Western Ghats
Kerala
The Western Ghats, older than the Himalayas, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity. Stretching along the western coast of India, this mountain chain hosts unique montane forest ecosystems that play a vital role in regulating the Indian monsoon and tropical climate. The region is home to an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, including at least 325 globally threatened species. With rich biodiversity, high endemism, and stunning landscapes, the Western Ghats are not only ecologically significant but also a repository of cultural and natural heritage of immense global value.
