Which mountains are called the Blue Mountains?

Answer: The answer to which mountains are called the Blue Mountains is Option B. Nilgiri Mountains.

Why are Nilgiri Mountains known as the Blue Mountains?

The Nilgiri Mountains are called the Blue Mountains for the following reasons:  

• Rayleigh Scattering: This is the same phenomenon that makes the sky appear blue. When sunlight passes through the atmosphere, it interacts with air molecules and gets scattered. Blue light has a shorter wavelength, so it scatters more than other colours, giving the mountains a bluish appearance from a distance.  
• Strobilanthes kunthiana: This is a flowering shrub that blooms in the Nilgiris. It’s known as “Neela kurinji” in Tamil, which translates to “blue flower.” These flowers bloom in large clusters, covering the mountainsides in a sea of blue every 12 years, further contributing to the name “Blue Mountains.”  

Facts about Nilgiri Mountains

Here are some interesting facts about the Nilgiri Mountains:

• The Nilgiri Mountains are located in the southern part of India, at the junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• The name “Nilgiri” comes from the Tamil words “neelam” (blue) and “giri” (mountain), meaning “blue mountains.”
• The Nilgiris are part of the Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India.
• The highest peak in the Nilgiris is Doddabetta, which stands at 2,637 meters (8,652 feet) above sea level.
• The Nilgiris are a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including endangered species like the Nilgiri tahr and the Malabar grey hornbill.
• The Nilgiri Mountains are known for their unique flora, including the “shola” forests, which are dense evergreen forests found at higher elevations.
• The Nilgiris are famous for the Strobilanthes kunthiana flower, which blooms once every 12 years and covers the mountains in a sea of blue.
• These mountains are a major tea-producing region, known for their high-quality tea.
• The Nilgiris are home to several popular hill stations, including Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Coonoor, and Kotagiri.
• The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic train line that connects Mettupalayam to Ooty.
• These mountains are home to several indigenous tribes, including the Toda, Kota, Kurumba, and Badaga.
• The Nilgiris are a popular tourist destination, known for their scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and opportunities for trekking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Other General Knowledge Questions:

Which Place in Tamil Nadu is known as Little Japan?	Which of the Following is the Capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli?
Why is Brinjal called Eggplant?	Who Built the Red Fort?