, the attendant perturbations and global warming. The latter is affecting sea level rise, encroachment of saltwater, erosion of the coastline and degradation of coastal ecosystems. Thus, numerous ecosystem services provisioned by coastal ecosystems are being jeopardized, and a large land area of coastal ecosystems is being destroyed every year. In addition, transport of sediments and associated chemicals from agricultural watersheds are a major threat to coastal ecosystems. Carbon stored in the coastal ecosystem, the so-called “blue carbon”, is an important component of the global carbon cycle. However, transport of the soil carbon with the sediments from upland watersheds has a strong impact on the global carbon cycle and emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Transport of nutrient-rich sediments has created a global problem of anoxia or the lack of oxygen in coastal waters. Risks of soil degradation, by accelerated erosion (wind, water) and other processes (e.g. depletion of soil organic carbon or SOC, decline of soil structure, salinization), may be aggravated by climate change. Therefore, the adoption of restorative land use at the watershed/landscape scale and recommended soil management practices (e.g. conservation agriculture) on upland watersheds are important to protecting coastal ecosystems. Sustainable management of soil health through SOC sequestration and upscaling of landscape/watershed management options are critical to reducing land-based pollution of coastal ecosystems. Land-based solutions for the protection of coastal ecosystems include conservation agriculture, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, integration of crops with trees and livestock, farming practices that create a positive soil/ecosystem carbon budget and lead to restoration of soil health and sequestration of carbon in soil and vegetation. Sustainable management of blue carbon is also critical to the adaptation and mitigation of anthropogenic climate change.

• Blue carbon
• Carbon sequestration
• Coastal ecosystems
• Ecosystem services
• Soil degradation

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Lal, R. (2022). Coastal Ecosystems of India and Their Management to Enhance Blue Carbon Storage. In: Lama, T., Burman, D., Mandal, U.K., Sarangi, S.K., Sen, H. (eds) Transforming Coastal Zone for Sustainable Food and Income Security. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95618-9_45

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• Coastal Plains in India and How are They Formed?

Coastal Plains

Coastal plains refer to the coastline of India. Moreover, the coastline of India is very wide and covers an area of 7516.6 km. Furthermore, it touches the 13 states and union territories (UTs).

Coastal Plains of India

During the continental drift from the Gondwanaland, the Indian continent collides with Asia continent and settled there. Besides, the Indian Sub-continent has access to water from the two sides known as east coast and west coast.

Most noteworthy, the coastline consists of an area of 7516.6 km in which the mainland coastline is 6100 km and coastline of 1197 Indian islands that touches 13 States and Union Territories (UTs).

Furthermore, the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal came into existence at the time of the tectonic movement of the Gondwanaland.

The Eastern Coastal Plains of India

This coastline lies between the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats of India. Also, it extends from the Ganga delta to the Kanyakumari. Furthermore, it is marked by deltas of rivers like the Godavari, the Mahanadi, the Kaveri, and the Krishna.

Besides, the important geographical feature of the eastern coast is the Chilika Lake and the Pulicat Lake (lagoon).

Regional Name of the Eastern Coastline

The people of Odisha (Orissa) refer to it as Utkal coast. Moreover, from the southern limits of the Utkal plains, the Andhra Coast stretches. Furthermore, in the south of the Andhra coast lies the Tamil Nadu coast.

Besides, the Tamil Nadu coast and part of Andhra coast together are known as the Coromandel Coast or Payan Ghat.

The Western Coastline of India

The west coast extends from the Gulf of Khambhat (Gulf of Cambay) in the north to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) in the south. Besides, it divides, into 3 coasts from north to south namely the Konkan coast, the Karnataka coast, and the Kerala coast.

Moreover, it is formed of alluvial soil brought down by short streams that originated in the Western Ghats. In addition, it is dotted with a number of creeks (a sheltered narrow waterway such as inlet in shoreline or channel in a marsh), estuaries (Marine landforms), and coves (small bay).

Besides, the estuaries of the Tapi and the Narmada are the major ones. Moreover, the Kerala coast (Malabar Coast) has some lakes backwaters and lagoon, the largest being the Vembanad Lake.

Regional Name of the Western Coastline

The Maharashtra coast and Goa coast together form the Konkan coast of the western coast. Also, the Kerala coast and the Karnataka coast together form the Malabar Coast.

Emergence and Submergence of Coastline

Emergence of coastline happens due to the lowering of sea level or uplift of the land. Besides, the submergence of coastline is just opposite of it. Moreover, the bars, lagoons, beaches, arches, sea cliffs, salt marshes, and spits are the typical structures of emergence.

The south-eastern part of the eastern coast is a coast of emergence. Most noteworthy, the western coast formed due to both emergence and submergence.

How Coastal Plains Form

The coastline can form in various ways. It can form by deposits of sediments carried by ocean current or rivers entering the sea. Furthermore, it can form by erosion by waves. Besides, the rocky and rugged coastlines form by erosion . While on the other hand, shallow and sedimentary coastline usually forms by sediments deposits.

In addition, the tectonic movements can also spill out lave from mountains or push up new landforms from underwater that can create new coastline.

Solved Question for You

Question. How many states the Indian coastline touches?

Answer. The correct answer is option A.

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The Coastal Plains of India: Meaning, Divisions, Significance & More

Stretching along the sea-coasts, the Coastal Plains of India lies as a crucial interface between land and sea. As zones of ecological importance and economic activity, they play a crucial role in India’s development and sustainability. This article of NEXT IAS aims to study in detail the Coastal Plains of India, including its major features, regional divisions, geomorphology, and significance.

About The Coastal Plains of India

The Coastal Plains of India refers to the stretch of narrow coastal strip lying between the edges of the Peninsular Plateau and the coastline of India. They constitute one of the 5 physiographic divisions of India. These plains stretch for a distance of about 6000 km along the Arabian Sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east.

Divisions of the Coastal Plains of India

The western coastal plains of india, the eastern coastal plains of india.

• The two parts of the coastal plains meet at the southernmost tip of India – Kanyakumari.
• These two parts have been further subdivided into various sub-parts as discussed in the sections that follow.
• Location : They lie between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea coast.
• Spread : They stretch from the Rann of Kutch in the north to Kanyakumari in the south .
• States Covered : These plains begin in the state of Gujarat and stretch through Maharashtra, Goa , and Karnataka upto Kerala .
• Width : With an average width of about 65 km , they are quite narrow in the middle and a bit broader in the northern and southern parts.
• Nature : They are an example of a Submergent Coastline , thus providing natural conditions for the development of ports.

Sub-Divisions

Based on the relief and structure, these can be divided into the following subdivisions:

The Kutch Peninsula

• Location : It spreads over northwestern Gujarat.
• Formation : It was, originally , an island surrounded by seas and lagoons. The surrounding seas and lagoons, later on, got filled by deposition of sediment by the Indus River which used to flow through this area. In this way, the islands became a part of the mainland.
• Topography : The area has an arid and semi-arid landscape because of the scarcity of rain and the work of wind.
• Chief physiographic features of this region include coastal sand dunes , and sandy plains , which are interspaced with bare rocky hills.
• Extensions : In the north and south-east, it is bounded by two salt-soaked plains as described below:

The Great Rann

• It is a salt-soaked plain lying all along the north of Kutch .
• It is almost completely flat and rises only a few meters above sea level.
• It is flooded by the Banas and the Luni rivers during the rainy season.

The Little Rann

• It is the southern continuation of the Great Rann.
• It lies on the coast and to the south-east of Kutch.

The Kathiawar Peninsula

• It is surrounded by the Little Rann on the eastern side and the Nal Basin on the northeastern side .
• Many small streams radiate in all directions from the Mandab Hills.
• Girnar Hills : With an average height of around 1,117 m, Girnar Hills form the highest point in the region.
• This range is famous as the abode of the Gir Lion .

The Gujarat Plain

• Location : It lies to the east of the Kutch and Kathiawar Peninsulas and spreads over the southern part of Gujarat and the coastal areas of the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Formation : This plain has been formed by depositions of rivers like Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Sabarmati .
• Slope : Its average slope is towards the west and southwest .
• Elevation : It is of low elevation with none of its parts exceeding 150 m in height.
• Topography : The topography of this plain can be divided into two parts:
• The Eastern Part: This part is composed of sediments, and hence is fertile and suitable for agriculture.
• The Coastal Part : This part is covered by wind-blown loess (heaps of sand), which has given rise to a semi-arid landscape.

The Konkan Plain

• Location : This plain lies to the south of the Gujarat plain.
• Spread : It extends from Daman to Goa for a distance of about 500 km.
• Width : Its average width varies from 50-80 km .
• Mumbai, situated in this plain, was initially an island reclaimed to connect it with the mainland.
• The Konkan coast has a series of small bays and beaches.

The Karnataka Coastal Plain

• Location : This plain lies to the south of the Konkan plain.
• Spread : It is about 225 km long, extending from Goa to Mangalore.
• Width : It is a narrow plain with an average width of 30-50 km , the maximum being 70 km near Mangalore.
• In the central part , numerous spurs (lateral ridges of land), descending from the Western Ghats, cross the plain. These spurs go very close to the coast, thus reducing the width of the plain in this part.
• For example, the River Sharavati while descending over the slope forms the Jog Falls – one of the highest waterfalls in the world.
• In the coastal parts, marine topography forms the prominent features.

The Kerala Plain

• Nomenclature : It is also known as the Malabar Plain .
• Location : It is situated between Mangalore and Kanyakumari, stretching for a distance of around 500 km.
• Width : This plain is much wider than the Karnataka Plain .
• Elevation : It is a low-lying plain.
• Topography : The presence of lakes, lagoons, backwaters, spits, etc. is the chief characteristic of this plain.
• The backwaters of Kerala are known as Kayals , which are the shallow lagoons or inlets of the sea running parallel to the coastline.
• Vembanad Lake , one of the Ramsar Wetlands, is the largest backwater with a length of 75 km and a width of 5-10 km.
• Its discontinuous is a discontinuous line of the Eastern Ghats.
• Spread : It extends from the Subarnarekha River along the West Bengal-Odisha border to Kanyakumari.
• Overall, they are wider in comparison to the Western Coastal Plains.
• Formation : It has been formed as a result of the alluvial fillings by the Rivers Mahanadi, Godavari Krishna, and Cauvery. Thus, it also contains some large deltas.
• Nature : They are an example of an Emergent Coastline , thus NOT providing natural conditions for the development of ports.

Nomenclature

It is known by different names in different regions:

Northern Circars

The section of the Eastern Coastal Plains lying between the Mahanadi and the Krishna rivers is known as the Northern Circars.

The section of the Eastern Coastal Plains lying between the Krishna and the Cauvery rivers is known as the Carnatic.

The Utkal Plain

• The Utkal Plain comprises the coastal region of Odisha, including the Mahanadi Delta.
• The famous Chilka Lake is located in this region.

The Andhra Plain

• It is located south of the Utkal Plain and extends up to Pulicat Lake.
• The chief characteristic of this plain is the delta formation by the Rivers Godavari and Krishna .
• However, there are some prominent ports in this part, such as Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam etc.

The Tamil Nadu Plain

• It stretches for a distance of around 675 km from Pulicat Lake to Kanyakumari along the coast of Tamil Nadu.
• The fertile soil and large-scale irrigation facilities have made the Cauvery Delta the granary of South India .

Difference between Eastern and Western Coastal Plains

Significance of the coastal plains of india.

• Agriculture : These coastal plains are covered by fertile soil, and hence are agriculturally very productive.
• About 98% of India’s international trade is carried through these ports.
• Economic Resource : The coastal plains are sources of salt, monazites, mineral oils, and gas as well as centers of fisheries.
• Human Settlements : These coastal plains are home to dense human settlements and have some of the largest cities in India.

Much more than just a geographical feature, the Coastal Plains of India carry multiple significance. Apart from providing the ports, they are a source of many other resources. Of late, they are facing the risk of inundation due to global warming and the probable rise in sea level. Ensuring the sustainability of the coastal plains is not just crucial for India but for the marine ecology of the subcontinent. Sustainable development is the way forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Coastal Plains of India

What are the coastal plains of india.

It is a narrow strip of land lying along the coastlines of India.

Where is the Coastal Plains located?

The Coastal Plains of India lie between the edges of the Peninsular Plateau and the coastline of India and stretch along the Arabian Sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east .

Why are the Coastal Plains important?

As a crucial interface between land and sea, these plains are a source of multiple natural resources along with being home to India’s major ports.

What is the extent of the Eastern Coastal Plains of India?

It extends from the Subarnarekha River to Kanyakumari .

What is the extent of India’s Western Coastal Plains?

They extend from the Rann of Kutch in the north to Kanyakumari in the south .

What is the meeting point of the Eastern and Western coastal plains of India?

The two parts of the coastal plains meet near Kanyakumari.

What is the Northern Circar?

The Northern Circar refers to the section of the Eastern Coastal Plains which lie between the Mahanadi and the Krishna rivers.

Which Coastal Plain is the Rice Bowl of India?

The part of the Eastern Coastal Plain lying in the Krishna-Godavari Delta Region is called as Rice Bowl of India.

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Coastal plains of India

From the standpoint of geography, the narrative of India’s coastal plains and how they form is fascinating. Being part of a supercontinent called Gondwanaland was India. It existed 140 million years ago. The Indian tectonic landmass became alone as the supercontinent split. It journeyed for millions of years towards the Eurasian plate and thus joined with it. Thus, India’s regular and mostly straight coastline is the result of the Cretaceous period breakup of Gondwanaland. This not only gave rise to the coastline in the south but also to the coastal plains of India.

A low-lying flat expanse of land near the seashore is known as a coastal plain. A low-relief continent surrounded on one side by the sea or an ocean and on the other by hills is known as a coastal plain. As a result, they are hemmed in by the shoreline on the seaward side and the highlands on the landward side. As one travels from the sea to the highlands, the elevation of the land area gradually rises in a sequence of flat-land terraces divided by scraps or hills with altitudes ranging from 100 to 300 metres. The coastal plains of India include 2 types:

• Eastern coastal plains of India
• Western coastal plains of India

Eastern Coastal Plains

The eastern coastal lowlands span from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu, passing via Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Important rivers like Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Cauvery have deltas in the eastern coastal plain. Agriculturally, the deltas are exceedingly fertile and productive. The Krishna River Delta has gained the moniker “South India’s Granary” as a result of this. The eastern coast is divided into three sections-

• Utkal coast: The Utkal coast extends between Chilika Lake and kolleru lake, they are much wider than the western coastal plains and experience heavy rainfall.
• Andhra coast: They extend from Kolleru Lake and Pulicate Lake. They form basin areas in Krishna and Godavari rivers.
• Coromandel coast: They extend from Pulicat Lake and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and remain dry in summers and receive rainfall in winters because of north-east monsoons.

Western Coastal Plains

From Kerala to Gujarat, they pass through Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. The western coastal plains stretch for around 1,500 kilometres with widths varying from 10 to 25 kilometres. Near the coast of Mumbai, the West Continental Shelf is at its widest. Oil is abundant in this area. The Malabar Coast is a famous tourist destination because of its gorgeous lagoons. The four portions of the western shore are as follows:

• Kachchh and Kathiawar coast: They are formed due to the deposition of silt by indus and covered with shallow water during monsoons and are divided into Great Rann and Little Rann.
• Konkan coast: They extend between Daman in the north to Goa in the South.
• Kanada coast: It extends from Marmagaon and Mangalore.
• Malabar coast: It extends from Mangalore to Kanyakumari and the coast is relatively broad.

The significance of Indian coastlines is as follows:

• The coastal plains of India are largely covered by excellent soils that are ideal for agriculture.
• Large and small ports of Indian coastlines help in trade and investment.
• For coastal residents, fishing has become a necessary activity.
• Coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as a vast array of mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and lagoons, abound in India’s coastal plains, providing good tourism options.
• Indian coastal lines are one of the primary forms of transportation, and oil exchanges are conducted exclusively over the ocean channel. 
• India’s coastlines aid in exchanging as well as utilising such shorelines for our financial development. 
• The shoreline can be used to produce fish, pearls, and salt.
• The beach is also devoid of pollutants and can be used to saddle wind force.
• India advantages from a long beach front line by being located at the highest point of the Indian Sea.

FAQs on Coastal Plains of India

What are the coastal plains of india.

A coastal plain is a low-lying tract of land near the sea that is flat and low-lying. On either side of the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Coastal Plains run along the country’s western and eastern borders.

Why are the coastal plains important?

Agriculture, trade, industrial centres, tourist sites, fishing, and salt manufacture are all popular in India’s coastal regions. They provide critical hinterland services to large ports.

What happens when two tectonic plates collide with each other?

When two plates contact, it can cause bending, faulting, and volcanic activity.

What are the 4 categories of western coastal plains?

The 4 categories of western coastal plains include: Kachchh and Kathiawar coast in Gujarat Konkan coast in Maharashtra Goan coast in Karnataka Malabar coast in Kerala

How many coastal areas are there in India?

The coastal areas of India would include Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Goa, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

What are the two major divisions in India?

The two major divisions in India are western coastal plains and eastern coastal plains.

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Warning issued for high waves in coastal areas of Kerala

Kerala chief minister pinarayi vijayan urged fishermen and coastal residents to exercise caution as strong waves wreaked havoc in several areas..

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• A warning of high waves along the Kerala coast issued
• Tourists, fishermen restricted from venturing near the sea
• Coastal Kerala witnesses unexpected high tides and surge in the water level

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a warning for high waves along the Kerala coast, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday.

Vijayan urged fishermen and coastal residents to exercise caution and restricted tourists from venturing into the ocean in nearby Kovalam. "With rough seas expected to intensify, it is imperative that people steer clear of danger zones in accordance with authorities' instructions," Vijayan said.

The Chief Minister further added that fishing vessels should be securely moored in the harbour, ensuring a safe distance between each vessel to prevent damage due to collisions.

IN THIS STORY

36 Hours in Mumbai

By Saumya Roy Updated March 26, 2024

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By Saumya Roy Photographs by Atul Loke

Saumya Roy, a Mumbai-based author, has written a book about the city’s wealth, poverty and the waste pickers who make their living in its landfill.

Mumbai appears as much a dream as a city. Sprinkled with the stardust of Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry that bases itself here, and studded with billionaires , India’s hyperkinetic metropolis, known as Bombay until 1995, feels like a place where anything is possible. But over the years, the city’s reality has been one of crumbling infrastructure, unmoving traffic and unending slums. Amid tight pandemic lockdowns, Mumbai turned into one of the world’s great construction sites , trying to remake itself with new towers, subway lines and bridges . Take in the dizzying juxtapositions — while discovering experimental performances in former textile mills and serene, ancient caves a short drive from the urban chaos — in a city guaranteed to look different again the next time you visit.

Recommendations

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya , a sprawling and immaculately kept museum, houses a trove of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sculptures.
• The Bombay Poetry Crawl offers a walking tour through one of Mumbai’s most rapidly gentrifying areas and traces the city’s working-class roots through poetry.
• The Kanheri Caves are an ancient Buddhist complex of more than 100 caves, some dating back as far as 2,000 years, in Sanjay Gandhi National Park . Some of the caves have pillared prayer halls and serene, carved Buddhist deities.
• G5A , an arts center housed in part of a former textile mill, hosts music, film screenings, poetry readings and performances.
• The Afghan Church , formally known as the Church of St. John the Evangelist, is a newly restored 19th-century house of worship that serves as a poignant memorial for fallen Indian and British soldiers.
• Mani Bhavan , the former home of Mohandas K. Gandhi, is now a museum that preserves details of his spartan life, underscoring his emphasis on self-reliance.
• Moghal Masjid , a Shiite mosque built in 1860, is known for its intricate blue tile work.
• Hasnabad Dargah , known as Mumbai’s Taj Mahal for its resemblance to that celebrated monument, is a milky-white mausoleum that evokes calm in the middle of the city.
• Magen David Synagogue is a large historic temple, painted sky blue, in the Byculla neighborhood.
• Stroll by murals of Bollywood stars in Bandra , a coastal neighborhood of old Portuguese bungalows and celebrity homes.
• Masque is a high-end restaurant that reinvents traditional Indian dishes in modern, surprising ways over a nine-course tasting menu.
• Kala Ghoda Cafe serves healthy breakfasts, including spicy egg dishes.
• Swati Snacks , a Mumbai institution, offers street-food classics and traditional favorites in a bright, clean setting.
• Aaswad Upahar and Mithai Griha is a popular, no-frills restaurant in the Dadar neighborhood that offers a mango-themed thali (a platter filled with various small dishes) in April and May, when the fruit is in season.
• Bastian at the Top , a sceney rooftop restaurant with lavish décor that includes an indoor swimming pool, is worth a stop to take in the views of the bay over a drink.
• Moonray , a newly opened women’s wear store, brings together immaculate European cuts and handmade embroidery from Mumbai.
• Payal Khandwala sells silk tops, sharply cut suits and trench coats in bold-colored Indian fabric.
• Ogaan showcases a range of local designers whose garments include ornate Indian wedding wear and silk shirts.
• Kitab Khana has a large and well-curated selection of books on Indian literature, politics and Gandhian thought, set in a building that is more than a century old.
• Induri Saree Centre sells glittering, traditional saris in a candy-box-size store.
• The Taj Mahal Palace , an ornate hotel open since 1903, looks over the Arabian Sea and the historic Gateway of India arch. A memorial in the lobby commemorates the terror attack at the hotel in 2008. Rooms start at 23,550 rupees, or about $282.
• Sea Green Hotel , on the curved, lit-up shoreline called the Queen’s Necklace, has basic rooms with gorgeous bay views. Rooms start at around 9,000 rupees.
• The Grand Hotel is a century-old establishment in the city’s historic Ballard Estate district, an area that is also home to one of Mumbai’s best-known Parsi restaurants, Britannia & Co. You can also walk to many of the city’s well-known attractions. Rooms start at around 6,850 rupees.
• Traveling in Mumbai’s packed trains is fast, efficient and an experience like no other. Millions travel on the local trains every year, and vendors and singers walk through compartments (25 rupees for a first-class single ticket). Black-and-yellow cabs , which use meters with fixed rates, and ride-hailing apps like Uber are readily available. Mumbai’s red buses also offer a breezy, scenic and cheap way to get around the city (from 5 rupees per trip).

See spindly chimneys rising amid luxury hotels and condos in the jagged skyline of Lower Parel, a rapidly gentrifying precinct in central Mumbai. The chimneys are relics of the area’s former textile mills, which began slowly being redeveloped into malls after a worker strike in the 1980s. Trace Mumbai’s working-class roots here with the writer Saranya Subramanian, who leads the Bombay Poetry Crawl (600 rupees, or about $7), a series of walking tours conducted through the lens of poetry and local history. During the tour, Ms. Subramanian reads poetry by workers and encourages participants to read, too. She leads the tour monthly and also hosts a range of other poetry walks in the city, including one on a local train. Check her Instagram page, @thebombaypoetrycrawl , for scheduling.

Take a car to the nearby G5A , a cultural center housed in a repurposed textile mill compound. Trees grow out of the stone walls of a neighboring former mill , and skyscrapers rise, seemingly by the minute, on the other side. Catch a show at G5A, which hosts edgy art performances, movie screenings and discussions in its small theater, or on its terrace, with the moon glowing through the Mumbai haze. Recent shows include a poetry reading by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Forrest Gander, along with the celebrated Indian poet Arvind Krishna Mehrotra; Norwegian and Bangalorean jazz bands; and a Kashmiri film. Tickets from 250 to 700 rupees.

Walk next door, still within the mill compound, to the high-ceilinged and warmly lit Masque , a restaurant that reinvents traditional Indian dishes across a nine-course tasting menu (5,200 rupees per person). It takes puran poli and amti, for instance, a sweet, lentil-filled flatbread and side of spicy coconut dal that is often eaten during Mumbai festivals, and remixes it as a bite-size chickpea tart with a hint of jaggery (Indian raw sugar), filled with green peas or crab and topped with coconut foam. Pav, a ubiquitous Mumbai bread bun with a crackly top and slightly sweet, dense interior, acquires a croissant-like, buttery texture here — dip it into a silky morel or lamb curry. Cap off the meal with a popsicle made with unlikely layers of Indian pickle, mulberry and white chocolate. Vegetarian menus available.

Trace Mumbai’s working-class roots in Lower Parel with the Bombay Poetry Crawl, a series of walking tours conducted through the lens of poetry and local history.

Walk through the soft-colored shadows cast by stained-glass windows in the Church of St. John the Evangelist, more commonly known as the Afghan Church , which reopened in March after a two-year renovation. The building, in the leafy Navy Nagar, a naval area at the southern tip of Mumbai, was completed in 1858 and commemorates the more than 4,500 Indian and British soldiers who died during the first Anglo-Afghan war, including in its disastrous retreat from Kabul. The church is also known for multifaith prayers, Indian classical music concerts and a midnight Mass at Christmas. Entry is free.

Kala Ghoda Cafe

Dig into a breakfast of akuri, a spicy scrambled egg dish (345 rupees) that is traditional in India’s Parsi community, at Kala Ghoda Cafe , in the Kala Ghoda neighborhood. Then walk to the sprawling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya , a museum with manicured lawns and a Gothic-style building topped with a bulbous dome. As part of “ Ancient Sculptures ,” showing through October, chiseled Greek gods and Egyptian deities from the British Museum and the J. Paul Getty Museum share space with Assyrian gods from CSMVS’s permanent collection. The museum’s permanent galleries are a trove of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sculptures and also feature artifacts from the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Tickets, 150 rupees for Indian nationals; 700 rupees for foreigners.

Stroll the Kala Ghoda neighborhood, starting with Artisans ’, a gallery and shop in a graffiti-covered building that showcases traditional Indian crafts. In the area’s ever-expanding fashion district, browse crisp white shirts with handmade lace collars (from around 9,500 rupees) at Moonray , a women’s fashion label and shop (its co-founder also runs the Chanakya School of Craft , which teaches women embroidery and collaborates with Dior). Also check out Payal Khandwala , which has silk tops (14,000 rupees), sharply cut suits and trench coats in bold-colored Indian fabric, and Ogaan , with heavily embellished wedding dresses, pleated dresses and more. Then walk to Kitab Khana , an independent bookstore in a more-than-century-old building with Corinthian columns in the nearby Fort district. Browse the well-curated selection of Indian literature and the books on history and Gandhian thought that line the high shelves.

Swati Snacks

A dizzying range of delicacies can be found on Mumbai’s khao gallis, a Hindi term for “food streets.” The safest way to try them all (and avoid tummy trouble) might be at Swati Snacks , a six-decade-old restaurant in the Tardeo area. Have the vada pav (175 rupees), like garlicky potato sliders, and the signature panki (230 rupees), a wispy rice pancake flavored with mint or dill that arrives steaming in a banana-leaf parcel. Then visit the nearby Mani Bhavan , a three-story building where Mohandas K. Gandhi, known as the father of the nation, often stayed; it is now a museum. Spinning wheels and floor seating in his preserved, spartan bedroom provide a window to his belief that the route to Indian independence could come only through discipline and self-reliance. Entry, 20 rupees.

Moghal Masjid

Take a car to Byculla, the chaotic old quarter of Mumbai. Get a coffee (Americano, 228 rupees) at the Craftery by Subko , a new Mumbai cafe and roastery chain bringing hipsters to this part of the city. Then drive through the busy, narrow streets to see some of Mumbai’s diverse and beautiful religious monuments. Visit the nearby Moghal Masjid , a jewel-like, Iranian-style Shiite mosque built in 1860, with intricate blue tiling adorning a curved entrance. Women cannot pray inside the mosque but can enter the compound, which has a pool for ablution. Take in the facade of Hasnabad Dargah , a pristine, ivory-colored mausoleum, known as Mumbai’s Taj Mahal for its resemblance to the original (entry only for Shia Ismaili Muslims). Not far from there is the Magen David Synagogue (entry, 300 rupees), recognizable by its sky blue clock tower, built in the 1860s to serve Mumbai’s once wealthy and influential, but now vanishing , Jewish community.

Bastian at the Top

In the Dadar neighborhood, shop for handwoven saris (from 2,000 rupees) and scarves at Induri Saree Centre , a candy-box-size store. Then line up at Aaswad Upahar and Mithai Griha , a no-frills Dadar institution best visited in April and May with the arrival of fragrant and luscious Alphonso mangoes. Aaswad does a seasonal mango-themed thali (a platter of various small dishes; 470 rupees) that includes a saffron, mango and cardamom drink; a mango dal; and chilled mango pulp called aamras that is the taste of a Mumbai summer in a bowl. Then cross the street to the gleaming, new Kohinoor Square mall and take the elevator 48 floors to Bastian at the Top . With a tree-lined plunge pool and glowing figurines carved into giant pillars, it can feel more like a theme park than a restaurant (it often attracts Bollywood celebrities). It’s worth a cocktail (1,295 rupees) just to take in the sweeping views of the bay.

Catch a show at G5A, a cultural center housed in a repurposed textile mill compound.

A mural by Ranjit Dahiya

The laid-back suburb of Bandra has Portuguese bungalows, Bollywood studios and the full wattage of star homes along with fans hoping for a glimpse. The best bet for encountering Bollywood stars is on the Technicolor, larger-than-life murals in the area’s charming lanes. See a pistol-wielding Dharmendra, from the iconic 1975 movie “Sholay,” opposite the Subko cafe on Chapel Road. Next to it is a triptych of Bollywood’s dancing divas — a feathered Helen and a bejeweled Waheeda Rehman and Asha Parekh. (Ranjit Dahiya, the artist behind many of these murals, also teaches workshops .) Stroll on to Waroda Road (past a moody depiction of the celebrated actor ​​Irrfan Khan) to reach the brightly colored Veronica’s , an all-day cafe that has become something of a living room for Bandra’s young set, who come for creative bites like chicken-and-cheese-filled breakfast momos (395 rupees), potato waffles (350 rupees) and babka stuffed with chorizo (275 rupees).

Leave the chaos of the city behind, driving north to reach the entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park , a 40-square-mile preserve where deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard roam. From inside the park, minivans drive visitors about 10 minutes through the forest (1,000 rupees round-trip) to the bottom of a hill. From there, walk up to the Kanheri Caves, a Buddhist complex of more than 100 caves, the oldest dating back 2,000 years, carved into basalt. Some form large, pillared prayer halls, while others feature carved serene Buddhist deities in prayer. Also see the waterways, loosely cut into the hills, that provided water to the monks who lived and meditated there many centuries ago. Park entry, 95 rupees; caves entry, 25 rupees.

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