Geographical Features of Odisha: Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is bordered by the Bay of Bengal along its eastern and southeastern edges. Today, it stands as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Odisha is the ninth-largest state in India by area and ranks eleventh in terms of population.
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Location and Extent of Odisha
- Odisha is situated between latitudes 17°49’N to 22°34’N and longitudes 81°27’E to 87°29’E. Its capital city, Bhubaneswar, is also known as the “Temple City” or “Cathedral City.”
- The state covers an area of 1,55,707 sq km, accounting for approximately 4.73% of India’s total land area.
- Odisha boasts a coastline of about 450 km, stretching from Ichchapuram in the south to Subarnarekha in the northeast.
- The state’s geographical spread extends from Brahmagiri, near Chilika Lake in the southwest, to Chandabali in the northeast.
- Odisha ranks as the ninth-largest state in India by area and the eleventh-largest by population.
Boundaries of Odisha
- Odisha is one of India’s 29 states, located along the eastern coast.
- It shares its borders with Jharkhand to the north, West Bengal to the northeast, the Bay of Bengal to the east, Andhra Pradesh to the south, and Chhattisgarh to the west and northwest.
Physiographic Region of Odisha
On the basis of homogeneity, continuity and physiographical characteristics, Odisha has been divided into five major morphological regions which are as follows:
- The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
- The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
- The Central Plateaus
- The Western Rolling Uplands
- River-valleys and Flood Plains
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains
The Odisha Coastal Plains are depositional landforms of recent origin, geologically classified under the Post-Tertiary period. These plains extend along the eastern coast of India from the Subarnarekha River in the northeast to the Rushikulya River in the southwest. The western boundary of these plains is demarcated by the 75 m contour line, distinguishing them from the middle mountainous region.
This fertile region, often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Odisha,” exhibits a unique shape — narrow in the north, widest in the middle, narrowest near the Chilika coast, and broad in the south. The coastal plains are also known as the Hexadeltaic Region or the Gift of Six Rivers, namely:
- Subarnarekha River
- Budhabalanga River
- Baitarani River
- Brahmani River
- Mahanadi River
- Rushikulya River
Sub-divisions of the Odisha Coastal Plains
1. Northern Coastal Plains (Balasore Plains)
- This region is the most drought-prone area in Odisha.
- It comprises the floodplains and deltas of the Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers, extending up to the Baitarani River.
2. Middle Coastal Plains (Cuttack-Puri Coastal Plain)
- This plain lies between the Northern and Southern Coastal Plains.
- It includes the combined deltas of the Salandi, Baitarani, Brahmani, and Mahanadi rivers.
- The Mahanadi delta is the widest among all.
3. Southern Coastal Plains (Rushikulya Plains)
- This region is formed by the fluvial deposits of the Rushikulya River.
- It also includes the lacustrine plain of Chilika Lake and smaller deltas of the Rushikulya River.
- The Southern Coastal Plains are further divided into three zones parallel to the shoreline:
- i. The Salt Tract
- This narrow belt extends 4.8 to 9.6 km beyond the shoreline.It is covered with tidal forests and contains brackish water, making it unsuitable for agriculture.In the Mahanadi delta, it is known as the Little Sunderbans due to its resemblance to the mangrove-covered Sunderbans.
- Also known as the Rice Country, this is the most agriculturally fertile part of Odisha.This zone is marked by natural levees (embankments) that prevent flooding. However, during extreme floods, the levees overflow, affecting both human and animal life.
These distinct features make the Odisha Coastal Plains a region of immense geographical, ecological, and agricultural significance.
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
The middle mountainous region of Odisha covers about three-fourths of the state’s total area. This region, which forms a part of Peninsular India, features elevations ranging from 610 to 1068 meters above mean sea level. It is predominantly characterized by the hills and mountains of the Eastern Ghats, interspersed with numerous watersheds.
The mountains in this region rise abruptly and steeply in the east, sloping gently towards a dissected plateau in the west. Stretching from Mayurbhanj in the northeast to Malkangiri in the northwest, the Eastern Ghats are cut through by broad and narrow river valleys as well as floodplains. Major rivers of Odisha, including the Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi, Rushikulya, Vamsadhara, and Nagavali, along with their tributaries, have carved deep, narrow valleys across this mountainous terrain.
Morphological Divisions of the Middle Mountainous Region
1. Simlipal and Meghasani Mountains
- These mountains are of volcanic origin with a dome-shaped and circular structure.
- Elevations range from 600 m to 1050 m, with the two key peaks being:
- Simlipal Peak (900 m)
- Meghasani Peak (1147 m)
2. Mankadnacha, Malayagiri, and Gandhamardan Mountains (Baitarani-Brahmani Interfluves)
- This group of mountain peaks lies in a north-south direction and forms part of the Eastern Ghats.
- The elevations of the key peaks are:
- Malayagiri (1170 m) — highest peak in this sub-region
- Mankadnacha (1092 m)
- Gandhamardan (1044 m)
- This is a poly-cyclic region, meaning it has undergone multiple phases of erosion and rejuvenation.
3. Watershed between the Brahmani and the Mahanadi
- These mountains share an origin similar to the Baitarani-Brahmani interfluves.
- The mountains in this region are heavily dissected due to the continuous erosional activity of the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers.
- The direction of the mountains varies:
- Northwest direction in the northern part of this region.
- North-Northwest to South-Southwest direction in the southern part.
4. Common Interfluves of the Mahanadi, Rushikulya, and Vamsadhara Rivers
- This deeply eroded watershed extends in a north-south direction.
- The elevation in this area ranges from 600 m to 1000 m, with some peaks rising above 1200 m.
- Prominent peaks in this region include:
- Singaraju Peak (above 1500 m)
- Mahendragiri Peak (above 1500 m)
- Devagiri Peak (1360 m)
5. Potangi and Chandragiri Mountain Ranges
- These are the highest mountain ranges in Odisha, separating the Sabari basin from the Nagavali basin.
- This area is heavily dissected, with peaks averaging heights between 900 m to 1350 m.
- The highest peak in Odisha, Deomali Peak (1672 m), is part of this range and is located in the Koraput district.
- Other prominent peaks in this range include:
- Galikonda (1643 m)
- Sinkaram (1620 m)
- Turiakonda (1598 m)
Note: Due to the practice of shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn farming, the hilltops are often devoid of vegetation. However, farmers practice terrace cultivation in the valleys, utilizing the fertile alluvial soil for farming.
3. The Central Plateaus
The plateaus of Odisha lie along the western slopes of the Eastern Ghats and are primarily eroded in form. The elevation of this region ranges from 305 to 610 meters above mean sea level. Odisha has two major plateaus, each with distinct geographical and hydrological features.
1. Panposh-Keonjhar-Pallahara Plateau (Upper Baitarani Catchment Basin)
- Location: Surrounded by the Singhbhum and Ranchi plateaus to the north, the Simlipal mountains to the east, and the Mankadnacha mountains to the west.
- Drainage: The Baitarani River is the main river that drains this region.
- Climate: This region receives heavy rainfall during both the monsoon and winter seasons, making it one of the well-watered areas of Odisha.
2. Nabarangpur-Jeypore Plateau (Upper Sabari Basin)
- Location: Bounded by the Bastar mountains on its western side and the Chandragiri and Potangi mountains on its eastern side.
- Drainage: The Sabari River and its tributaries drain this plateau.
- Climate: This region lies in Odisha’s maximum rainfall zone, receiving more than 178 cm of rainfall annually.
- Agriculture: The fertile soil and high rainfall make this plateau suitable for agriculture, particularly for the cultivation of high-quality rice.
Important Mountain Peaks of Odisha
Odisha is home to several prominent mountain peaks, many of which are part of the Eastern Ghats. These peaks play a crucial role in defining the geography, climate, and biodiversity of the state. Below is a list of the most significant peaks in Odisha:
| Peak Name | Height (in meters) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Deomali | 1672 m | Highest peak in Odisha (Koraput district) |
| Sinkaram | 1620 m | Part of the Potangi mountain range |
| Galikonda | 1617 m | Located in the Potangi range |
| Yendrika | 1582 m | Important peak in the region |
| Niamgiri | 1515 m | Known for its ecological and tribal significance |
| Mahendragiri | 1501 m | A famous pilgrimage site |
| Badam Pahar | 1075 m | Part of the Balasore-Mayurbhanj forest area |
| Badamgarh | 1074 m | Located in the Keonjhar region |
| Kunaratir | 1064 m | Significant peak in the region |
| Gandhamardan | 1060 m | Rich in medicinal plants and historical importance |
| Nrusinghanath | 986 m | A popular pilgrimage site |
| Deva Giri | 964 m | Holds religious and historical importance |
| Balia Pahar | 950 m | A lesser-known but prominent peak |
Other Notable Peaks in Odisha
- Mankadnacha — Part of the Mankadnacha mountain range.
- Amjhori — Another important peak of geographical interest.
- Badam Pahar — Located in the forested regions of Balasore and Mayurbhanj.
- Gandhamardan — Known for its biodiversity and medicinal plants.
- Nrusinghanath — A well-known pilgrimage and tourist spot.
- Deva Giri — Holds religious and archaeological significance.
4. Western Rolling Uplands of Odisha
The Western Rolling Uplands are regions of gently sloping terrain that lie at a lower elevation compared to the plateaus. The elevation of these uplands ranges from 153 to 305 meters above mean sea level. These uplands are interspersed with hills, undulating plains, and valleys, making them a unique geographical feature of Odisha.
Morphological Units of the Western Rolling Uplands
- Rajgangpur-Panposh Uplands — Part of the Koel and Sankh river basins, this upland region is known for its mineral-rich deposits, especially iron ore.
- Jharsuguda Uplands — Located in the Ib basin, this region is significant for its coal mining and industrial activities.
- Baragarh Uplands — Lies within the Jira and Jhaun basins and is an important agricultural zone, supporting paddy cultivation.
- Balangir-Titilagarh-Patnagarh Uplands — Part of the northern Tel river basin, this area has undulating terrain and is rich in lateritic soils.
- Bhawanipatna Uplands — Located in the southern Tel basin, it is known for its red soil, forest cover, and paddy cultivation.
- Malkangiri Uplands — Part of the Sabari basin, this upland is known for its dense forests, tribal settlements, and rich biodiversity.
5. River Valleys and Flood Plains of Odisha
The river valleys and floodplains of Odisha are formed by the fluvial action of the state’s major rivers. These valleys support extensive agriculture and human settlement due to the presence of fertile alluvial soil. The elevation of the river valleys ranges from 75 to 150 meters, with the valleys being narrow and deep in their upper courses, slightly broader in the middle courses, and widest at their lower reaches as they join the plains.
Important River Valleys in Odisha
- Mahanadi River Valley — The most extensive and agriculturally productive river valley in Odisha.
- Brahmani River Valley — Known for its fertile soil, supporting large-scale rice cultivation.
- Vamsadhara River Valley — Supports agricultural activities in the southern part of the state.
Flood Plains in the River Valleys
- The floodplains are formed due to the repeated deposition of fertile alluvial soil during seasonal floods.
- These floodplains are crucial for Odisha’s agriculture, with most farming activities centered in these areas.
- The floodplains are extremely fertile, supporting the cultivation of rice, which is the main crop of the state.
Lakes and Ports in Odisha
Odisha is home to several natural and artificial lakes, as well as key ports that support trade, fishing, and tourism.
Natural Lakes in Odisha
- Chilika Lake — The largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, known for its rich biodiversity and migratory birds.
- Ansupa Lake — A horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake on the bank of the Mahanadi River.
- Sar Lake — A freshwater lake known for its natural beauty and ecological significance.
- Samagarh Lake — A scenic lake that adds to the natural beauty of the region.
- Tampara Lake — A freshwater lake that serves as a tourist attraction in the Ganjam district.
- Udyankhanda Lake — A lesser-known but ecologically significant lake in Odisha.
Artificial Lakes in Odisha
- Hirakud Reservoir — Formed by the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River, it is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.
- Balimela Reservoir — Created by the Balimela Dam, it supports hydropower production and irrigation.
- Rengali Reservoir — Formed by the Rengali Dam, it supports flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
- Mandira Reservoir — Built on the Sankh River, it supports industrial and irrigation needs.
- Hadagarh Reservoir — Formed by the Hadagarh Dam, it supports irrigation and serves as a water source.
- Naraj Reservoir — An artificial reservoir used for water supply and irrigation purposes.
- Jobra Reservoir — Built to support the irrigation system of the Mahanadi delta.
- Poteru Reservoir — An artificial water body created for water management and irrigation purposes.
Ports of Odisha
1. Paradeep Port
- Significance: It is the deepest natural port in India and one of the most important commercial ports of Odisha.
- Usage: Handles the export and import of coal, iron ore, and other minerals.
2. Chandbali Port
- Type: A medium-sized port that historically played a key role in maritime trade.
- Usage: It is used for fishing, small-scale trading, and coastal shipping.
3. Gopalpur Port
- Type: Another medium-sized port along the Odisha coast.
- Usage: Used for the export of minerals and maritime trade, supporting economic development in the region.
4. Dhamra Port
- Type: A fishing port and a key commercial port with modern infrastructure.
- Usage: Handles bulk cargo, including coal, iron ore, and containerized cargo.
These lakes, rivers, and ports play a vital role in supporting Odisha’s economy, agriculture, transportation, and tourism. The natural and artificial water bodies, along with the ports, enhance connectivity and provide livelihoods to the people of Odisha.
Conclusion
Odisha’s diverse geographical features shape the state’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic potential. From the towering peaks of the Eastern Ghats to the fertile coastal plains, the state is endowed with a variety of landscapes that support agriculture, tourism, forestry, and industry. The Western Rolling Uplands, river valleys, and floodplains are vital for farming and human settlements, while the plateaus serve as repositories of mineral wealth. The vast network of rivers and the presence of natural and artificial lakes further enhance Odisha’s water resources, supporting irrigation, hydropower, and biodiversity. The state’s ports like Paradeep, Gopalpur, and Dhamra play a crucial role in trade and maritime connectivity.
Collectively, these geographical features contribute to Odisha’s ecological balance, socio-economic development, and cultural heritage. They sustain livelihoods, promote tourism, and drive economic growth. Understanding and preserving these natural features is essential for ensuring sustainable development and ecological harmony in the state. Odisha’s geography, with its rich natural resources and unique landforms, truly reflects the state’s motto — “The Soul of Incredible India.”