The correct answer is option 1, Western Ghats. The Western Ghats are referred to as the “ecological hot spot of India” due to their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. They are a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India and covers an area of about 160,000 square kilometers. The Western Ghats are home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals, making it one of the eight hottest hotspots of biodiversity in the entire world. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. The Eastern Ghats (option 2) are also important, but they are not as well-known for their biodiversity as the Western Ghats. The Western Himalayas (option 3) and Eastern Himalayas (option 4) are not considered to be the ecological hot spot of India.