Eastern Coastal Plains vs. Western Coastal Plains — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 8, 2024
Both are distinct geographical regions along India's coast. The Eastern Coastal Plains lie along Bay of Bengal, featuring deltas and fertile land, while Western Coastal Plains are adjacent to Arabian Sea, characterized by narrow coastal strips and hills.
Difference Between Eastern Coastal Plains and Western Coastal Plains
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eastern Coastal Plains (ECP): The Eastern Coastal Plains of India stretch along the eastern coast, bordering the Bay of Bengal. These plains are primarily low-lying and feature fertile delta regions formed by major rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi. The ECP is known for its agricultural productivity, with rice being a staple crop. It extends from West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south.
Western Coastal Plains (WCP): The Western Coastal Plains run parallel to the Arabian Sea on the western coast of India. Unlike the ECP, these plains are relatively narrow and are sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The Western Coastal Plains are characterized by picturesque landscapes, including beaches, estuaries, and hills. Cities like Mumbai and Goa are situated in this region.
ECP: Flat and low-lying, rich in alluvial soil due to river deposits. WCP: Narrow coastal strip with undulating terrain and a hilly backdrop.
ECP: Experiences a tropical wet climate with heavy monsoon rains. WCP: Has a tropical climate with moderate rainfall and milder winters.
ECP: Ideal for rice cultivation and supports agriculture. WCP: Suitable for cash crops like cashew, coconut, and spices.
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Comparison Chart
Location
Eastern coast, Bay of Bengal
Western coast, Arabian Sea
Geography
Low-lying, deltas, fertile soil
Narrow coastal strip, hilly terrain
Major Rivers
Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi
No major rivers
Agriculture
Rice, fertile land
Cashew, coconut, spices
Climate
Tropical wet climate, heavy monsoons
Tropical climate, moderate rainfall
Tourism
Limited tourism, agricultural focus
Popular tourist destinations (e.g., Goa)
Compare with Definitions
Eastern Coastal Plains
These plains extend from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, is situated in the Eastern Coastal Plains.
Western Coastal Plains
The Western Coastal Plains are a narrow coastal strip along India's western coast.
Goa, famous for its beaches, is part of the Western Coastal Plains.
Eastern Coastal Plains
Located along the Bay of Bengal, they have a tropical wet climate.
The Eastern Coastal Plains experience heavy monsoon rains.
Western Coastal Plains
This region has a tropical climate with moderate rainfall.
The Western Coastal Plains enjoy pleasant weather throughout the year.
Eastern Coastal Plains
The ECP is vital for agriculture and contributes to India's food production.
Farmers in the Eastern Coastal Plains grow a variety of crops.
Western Coastal Plains
The Western Coastal Plains attract tourists with their beaches and cultural diversity.
Mumbai, a major city in this region, is a bustling economic hub.
Eastern Coastal Plains
The Eastern Coastal Plains are low-lying regions along India's eastern coast.
The fertile deltas of the Godavari and Krishna rivers are part of the Eastern Coastal Plains.
Western Coastal Plains
They have an undulating terrain and are flanked by the Western Ghats.
The Western Coastal Plains offer scenic landscapes with hills and valleys.
Eastern Coastal Plains
They feature alluvial soil and are known for rice cultivation.
The Eastern Coastal Plains are a major rice-producing region in India.
Western Coastal Plains
Cashew, coconut, and spices are some of the crops grown here.
Kerala's Western Coastal Plains are known for their spice plantations.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary occupation in the Eastern Coastal Plains?
Agriculture, with a focus on rice cultivation, is a major occupation.
Where are the Eastern Coastal Plains located?
The Eastern Coastal Plains are situated along the eastern coast of India, bordering the Bay of Bengal.
Which cities are located in the Eastern Coastal Plains?
Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar are some cities in this region.
What is the climate of the Eastern Coastal Plains?
They experience a tropical wet climate with heavy monsoon rains.
What is the climate of the Western Coastal Plains?
They have a tropical climate with moderate rainfall and milder winters.
What is the geography of the Eastern Coastal Plains?
They are low-lying and feature fertile deltas formed by rivers like the Godavari and Krishna.
What is the agricultural significance of the Eastern Coastal Plains?
They are crucial for rice cultivation and contribute significantly to India's food production.
Do the Eastern Coastal Plains have any major rivers?
Yes, rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi flow through the ECP.
What type of climate does the Western Coastal Plains experience?
They have a tropical climate with moderate rainfall, making it suitable for various crops.
Where are the Western Coastal Plains situated?
The Western Coastal Plains run parallel to the western coast of India, along the Arabian Sea.
What distinguishes the Western Coastal Plains from the Eastern Coastal Plains in terms of geography?
Unlike the ECP, the WCP are narrow and have an undulating terrain.
What are the major crops grown in the Western Coastal Plains?
Cashew, coconut, spices, and rubber are some of the crops cultivated in this region.
Are the Western Coastal Plains known for their scenic beauty?
Yes, they offer picturesque landscapes with beaches, hills, and valleys.
Which major city in India is part of the Western Coastal Plains?
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is located in the Western Coastal Plains.
Which popular tourist destinations are part of the Western Coastal Plains?
Goa, Mumbai, and Kerala are well-known tourist spots in this region.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
