Coastal Plains and Islands of IndiaCoastal Plains and Islands of India

The Western Coastal Plains are narrow strips of land sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, characterized by submergence and backwaters.

• Geomorphological Nature: Narrower than eastern plains with an average width of 10-64 km. It is an example of a submerged coastal plain, providing natural conditions for deep-water ports.
• Kachchh and Kathiawar Coast: Kachchh was once an island formed by the Indus silt deposition; Kathiawar lies to the south of Kachchh, composed of tertiary rocks.
• Konkan Coast: Extends from Daman to Goa. It is known for rugged terrain, heavy rainfall, and agricultural production like Alphonso mangoes.
• Kanara (Karnataka) Coast: Extends from Goa to Mangaluru. Rich in iron ore deposits found in the hinterland and traversed by short, swift streams.
• Malabar Coast (Kerala Plain): Extends from Mangaluru to Kanyakumari. Characterized by 'Kayals' (backwaters) used for navigation and Nehru Trophy Boat Race, and fertile soil for spices and coir.

The Eastern Coastal Plains lie between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, formed by the alluvial deposition of major river deltas making them wider and agriculturally productive.

• Geomorphological Nature: Broader than the western plains with an average width of 120-100 km. It is an emergent type of coast with fewer natural harbors.
• Utkal Coast: Extends along the Odisha coast. Contains the famous Chilika Lake, India's largest brackish water lagoon, and Mahanadi delta.
• Andhra Plain: Extends south of Utkal coast up to Pulicat Lake. Notable for the deltas of Godavari and Krishna rivers and Kolleru freshwater lake.
• Coromandel Coast: Extends from Pulicat Lake to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu coast). Receives winter rainfall from Northeast Monsoon (retreating monsoon).
• Major Lagoons & Deltas: Features prominent deltaic formations of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers along with bar-built lagoons like Chilika and Pulicat.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal are an elevated portion of submarine mountains (Arakan Yoma extension) comprising hundreds of islands.

• Geographical Layout: Divided into Andaman in the north and Nicobar in the south, separated by the 10 Degree Channel.
• Key Sub-groups of Andaman: Comprises Great Andaman (North, Middle, South Andaman) and Little Andaman. Port Blair, the capital, is situated in South Andaman.
• Volcanic Islands: Barren Island is India's only active volcano, located in the east of Middle Andaman; Narcondam Island is a dormant volcano.
• Highest Peak & Channels: Saddle Peak (738 m) in North Andaman is the highest point. Duncan Passage separates South Andaman from Little Andaman.
• Indira Point: Located on the southern tip of Great Nicobar Island, it is India's southernmost point, earlier known as Pygmalion Point.

Lakshadweep is a group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea, alongside numerous off-shore islands along the coasts of mainland India.

• Coral Origin (Atolls): Lakshadweep islands are entirely coral in origin, built upon submarine ridges in the Arabian Sea, comprising 36 islands.
• Administrative Capital: Kavaratti is the administrative headquarters and capital of the Lakshadweep Union Territory.
• Minicoy Island: The southernmost island of the Lakshadweep group, separated from the rest of the islands by the Nine Degree Channel.
• Offshore Islands: Includes Pamban Island (Adam's Bridge between India and Sri Lanka), Sriharikota (Satish Dhawan Space Centre), and Majuli (largest riverine island in Brahmaputra).