Physical Characteristics of India
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One of the oldest civilizations in the world is the civilization of India, also known as ‘Bharat’. India is fortunate to have the Himalayas on both the North West and North East side of the country. India is surrounded by the great Indian Ocean, The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. This country is well known as a localized and geographical country. Physically, India is as enormous as its diversity. India as the seventh largest country in the world; it covers a wonderful 3,214 km from North to South, 2,933 km from East to West and has a coastal line which stretches over 7516.6 km. The country is divided into four major geographical regions. The Great Mountain Zone is one of the most attractive places for the mountaineers and trekkers. This area includes the world’s most famous and tallest mountain system in the world, the Himalayas. The Indo-Gangetic Plain which is settled in the Himalayas and the Southern Peninsula is made up of the valley of Bharamputra, the Ganges and the Indus River. The Desert Region is the region that includes the Great Desert and the Little Desert. Both Rajasthan and Gujarat fall under this area. The Southern Peninsula or South India is bordered by various mountains. India’s total area is split into 28 states and 7 union territories that include peaks, cold and dry deserts, mangroves, and a range of tropical rain forests.
Sensitive Natural Areas
Sundarbans National Park
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Sundarbans National Park encloses the world’s largest area of mangrove forests. A vast variety of both rare and endangered species reside in the park, such as, tigers, birds, reptiles and aquatic mammals.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
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Around the Himalayas, where the hills lead to beautiful grasslands and the tropical forests, the Manas is a home to a wonderful wildlife, as well as many at risk species such as, the pygmy hog, Indian rhinoceros, tiger, and Indian elephants.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks:
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Up high in the West Himalayas, lies India’s Valley of Flowers National Park. The park is greatly known for its heart-warming natural beauty of its fields of flowers. Also, this lavish area is home to many rare and endangered animals such as, the Snow leopard, Asiatic Black Bear, Blue Sheep and the Brown Bear.
Other UNESCO World Heritage Sites Located in India
- Agra Fort
- Ajanta
- Ellora Caves
- Taj Mahal
- Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
- Sun Temple, Konârak
- Kaziranga National Park
- Keoladeo National Park
- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
- Churches and Convents of Goa
- Fatehpur Sikri
- Group of Monuments at Hampi
- Khajuraho Group of Monuments
- Elephanta Caves
- Great Living Chola Temples
- Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
- Sundarbans National Park
- Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
- Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
- Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
- Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
- Mountain Railways of India
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
- Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
- Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
- Red Fort Complex
- The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur