Seshachalam Hills, Location, Climate, Drainage, Significance

Seshachalam Hills are a range of hills known for their rich forests, religious importance, and valuable mineral resources. They are an important natural and cultural feature of the region.

Seshachalam Hills

Seshachalam Hills are a group of hills in the Eastern Ghats of southern Andhra Pradesh, in southeastern India. They are surrounded by the Rayalaseema uplands in the west and northwest and the Nandyal Valley in the northeast. The hills cover about 8,000 square km and mostly run in an east-southeast direction.

Seshachalam Hills Climate and Vegetation

The hills have only thin forests because rainfall is low. The area has a semi-dry climate and the rugged land makes farming difficult.

Climate

• The region is hot and dry for most of the year.
• It lies in the rain shadow area of the Eastern Ghats, so it receives less rainfall.
• Summers are very hot, while winters are moderate.
• Most of the rainfall occurs during the monsoon season.

Vegetation

• The forest is mainly a Tropical Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous forest.
• In some sheltered valleys, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen trees are also found.
• The forest is famous for the endangered Red Sanders tree (Pterocarpus santalinus), which is found naturally only in this region.
• The area is rich in biodiversity and is known for many medicinal plants.

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Seshachalam Hills Drainage and Physical Features

The Seshachalam Hills are part of a hill range with rugged landforms. The area has steep slopes, deep valleys, and narrow gorges, giving it a rough and uneven landscape.

Drainage System

• The hills are part of the Pennar River basin and are connected to the eastern drainage system.
• Many small streams flow eastward and join the Pennar River.
• Because rainfall is low, many streams are seasonal (ephemeral) and flow mainly during the rainy season.
• These streams cut deep valleys in the hills.

Streams and Waterfalls

• The region has many small streams, some of which are permanent while others are seasonal.
• Important water features include Tumburu Theertham, which is a perennial stream and waterfalls like Chakalibana Waterfall.
• Other well-known valleys and water spots include Tumburu Valley and Ramakrishna Theertham.

Geological Influence

• The drainage pattern of the hills is influenced by rocks such as sandstone, shale and limestone. These rocks help shape the valleys and streams.
• Although the Seshachalam Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, they are located close to the Swarnamukhi River basin in the east and the Pennar River basin in the north.

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Tirumala is an important Hindu pilgrimage town located on the Seshachalam Hills near the city of Tirupati.
• The hills have seven peaks named Anjanadri, Garudadri, Narayanadri, Neeladri, Seshadri, Venkatadri and Vrishabhadri. The highest peak is about 1000 metres (3,300 feet) above sea level. According to Hindu mythology, these seven peaks represent the seven hoods of Shesha, the king of serpents.
• The Sri Venkateswara National Park is also located in these hills. Another important feature is the Tirumala Natural Arch, a famous natural rock formation. It was formed long ago, during the Middle to Upper Proterozoic period.

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

• The hill ranges spread in parts of Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh have been designated as Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh in September 2010.
• It is the first biosphere reserve of Andhra Pradesh. The total area of the reserve is about 4,756 square kilometres.
• The biosphere reserve is known for its rich biodiversity. It has dry deciduous forests and many types of plants and animals. The region is world-famous for the endangered Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) tree, which is found naturally only in this area.
• It is also home to rare animals like the Slender Loris. Many medicinal plants and different species of birds and reptiles are found here.
• The main aim of the biosphere reserve is to protect plants and animals, promote sustainable development, and support research and conservation activities.