UPSC Prelims 2007 Q71: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
Where are the Shevaroy Hills located?
- (a) Andhra Pradesh
- (b) Karnataka
- (c) Kerala
- (d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (d) Tamil Nadu
Explanation
Shevaroy Hills — Salem, Tamil Nadu
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Location | Salem district, Tamil Nadu |
| Part of | Eastern Ghats |
| Hill station | Yercaud — "Jewel of the South" |
| Highest point | Solaikaradu (~1,620 m) |
| Famous for | Coffee plantations, oranges |
Eastern Ghats hills of Tamil Nadu:
| Hills | District |
|---|---|
| Javadi | Vellore / Tiruvannamalai |
| Shevaroy | Salem |
| Kalrayan | Kallakurichi / Salem |
| Kolli | Namakkal |
| Pachamalai | Tiruchirappalli |
Answer: (d) Tamil Nadu.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Andhra's Eastern Ghats hills are Nallamala, Seshachalam, Palkonda and Velikonda.
- (b) Incorrect. Karnataka's hill ranges include Baba Budan, Brahmagiri and Biligirirangan.
- (c) Incorrect. Kerala has Anamalai, Cardamom and the Nilgiri fringes — not Shevaroy.
- (d) CORRECT. The Shevaroy Hills (with Yercaud) are in Salem, Tamil Nadu.
Key point
Shevaroy Hills = Salem, Tamil Nadu, Eastern Ghats; hill station Yercaud.
Remember
Shevaroy Hills (Yercaud) are in Salem, Tamil Nadu.
Common mistakes
- Placing Shevaroy in the Western Ghats — it is in the Eastern Ghats.
- Confusing Yercaud (Shevaroy) with Kodaikanal (Palani Hills) or Ooty (Nilgiris).
- Thinking all South Indian hill ranges are in Kerala or Karnataka.
Exam tip
TN Eastern Ghats from north to south: Javadi → Shevaroy → Kalrayan → Kolli → Pachamalai.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — India Physical Environment, Ch 2 (Structure and Physiography)
- Oxford School Atlas — South India
- Tamil Nadu Tourism — Yercaud