In the southern part of India, the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats meet at which of the following hill ranges?

Introduction / Context:
The Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats are two major hill systems flanking the Deccan Plateau. In southern India they approach each other and intersect in a particular region, creating an important physiographic junction. This question tests recognition of the hill range where these two systems are considered to meet.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The question refers to the meeting point of the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. • Options list Annamalai hills, Palani hills, Nilgiri hills and Cardamom hills. • We assume the standard description used in Indian physical geography texts. • The hills in question are all located in the south of the Deccan Plateau.

Concept / Approach:
According to standard geography references, the Nilgiri hills form a highland region at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. They lie at the meeting point of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The Annamalai, Palani and Cardamom hills are also important ranges but are located further south and are usually described as parts of the Western Ghats rather than the exact meeting zone of both ghats. Therefore, Nilgiri hills is the correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the Western Ghats running along the western coast of India from north to south. Step 2: Picture the Eastern Ghats as a discontinuous chain along the eastern coast. Step 3: Identify the point in southern India where these two systems come closest and effectively meet, around the Nilgiri plateau. Step 4: Recognise that Nilgiri hills form a triangular block where the boundaries of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka converge, often cited as the meeting place of the two ghats. Step 5: Note that Annamalai, Palani and Cardamom hills lie further south along the Western Ghats and are not typically described as the convergence point of both ghats.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most physical geography textbooks and exam guides state that the Nilgiri hills mark the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. Diagrams of southern India relief often show the Nilgiri plateau where the two chains appear to intersect. The other hill ranges mentioned are shown only along the Western Ghats without a similar convergence role.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Annamalai hills are an important part of the Western Ghats but are located south of the Nilgiris and do not mark the meeting of both ghats. Option B: Palani hills also lie within Tamil Nadu and are associated more with the Western Ghats and central plateau rather than the convergence of both ghats. Option D: Cardamom hills are further south again, in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and form part of the southern Western Ghats without being the point where Eastern and Western Ghats meet.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose Annamalai or Cardamom hills because they have heard these names frequently in the context of Western Ghats, but the question asks specifically about the junction of both ghats. To avoid error, it is helpful to remember a simple phrase: Nilgiri hills equal meeting point of Eastern and Western Ghats.

Final Answer:
The Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats meet at the Nilgiri hills.