The Sights and Sounds of India Geography

► India is the 7th largest country in the world, but has the 2 nd highest population. ► It stands apart from the rest of Asia because it is surrounded on all sides by natural landforms. phy/india.htm

► Lying entirely in the northern hemisphere, the mainland extends between latitudes 8°4' and 37°6' north, longitudes 68°7' and 97°25' east, and measures about 3,214 km from north to south between the extreme latitudes and about 2,933 km from east to west between the extreme longitudes.

► India is surrounded by:  The Himalayan mountain range to the north  The Indian Ocean to the south  The Bay of Bengal on the east, and  The Arabian Sea on the west. Picture from: /india.html

India is comprised of four regions: ► The great mountain zone, ► The plains of the Ganges and the Indus Rivers, ► The desert region, and ► The southern peninsula.

The Great Mountain Zone ► The Himalayan Mountain System is made up of three parallel ranges  the Greater Himalayas,  the Lesser Himalayas, and  the Outer Himalayas

The Greater Himalayas, or northern range, is home to the three highest mountains on earth including Mount Everest.

The plains of the Ganges and the Indus Rivers ► The plains are formed by basins of three distinct river systems - the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. ► They are one of the most densely populated areas on the earth.

The Desert Region ► Consists of two parts - the great desert and the little desert. ► Between the two lies a zone of absolutely sterile country, consisting of rocky land cut up by limestone ridges.

Climate ► Because of India's size, its climate depends not only on the time of year, but also the location.

► Though the word "monsoon" often brings to mind images of torrential floods and landslides, the monsoon seasons are not bad times to come to India. ► What causes these monsoons? ► When do they happen? environment/flood_india.jpe Monsoons

Places to See ► India's puzzle board of 26 states holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable.  An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking, and its sheer size promises something for everyone.

Ranthambore India Wildlife Park ► Amidst dense forest lies the Ranthambore India wildlife park, home to the world's largest collection of native Indian animals. ► Why might this be a good location for the preserve? ► Locate Rajasthan on the map of India.

Find Agra on the map ► The Taj Mahal has become the de facto tourist emblem of India.  Where is it located?  What is it? ► The city's other major attraction is the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, also on the bank of the Yamuna River.

Webliography ► An introduction to India  ► The Natural Wonders of Asia  wonders-of-asia.htm wonders-of-asia.htm wonders-of-asia.htm ► India Travel Info  jasthan/images/RedFort%20001.jpg jasthan/images/RedFort%20001.jpg jasthan/images/RedFort%20001.jpg