1. The Sights and Sounds of India Geography

2. ► 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. http://www.solarnavigator.net/geogra phy/india.htm

3. ► 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.

4. ► 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: http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/april 2007/india.html

5. 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.

6. 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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. ► 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? http://www.thewe.cc/thewei/&/images3/ environment/flood_india.jpe Monsoons

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Webliography ► An introduction to India  http://www.geographia.com/india/ http://www.geographia.com/india/ ► The Natural Wonders of Asia  http://visitasiaguide.com/travel-help/natural- wonders-of-asia.htm http://visitasiaguide.com/travel-help/natural- wonders-of-asia.htm http://visitasiaguide.com/travel-help/natural- wonders-of-asia.htm ► India Travel Info  http://www.tracyanddale.50megs.com/India/Ra jasthan/images/RedFort%20001.jpg http://www.tracyanddale.50megs.com/India/Ra jasthan/images/RedFort%20001.jpg http://www.tracyanddale.50megs.com/India/Ra jasthan/images/RedFort%20001.jpg