The Kalvarayan Hills, also known as the Kolli Hills, are a major range of hills situated in the Eastern Ghats of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Along with the Pachaimalai, Alavaimalai, Javadi, and Shevaroy hills, they separate the Kaveri River basin to the south from the Palar River basin to the north. The hills range in height from 2000 feet to 3000 feet and extend over an area of 1095 square kilometers.
Geography
The Kalvarayan Hills are a northeast-southwest trending range that runs for about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Salem district in the north to the Villupuram district in the south. The hills are bordered by the Palar River to the north, the Kaveri River to the south, the Javadi Hills to the east, and the Shevaroy Hills to the west.
The Kalvarayan Hills are composed of a variety of rocks, including gneiss, granite, and charnockite. The hills are also home to a number of forests, including tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests, and scrub forests.
Climate
The Kalvarayan Hills have a tropical savanna climate, with hot and humid summers and warm, dry winters. The average temperature ranges from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). The hills receive an average of 1,200 millimeters (47 inches) of rainfall per year.
Flora and Fauna
The Kalvarayan Hills are home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The hills are home to a number of plants, including the Indian rosewood, the Indian laurel, and the teak. The hills are also home to a number of animals, including the elephant, the tiger, and the leopard.
Culture
The Kalvarayan Hills are home to a number of tribal communities, including the Malayalee Gounder tribe. The hills are also home to a number of temples and festivals.
Tourism
The Kalvarayan Hills are a popular tourist destination, primarily due to their natural beauty. The hills are home to a number of waterfalls, including the Megam Falls and the Periyar Falls. The hills are also home to a number of trekking trails.
Here are some specific answers to your questions about the Kalvarayan Hills:
- Location: The Kalvarayan Hills are located in the Salem and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu, India.
- Area: The Kalvarayan Hills cover an area of 1095 square kilometers (423 square miles).
- Height: The Kalvarayan Hills range in height from 2000 feet to 3000 feet (610 meters to 914 meters).
- Ecology: The Kalvarayan Hills are home to a variety of forests, including tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests, and scrub forests.
- Wildlife: The Kalvarayan Hills are home to a rich biodiversity of wildlife, including the elephant, the tiger, and the leopard.
- Tourism: The Kalvarayan Hills are a popular tourist destination, primarily due to their natural beauty. The hills are home to a number of waterfalls, trekking trails, and temples.