Highest And Lowest Points Of India: Kangchenjunga vs Kuttanad Explained

India’s landscape is a masterpiece of extremes, from sky-piercing Himalayan summits to lush farmlands resting below sea level. Among its many geographical marvels, two stand out as the country’s ultimate high and low: Mount Kangchenjunga and Kuttanad.

What Is the Highest Point in India?

The highest natural point in India is Mount Kangchenjunga, soaring 8,586 metres (28,169 feet) above sea level. Nestled along the Sikkim–Nepal border, it is the third-highest mountain on Earth, following Mount Everest and K2. Cloaked in snow throughout the year, Kangchenjunga remains a sacred symbol for locals and an aspirational challenge for climbers worldwide.

Interesting Facts About Kangchenjunga

• Its name translates to “The Five Treasures of Snow”, believed to represent gold, silver, gems, grain and holy scriptures.
• The mountain consists of five major peaks, forming a distinctive cross-shaped ridge.
• Several key glaciers, such as Zemu, Talung, Yalung and Kangchenjunga, originate here and feed vital rivers like the Teesta, Arun and Kosi.
• The mountain is composed of high-grade metamorphic rocks like gneiss and schist, alongside granite, pegmatite and sandstone, showcasing its diverse geological past.

What Is the Lowest Point in India?

India’s lowest natural point is Kuttanad in Kerala, lying around 2.2 metres below sea level. Nicknamed the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”, this region is known for its paddy cultivation below sea level, a rare agricultural feat. Its serene backwaters, coconut-lined canals and rustic villages make it one of India’s most picturesque destinations.

Fascinating Facts About Kuttanad

• It spans parts of Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts.
• It lies in a river delta formed by the Pamba, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala rivers.
• Its farmlands are protected by bunds and canal networks, preventing flooding.
• Much of the cultivable land is reclaimed from Vembanad Lake.
• The soil is rich in alluvial deposits, perfect for rice cultivation.
• The region uses biosaline agriculture to tackle saline water conditions.
• Recognised by the FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).
• It forms part of the Vembanad-Kol Wetland, a Ramsar site known for its biodiversity and ecological importance.

India’s terrain tells a story of extremes, one peak touching the heavens, and another landscape dipping below sea level to feed millions. Together, Kangchenjunga and Kuttanad showcase how nature thrives in both grandeur and simplicity.