India has a long coastline of about 7,500 kilometres. The coastal plains lie between the sea and the Ghats, while two island groups lie in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. These regions are key to trade, fishing and exam geography.
The Western Coastal Plain
- Lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
- It is narrow and divided into Konkan, Kannad and Malabar coasts.
- It has natural harbours like Mumbai and Kochi.
The Eastern Coastal Plain
- Lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.
- It is wider and divided into the Northern Circar and Coromandel coasts.
- Large river deltas like the Godavari and Krishna deltas are found here.
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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Located in the Bay of Bengal.
- They are of volcanic and coral origin.
- Barren Island is India's only active volcano.
- Capital is Port Blair.
The Lakshadweep Islands
- Located in the Arabian Sea.
- They are made of coral (atolls).
- Capital is Kavaratti.
Quick Revision Points
- India's coastline is about 7,500 km long.
- The Malabar Coast is part of the western coastal plain.
- The Coromandel Coast is part of the eastern coastal plain.
- Andaman and Nicobar lie in the Bay of Bengal; capital Port Blair.
- Lakshadweep lies in the Arabian Sea; capital Kavaratti.
- Barren Island is India's only active volcano.
- Lakshadweep islands are of coral origin.