BALAGHAT RANGE

series of hills in western Maharashtra state, western India. Originating in the Western Ghats at the Harishchandra Range, the range extends southeastward for about 200 miles (320 km) to the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka states. Its width varies from 3 to 6 miles (5 to 9 km). Higher in the west, the Balaghat hills have elevations of 1,8002,700 feet (550825 m), gradually diminishing eastward until they end at the Bhima River. The flat-topped hills are separated by saddles, which become progressively wider toward the east. The Balaghat range forms the watershed between the Godavari River to the north and the Bhima to the south. In the rainier west the hills bear vegetation, but they are barren and stony in the east. Shepherds occupy the entire range, and sheep trails connect the small villages and occasional hilltop temples. Traversing the Balaghat are a highway from Pune (Poona) to Nasik and the railway from Dhond to Manmad.