Capital- Delhi.
Time ahead of Moscow by 2.5 hours.
Square- 3,287,000 sq. km.
Population- about 1 billion people.
National language: Hindi, English widely spoken. India has no equal in the number of languages. According to the latest census, there are 1,652 languages registered in India, 15 of which are listed in a special schedule to the Constitution. The modern literary language, Hindi, the official language of the seven northern states, is state language Indian Union.
National currency: Indian rupee, 100INR=2.3042USD.
Religion: 80% of the population are Hindus, Muslims constitute a significant religious minority - 12%. The number of Christians reaches only 18 million. They are mainly Catholics and Protestants. There are also Orthodox parishes. Of the faiths born on Indian soil, Sikhism stands out, the number of followers of which exceeds 17 million. A small (about 200 thousand) but influential community of Parsi fire-worshippers is concentrated in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). In the coastal cities of Kerala you can meet followers of Judaism (about 6 thousand). About 26 thousand representatives of aboriginal tribes profess various pagan beliefs.
Geographical position
India is located on the Hindustan Peninsula between the headwaters of the Indus river system in Punjab in the West and the Ganges river system in the East.
The southeastern part of Hindustan forms a vast plain - Tamil Nadu.
The Hindustan Peninsula is sometimes called the Indian subcontinent - and there is every reason for this, both because of its impressive size (about 2 thousand km in the East-West direction and 3 thousand km in the North-South direction), and because over its geological history - in the distant past, Hindustan, as a result of continental drift) separated from Africa and “drifted” to Asia.
Relief
In the south lies the vast Deccan Plateau (1600 km from north to south and 1400 km from west to east), which has an arid climate, rapids, rivers that become very shallow in winter and drought-resistant vegetation such as savannas and forests with falling leaves.
The Deccan is an arid, hilly plateau bounded on the west and east by the Western (higher) and Eastern Ghats. The Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers flow through the Deccan plateau in the direction from West to East. Interestingly, according to modern ideas, the Deccan Plateau was formed tens of millions of years ago as a result of “swelling” earth's surface from an asteroid impact from the opposite side of the globe in the Gulf of Mexico (it was this catastrophe that was likely the cause of the extinction of the dinosaurs).
In the north is the world's highest system of the Himalayan ("Abode of Snow") mountains (the highest point of Chomolungma - 8848 m above sea level) with snowy peaks and glaciers; in the east is the fertile Ganges valley.
In addition to the Himalayas, six more large mountain ranges rise in India: Paktai (Eastern Highlands), Aravali, Vindhya, Saptura, Sadyari (Western Ghats), Eastern Ghats.
The Himalayas stretch from east to west (from the Brahmaputra River to the Indus River) for 2500 km with a width of 150 to 400 km. The Himalayas consist of three main mountain ranges: the Siwalik Mountains in the south (altitudes 800-1200 m), then the Lesser Himalayas (2500-3000 m) and the Greater Himalayas (5500-6000 m).
The Paktai Mountains (Purvachal, Eastern Highlands) stretch along India's border with Burma and Bangladesh. highest point - 4578 m.
The Aravali Mountains stretch for 725 km from Delido. Gujarat. The highest point is Mount Guru (1722 m).
The Vindhya Mountains rise on the border of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Deccan Plateau. They stretch over a distance of 1050 km, heights up to 700-800 m.
The chain of the Satpur Mountains stretches for 900 km from the Western Lowland to the interfluve of the Tapti and Narmada. The highest point is Dhupgarh - 1350 m.
The Western Ghats (Sadkhryadri) stretch for 1600 km along the western coast of India for 1600 km - from the mouth of the river. Tapti to Cape Camorin. The highest point is Dodabetta (2633 m).
The Eastern Ghats stretch along the eastern coast of India. Highest point - 1680 m.
The Indo-Gangetic Plain occupies the central and eastern part of India, its area is 319 thousand sq. km. Up to 250 million people live on the territory of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
To the west, the Thar Desert (Thar, Great Indian Desert) adjoins the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Minerals
India's mineral resources are varied and their reserves are significant. The main deposits are located in the northeast of the country. On the border of the states of Orisa and Bihar there are iron ore basins that are among the most important in the world (the largest is Singhbhum on the Chhota Nagpur plateau). Iron ores are of high quality. General geological reserves amount to over 19 billion tons. India also has significant reserves of manganese ores. Somewhat north of the iron ore fields are the main coal basins (in the states of Bihar and West Bengal), but these coals are of low quality. The country's proven coal reserves amount to about 23 billion tons (total coal reserves in India, according to various sources, are estimated at 140 billion tons).
In the northeast of the country, there is a concentration of minerals that is particularly favorable for the development of heavy industry. The state of Bihar is the most mineral-rich region in India.
The mineral resources of South India are varied. These are bauxite, chromite, magnesite, brown coal, graphite, mica, diamonds, gold, monazite sands. Central India (eastern Madhya Pradesh) also has significant deposits of ferrous metals and coal.
Inland waters
The rivers Ganges (2510 km), Brahmaputra (2900 km), Indus (2879 km), Narbada and others are large and navigable over a long distance. Many Deccan rivers dry up during the dry season. Floods are common in North India during the monsoon season.
Climate
The climate of India is very diverse.
The Himalayan region experiences cold winters with occasional frosts and snowfall. On the northern plains - cool winter and sharp temperature fluctuations depending on the time of day, summer is very hot.
On the Deccan Plateau there is little temperature variation, but in higher elevations the nights are cold in winter.
It is always hot on the plains of Tamil, but the temperature does not rise as high as in the northern regions of the country.
The most important feature The Indian climate is the rainy season (monsoon period). It lasts from June for about 2 months. The rest of the year, the climate is arid (except on the west coast).
Animal and vegetable world
The Hindustan Peninsula is an entire continent, the climatic and geographical uniqueness of which contributes to the prosperity of the animal and plant world.
There are about 45 thousand plant species in India, of which 15 thousand are found only in India. Forests in India cover an area of 639 thousand sq. km, which is 19.45% of the total territory of the country.
There are approximately 82 thousand in India. various types animals, including 850 species of mammals, 2000 species of birds, 2500 species of fish, 150 species of amphibians, 450 species of reptiles, approximately 60 thousand species of insects.
Although the species' ranges overlap, each region has its own identity. The Hangul's habitat is limited to the Kashmir Valley in Northern India, rhinoceroses are found in isolated floodplains along the Brahmaputra River in the east, black langurs are found in the Western Ghats, and Western India is home to the last remaining Asiatic lions.
The two most impressive species are the Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant, still found throughout the area, although in Lately their population has declined greatly.
The Bengal tiger reaches a length of 3 meters and a weight of up to 290 kg. Even in the recent past, tigers were mercilessly destroyed, and by 1973, when the special program to restore the population of Bengal tigers, there were only 1827 individuals. By 1986, the Bengal tiger population had increased to 4,230 individuals.
The Indian elephant is somewhat smaller in size African elephant. Its size reaches 3 meters in height and 3.2 in length. And, unlike the African one, it lends itself well to training and has long been a pet. IN Ancient World Indian elephants were often used in the military.
The Asiatic (Gir) lion is preserved only in the Gir forest on the Kathiwar Peninsula in Western India. Its number reaches 210-220 individuals.
Gaur or Indian bison is the largest ungulate animal in India. The male reaches 95 cm in height and weighs more than 900 kg.
The Great Indian Rhinoceros reaches 180 cm in height and 335 cm in length. The length of the horn reaches 61 cm. Indian rhinoceroses are found mainly in the Kaziranga National Park.
The only representative of the great apes, the Khuloka gibbon, is found in the forests of Assam. The height of the male reaches 90 cm, weight up to 8 kg.
Langur is the most common monkey species in India. The male langur reaches 75 cm in height and weighs up to 21 kg.
The king cobra is the largest venomous snake in India. Reaches a length of 5.5 m. The bite of a king cobra is fatal even to an elephant.
Indian cobra (another species poisonous snakes) reaches a length of 180 cm.
The Gangetic gharial lives in the Ganges Valley. The length of this crocodile reaches 6.6 m. The population of this crocodile is quite small.
In order to preserve rare and scarce species of flora and fauna, 83 national parks, 447 nature reserves, 23 tiger reserves, 200 zoos and 8 biosphere reserves have been created in India.
Reserves and national parks
Dachigam National Park (Kashmir)
Wide valley: mountain slopes. A rare species of deer lives here - hangul, black and brown bears, leopards; nesting herons. Airport: Srinagar, 22 km. Railway Station: Jammu, 311 km. Season: June - July. Accommodation: Srinagar - houses on the water on Dal and Nagin lakes.
Govind Sagar Bird Sanctuary (Himachal Pradesh)
The bird sanctuary is inhabited by cranes, ducks, geese, and teals. Airport: Chandigarh, 135 km. Railway station: Nangal, 13 km. Accommodation: You can stay in Bakr.
Corbett National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
Foothills of the Himalayas in the vicinity of Dikal; salt marsh forests and plains. Fauna: tigers, elephants, leopards and various birds. Excellent fishing in the Ramganga River. Airport: Pantnagar, 115 km. Railway Station: Ramnagar, 51 km. Season: November - May. Accommodation: on the territory of the park.
Dadwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
Nepal border. Tigers, sloth bears and panthers live here. Airport: Lucknow, 251 km. Railway station: Dadva, 4 km. Season: November - May. Accommodation in the park.
Flower Valley National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
During flowering, this “garden on the roof of the world”, elevated to a height of 3500 m, dazzles with lush colors. Location: 44 km from Badrinath. Railway station: Rishikesh, 280 km. Season: June - July.
Sariska National Park (Rajasthan)
About 200 km from Delhi. Forest and open plains. Sambar (the largest of the Indian deer), chetal (spotted deer), nilgai (Indian antelope), black deer, leopard, tiger; good night view. Airport: Jaipur, 160 km. Railway Station: Alwar, 35 km (bus service). Season: February - June. Accommodation: on the territory of the park.
Ranthambhore (Sawai Madhopur - Rajasthan)
Hilly forests, plains and lakes. Sambar, chinkara (Indian gazelle), tiger, sloth bear, crocodiles and migratory waterfowl. Airport: Jaipur, 162 km. Railway Station: Sawai Madhopur, 11 km. Season: November - May. Accommodation: in the park and in Sawai Madhopur.
Bandhavgari National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Located in the Vindhya Mountains. The park has a diverse fauna including panthers, sambars and gaurs. Airport: Jabalpur, 166 km. Railway station: Umaria, 34 km. Accommodation: forest hotel in the park.
Bharatpur National Park (Keoloadeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary) (Rajasthan)
The most famous bird sanctuary in India. There are many unique waterfowl here, a large number of migrants from Siberia and China; whether cranes, geese, herons, snake catchers, etc. Airport: Agra, 52 km. Railway Station: Bharatpur, 5 km. Road Connectivity: 176 km from Jaipur, 177 km from Delhi. Season: September - February. Accommodation: on the territory of the reserve.
Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Salt marsh forests and savanna. The only place where the barashingha (swamp deer) lives; In addition, there are tiger, chetal, gaur (Indian bison), and monkeys. Airport: Nagpur, 270 km. Railway Station: Jabalpur, 170 km. Season: November - March. Accommodation: in the park, in Kana and Kisli.
Shivpuri National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Open forests and lake. Fauna: Chinkara, chowsingha (four-horned antelope), nilgai, tiger, leopard, waterfowl. Airport: Jhansi, 95 km. Season: February - May. Accommodation: motel, forest rest house.
Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
Meadows and swamps. Fauna: Indian one-horned rhinoceros, water bull, tiger, leopard, elephant, deer, various birds. It is possible to travel around the park on elephants. Airports: Jorhat, 96 km, and Guwahati, 217 km. Railway station: Furkating, 78 km. Season: February - May. Accommodation: on the territory of the park.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam)
On the border with Bhutan. The tropical forest, savannah and river banks are inhabited by rhinoceros, water bull, tiger, elephant, golden langur, and waterfowl. Fishing is allowed. Airport: Guwahati, 176 km. Railway station: Sarupeta, 40 km. Season: January - March. Accommodation: on the territory of the reserve.
Palamau Tiger Reserve (Bihar)
Rocky and wooded hills. Tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar, wild tropical cat, rhesus macaque, rarely - wolf. Airport: Ranchi, 155 km. Railway station: Daltonganj, 19 km. Season: February - March. Accommodation: in Belt.
Hazaribagh National Park (Bihar)
Salt marshes and wooded hills. Sambar, nilgai, chetal, tiger, leopard, rarely - muntjak (large barking deer). Airport: Ranchi, 100 km. Railway Station: Hazaribagh, 67 km. Season: February - March. Accommodation: on the territory of the park.
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal)
Mangrove forests. Tiger, river cat, deer, crocodile, dolphin, various birds. Transport: external and internal transportation by boat. Airport: Kolkata, 48 km. Season: February - March. Accommodation: There are no hotels or overnight accommodations on the territory or near the reserve.
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal)
Tropical forest and savanna. Rhinoceros, elephant, various birds. Airport: Bagdogra, 155 km. Railway station: Madari Khat, 11 km. Season: March - May. Accommodation: Rest house in Jaldapara.
Similipal Tiger Reserve (Orissa)
Extensive salt marsh forest. Tiger, elephant, leopard, sambar, chetal, muntjac deer and fawn. Airport: Bhubaneswar, 310 km. Railway Station: Baripada, 50 km. Season: November - June. Accommodation: tourist holiday homes in the surrounding area.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
Large artificial lake. Elephant, gaur, wild dog, black langur, beavers, turtles; numerous species of birds, including the hornbill and water owl. View from the water. Airports: Madurai, 160 km, Cochin, 208 km, and Thiruvananthapuram, 258 km. Railway Station: Madurai, Kottayam, 110 km and Bodinayakanur, 67 km. Accommodation: a good choice hotels in the vicinity of the reserve.
Vedanthangal Waterfowl Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
One of the most picturesque mass nesting sites in India. Cormorants, herons, storks, pelicans, grebes and many others. Airport: Chennai (Madras), 85 km. Railway Station: Chengalpattu, 28 km. Season: October - March. Accommodation: forest rest house.
Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
Primarily known for its flamingos. There are herons, teals, curlews, plovers and blackbucks and wild boars. Airport: Tiruchirappalli, 200 km. Railway station: Point Calimere, 0.5 km. Season: November - January. Accommodation: forest rest house.
Pulicat Bird Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh)
Flamingo, gray pelican, heron, tern. Airport and railway station: Chennai (Madras), 60 km. Accommodation: Overnight in Nellore.
Dandeli National Park (Karnataka)
The park is inhabited by bison, panthers, tigers and sambars. Easily accessible from Goa. Airport: Belgaon, 142 km. Railway station: Alnaver, 20 km. Accommodation: Rest houses in Kulljee Forest and Mandurli and River View Bungalows in Dandeli.
Jawhar National Park includes Bandipur and Nagarhole national parks (Karnataka) and Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu) and Wayanad (Kerala) wildlife sanctuaries.
Thick mixed forest. The most large population elephants in India; leopard, gaur, sambar, muntjac deer and giant squirrel. Birds include Indian cuckoo, barbet and trogon.
Bandipur (Karnataka)
Airport: Bangalore, 190 km. Railway Station: Mysore, 65 km. Available to tourists from Coimbatore and Udagamandalam. Accommodation: on the territory of the park.
Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu)
Airport: Coimbatore, 16 km. Railway station: Udagamandalam, 68 km.
Nagarhole (Karnataka)
Airport: Bangalore. Railway station: Mysur. Accommodation: tourist cottages.
Wayanad (Kerala)
Airport: Cochin, 300 km. Railway Station: Calicut, 111 km. Accommodation: forest rest house.
Krishnagiri Upavan National Park (Maharashtra)
Formerly known as Borivili, this reserve protects an important natural area near Bombay. Kanheri caves, Vihar, Tulsi and Powari lakes. Waterfowl and small mammals. An open-air cinema next to the Lion Safari Park. Airport: Mumbai (Bombay), 20 km. Railway station: Borivili, 3 km. Season: October - June. Accommodation: tourist cottages.
Taroba National Park (Maharashtra)
Teak forest and lake. Tiger, leopard, nilgai, gaur. Night inspections. Airport: Nagpur, 208 km. Railway Station: Chandrapur, 45 km. Season: March - May. Accommodation: on the territory of the park.
Sasangir National Park (Gujarat)
Wooded plains and lake. The only habitat of the Asiatic lion; other fauna: sambar, chowsingha, nilgai, leopard, chinkara and wild boar. Airport: Rajkot, 153 km. Railway station: Sasangir, 0.5 km. Season: January - May. Accommodation: on the territory of the park.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat)
Lake. Migratory waterfowl. Local bird species include flamingos. Airport: Ahmedabad, 64 km. Railway Station: Viramgam, 40 km. Season: November - February. Accommodation: there are conditions for accommodation near the lake.
Reserve "Little Kutch Rain" (Gujarat)
Desert. Herds of kura (Indian wild ass), wolf, caracal. Airport: Ahmedabad, 195 km. Railway Station: Dhangadra, 25 km. Season: October - June. Accommodation: on the territory of the reserve and in Dhangadra. Travel possible from Bhuj.
Velvadar National Park (Gujarat)
Savannah of the New Delta. Large concentration of blackbucks. Airport and Railway Station: Bhavnagar, 65 km. Season: October - June. Accommodation: on the territory of the park.
Industry and manufacturing
The chemical industry focuses on the production of mineral fertilizers. The importance of petrochemicals is growing. Resins, plastics, chemical fibers, and synthetic rubber are produced. Pharmaceuticals are developed. The chemical industry is represented in many cities of the country.
Light industry is a traditional sector of the Indian economy. The cotton and jute industries stand out in particular. India is one of the leading countries in the world in the production of cotton fabrics, and in the production of jute products (technical, packaging, furniture fabrics, carpets) it ranks first. The largest centers of the cotton industry are Bombay and Ahmedabad, the jute industry is Calcutta, textile factories are located in all major cities countries. Textile and apparel products account for 25% of India's exports.
The food industry produces goods for both domestic consumption and export. Indian tea is the most widely known in the world. Its production is concentrated in Kolkata and the south of the country. India ranks first in the world in tea exports.
Agriculture. The leading branch of Indian agriculture is crop production (4/5 of the cost of all products). The sown area is 140 million hectares, but there is practically no land for new development. Agriculture requires irrigation (40% of the cultivated area is irrigated). Forests are being cleared (slash-and-burn agriculture still exists).
The main part of the sown area is occupied by food crops: rice, wheat, corn, etc. The main industrial crops of India are cotton, jute, tea, sugar cane, tobacco, oilseeds (rapeseed, peanuts, etc.). Also grown coconut tree, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, citrus fruits, herbs and spices. The agricultural year almost everywhere in India is divided into two seasons - kharif (summer) and rabi (winter). Large land fund.
Animal husbandry is the second most important agricultural sector in India, far behind crop production. Large cattle used in peasant farms mainly as draft power. Milk, animal hide and skin are used.
In coastal areas, fishing is of considerable importance. The use of seafood can improve the food situation in the country.
Holidays(Where would we be without them!)
Northern India.
There is some kind of holiday here almost every day. However, at least take note of the following:
January: January 26, Republic Day (Delhi).
February-March: Festival of flowers and spring - Holi.
July-August: Colorful Teej festival. (Jaipur). August 15, Independence Day, (Delhi).
September-October: Spectacular festivals of Diwali and Dashekher.
November: Pushkar Desert Fair. (Pushkar).
Western India.
February-March: Unique Mardi Gras (Goa).
March: Dance festival. (Khajuraho).
July-August: The festival of the thousand-headed snake Nagpanchami and also the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
August-September: Spectacular festivities dedicated to the gods Krishna and Ganesha.
(Bombay). December: Christmas in Goa.
South India.
There are more of them here than in any other part of India. Therefore, you will definitely get to one of them, even if you are not lucky enough to take part in the largest holidays listed below:
January: Pongal Festival, a three-day Tamil harvest festival. Water festival in Madurai. The Great Elephant March.
February: Great Jaini festival, celebrated every 12-14 years. (Shravanbelagola).
April-May: Puram Elephant Parade. (Trichur).
August-September: Onam holiday; snake boat races in Kerala and the national holiday Diwali, Hindu New Year.
October: Ten-day carnival of Dasheher. (Mysore).
Eastern India.
February-March: Shivaratri – dedicated to the god Shiva.
June-July: Spectacular Chariot Festival, the largest religious holiday India. (Puri).
October: “Sadarang” – music festival (Kolkata).
November-December: Konar Dance Festival. (Konarak).
When compiling a description of the country, materials from the following sites were used:
http://www.krugosvet.ru/aMenu/1.htm
http://www.gold-pelican.spb.ru/countrys.php
http://tours.belti.ru/all_maps.php
http://www.oval.ru/encycl.shtml
1. What are the topography features of India? Its climate?
Most of the territory is vast plains. Erosion mountains, the Western and Eastern Ghats, formed on the western and eastern coasts. In the north, the country is bordered by the Himalayas. The relief and geographical location determine the climate. In India, a subequatorial climate is formed with a pronounced manifestation of the monsoon circulation. It's a hot summer here and warm winter. Summer is the rainy season. Due to the configuration and topography, precipitation falls unevenly - maximum precipitation occurs in the north-west of the country and the coast.
2. What is the reason for the country’s wealth in mineral resources?
With the close location of crystalline basement rocks and magmatism in the area where Hindustan connects with Eurasia.
3. *How does vegetation change on the slopes of the Himalayas? On what part of the slope is it particularly diverse? Why?
The northern and southern slopes of the Himalayas are very different. The northern slope is in sharply dry conditions continental climate. The vegetation here is poor: the foot and slopes are covered with desert and semi-desert vegetation. They are replaced by high mountain deserts and eternal snow. The southern slopes of the Himalayas receive large amounts of rainfall. Variably moist forests form here at the foot. They are replaced by jungles, deciduous forests, coniferous forests, alpine meadows and only then follow the high mountain deserts.
4. *Why is India considered an agrarian-industrial country?
India is considered an agrarian-industrial country, since agriculture has retained natural and semi-natural lifestyles and employs more than 60% of the country's population.
5. What are the features of the sectoral structure of industry and specialization of agriculture in India?
Mechanical engineering occupies a leading place in industry. Modern production is developing rapidly. Ferrous and non-ferrous (aluminum) metallurgy using its own raw materials has been developed. The chemical industry focuses on basic chemistry. Traditionally, food and light industries have developed.
IN agriculture crop production predominates. The main crops are rice, corn, cotton, tea bush, sugar cane, oilseeds. From livestock farming, poultry farming and sheep farming developed.
How do you think?
India is one of the world centers of civilization. The history of its traditions, beliefs, customs is thousands of years old. Why does it remain original until this time? Why has the demographic policy being pursued in the country failed to achieve its goals of reducing the birth rate?
India is truly one of the cradles of civilization. This backwardness of the country's economy is explained by its long colonial dependence. During the colonial period, no important industries were developed in the country. The metropolitan countries used India as a market for their own goods, and they had no need for the development of its economy. As for the failures of demographic policy, they are explained, on the one hand, by the strength of the tradition of large families. On the other hand, demographic policy in India, unlike China, was only propaganda in nature and was not successful among the population.
One of the most popular Asian countries for tourists is India. It attracts people with its distinctive culture, the grandeur of ancient architectural structures and the lush beauty of nature. But the most important thing why many people go there on vacation is the climate of India. It is so diverse in different parts of the country that you can choose entertainment to suit your taste at any time of the year: sunbathing on a sunny beach or skiing at a mountain resort.
If tourists travel to India to see the sights, it is advisable to choose a time so that the heat or rain does not interfere. The peculiarities of the country's geographical location affect its climate. You can choose your vacation spot depending on what temperature you prefer. Heat, sunny beaches and cool mountain air, and rains, hurricanes - this is all India.
Geographical position
The climate of this country is so diverse due to its location. India stretches from north to south for 3000 kilometers, and from west to east - 2000. The elevation difference is about 9000 meters. The country occupies almost the entire huge Hindustan peninsula, washed by the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
The climate of India is very diverse. Four types can be distinguished: dry tropical, wet tropical, subequatorial monsoon and alpine. And at the time when it begins in the south beach season, real winter is coming in the mountains, and the temperature drops below zero. There are areas where it rains almost all year round, while in others the plants suffer from drought.
Nature and climate of India
The country is located in subequatorial zone, but it is much warmer there than in other places in this strip. How can this be explained? In the north, the country is fenced off from the cold Asian winds by the Himalayas, and in the northwest large territory occupied by the Thar Desert, which attracts warm, humid monsoons. They determine the characteristics of India's climate. Monsoons bring rain and heat to the country. On the territory of India is Cherrapunji, where more than 12,000 millimeters of precipitation falls per year. And in the north-west of the country, for about 10 months there is not a drop of rain. Some eastern states are also suffering from drought. And if in the south of the country it is very hot - the temperature rises to 40 degrees, then in the mountains there are places of eternal glaciation: the Zaskar and Karakorum ranges. And the climate of coastal zones is influenced by warm waters Indian Ocean.
Seasons in India
In most of the country, three seasons can be roughly distinguished: winter, which lasts from November to February, summer, which lasts from March to June, and the rainy season. This division is conditional, because the monsoons have little effect on the eastern coast of India, and there is no rain in the Thar Desert. Winter in the usual meaning of the word occurs only in the north of the country, in the mountainous regions. There the temperature sometimes drops to minus 3 degrees. And on the southern coast at this time it is beach season, and migratory birds fly here from northern countries.
Rain season
This is the most interesting feature that the Indian climate has. Monsoons coming from the Arabian Sea bring heavy rain to most of the country. At this time, about 80% falls annual rate precipitation. First, the rains begin in the west of the country. Already in May, Goa and Bombay experience the influence of the monsoons. Gradually, the rainy area moves east, and by the month of July, the peak season is observed in most parts of the country. Hurricanes may occur along the coast, but they are not as destructive as in other countries near India. There is slightly less rainfall on the east coast, and the rainiest place is where the rainy season lasts until November. In most parts of India, dry weather sets in already in September-October.
The monsoon season brings relief from the heat to most parts of the country. And, despite the fact that at this time there are often floods and the sky is overcast, farmers are looking forward to this season. Thanks to the rains, lush Indian vegetation grows rapidly, good harvests are obtained, and all dust and dirt are washed away in the cities. But monsoons do not bring rain to all parts of the country. In the foothills of the Himalayas, the climate of India resembles that of Europe: and frosty winter. And in the northern state of Punjab there is almost no rain, so droughts are frequent there.
What is winter like in India?
From October onwards, dry and clear weather sets in over most of the country. After the rains it becomes relatively cool, although in some areas, for example on the coast, the heat is +30-35°, and the sea at this time warms up to +27°. The climate of India in winter is not very diverse: dry, warm and clear. Only in some areas it rains until December. Therefore, at this time there is a large influx of tourists.
Except sunny beaches and warm sea water, they are attracted by the beauty of lush vegetation in national parks India and the unusualness of the holidays that take place here in large numbers from November to March. This is the harvest, and the festival of colors, and the festival of lights, and even farewell to winter at the end of January. Christians celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ, and Hindus celebrate the birth of their deity - Ganesh Chaturthi. In addition, winter opens the season at the mountain resorts of the Himalayas, and winter sports enthusiasts can relax there.
Indian heat
Most of the country is warm all year round. If you consider the climate of India by month, you can understand that this is one of the hottest countries in the world. Summer there begins in March, and in most states it is already unbearably hot within a month. April-May marks the peak of high temperatures, in some places it rises to +45°. And since at this time it is also very dry, this weather is very exhausting. It is especially difficult for people in large cities, where dust is added to the heat. Therefore, for a long time, wealthy Indians at this time left for the northern mountainous regions, where the temperature is always comfortable and rarely rises to +30° at the hottest time.
When is the best time to visit India?
This country is beautiful at any time of the year, and every tourist can find a place that he will like with its weather. Depending on what interests you: relaxing on the beach, visiting attractions or observing nature, you need to choose the place and time of your trip. General recommendations for everyone it is not to visit Central and South India from April to July as it is very hot during this time.
If you want to sunbathe and don't like getting wet, don't come during the rainy season; the worst months are June and July, when there is the most rainfall. The Himalayas should not be visited in winter - from November to March, because many areas are difficult to access due to snow on the passes. The best time for a holiday in India is considered to be from September to March. In almost all regions of the country at this time comfortable temperature- +20-25° - and clear weather. Therefore, when planning a trip to these parts, it is advisable to get acquainted with the weather patterns in different areas and find out what the climate is like in India by month.
Temperatures in different parts of the country
- The greatest temperature differences occur in the mountainous regions of India. In winter, the thermometer there can show minus 1-3°, and high in the mountains - up to minus 20°. From June to August is the warmest time in the mountains, and temperatures range from +14 to +30°. Usually +20-25°.
- In the northern states, the coldest time is in January, when the thermometer shows +15°. In summer the heat is about +30° and above.
- The temperature difference is least felt in Central and Southern India, where it is always warm. In winter, during the coldest time, the temperature is comfortable there: +20-25°. From March to June it is very hot - +35-45°, sometimes the thermometer shows up to +48°. During the rainy season it is a little cooler - +25-30°.
India has always attracted tourists from all over the world. This is due not only to the beautiful nature, the variety of ancient buildings and the unique culture of the people. The most important thing that tourists like is the favorable location of the country and its pleasant climate throughout the year. India, in any month, can provide travelers with the opportunity to relax the way they want.
Mineral resources are one of the main components economic development states. With a variety of mineral resources, the country will not depend on external partners. At the same time, the emphasis will be on the development of areas in which the territory is rich. How it's done in India.
Features of the tectonic structure
India is divided into three parts. The main territories of the country are located on the surface of the Hindustan Plate. This part of the state is the most stable. In the northeast of modern India, the highest mountain range on the planet begins - the Himalayas, which was formed as a result of the collision of two plates - the Hindustan and Eurasian, with their subsequent unification into one continent. The same collision contributed to the formation of a depression in the earth's crust, which was later filled with alluvium and gave rise to the third part - the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The relief features of India and mineral resources are closely interconnected. The modern incarnation of the ancient plate is the Deccan Plateau, which occupies almost the entire central and southern part of the country. It is rich in deposits of various ore minerals, diamonds and other precious stones, as well as deposits containing coals and hydrocarbons.
Brief description of reserves
One can highlight some peculiarities of the state of India. Mineral resources containing ore: iron, copper, manganese, tungsten, as well as bauxite, chromite and gold, are located in the east and northeast of the country. In places of contact with mountain ranges. Here, as well as on the more eastern plateau of Chhota Nagpur, the largest coal basins are concentrated. The raw materials of these deposits are not of high quality - they are mainly thermal coals and they are used as much as possible in the energy sector. Southern India is rich in deposits of bauxite, gold, and chromite. Iron ore deposits are located in the central part of the country. Unlike coal mining, which is aimed mainly at the domestic market, mining of ore minerals is export-oriented. The coastal strip of the Indian coast has reserves of monazite sand, which contains thorium and And the question of what minerals India is rich in can be answered - all. And the presence of large deposits of precious metals - gold and silver - allowed India, literally, to become the main source of jewelry in the world.
Ore minerals
The western lowlands of the country and the mountainous northern lands of the state of India are practically devoid of ore mineral resources. The topography and minerals in this country are interconnected. Therefore, almost all ore deposits are associated with the Deccan Plateau. Its northeast is rich in huge deposits of various resources - iron, chromium, and manganese are mined here. Inventory volumes iron ore estimated at twelve billion tons. And ore is mined on such a scale that the local metallurgy does not have time to process it.
Therefore, most of the mined ore is exported. Indian and chromites are famous for their high content of useful substances. And the countries are rich in zinc, lead and copper. Separately, special fossils should be highlighted - monazite sands. They are found on many of the world's coasts, but India has the largest concentration of them. Minerals of this type have a large component of radioactive ores - thorium and uranium. The country took advantage of the presence of this component on its territory, which allowed it to become nuclear power. In addition to radioactive substances, monazite sands contain sufficient amounts of titanium and zirconium.
Non-metallic minerals
The main mineral of this type is coal, which accounts for ninety-seven percent of Indian coal reserves. Most of the deposits are located in the east and northeast of the Deccan plateau and the Chhota Nagpur plateau. Proven coal reserves are the seventh largest in the world. But the extraction of this mineral accounts for seven percent of the global value - the highest figure among other countries.
Coal is used mainly as fuel for thermal power plants. Only a small amount is used in metallurgy. Production in the country is insignificant. This fossil is used only as fuel. The northeastern lands are also rich in oil reserves. Until the middle of the last century, these were the only oil deposits that India knew. Since that period, minerals of this type began to be explored throughout the country and large deposits were found in the west of the country and on the shelves of the Arabian Sea. The country produces more than forty million tons of oil annually, but this is not enough for the rapidly developing Indian industry, so the country has to import a significant part of the oil.
Jewelry leader
What else is India famous for? Mineral resources that are of significant importance in the life of the country are listed above. Almost all - only precious metals and precious stones were not mentioned.
For several millennia, all the world's diamonds were mined in India near Golconda, in the eastern part of the Deccan Plateau. By the eighteenth century, it turned out that these deposits were practically empty. At the same time, large deposits were discovered in Africa, Canada, Siberia, and Indian diamonds began to be forgotten. Relatively small diamond mining by world standards and the presence of platinum and gold components in the ore deposits of the east and northeast of the country have made India a world leader in jewelry.
Inland waters
The central and western parts of India receive water from the Ganges, sacred to all Hindus, and its tributaries called the Ganges Valley. The Assam region receives water from the Brahmaputra, which originates in the northern Himalayas and flows into Bangladesh. The Indus originates in Tibet and flows west through Jammu and Kashmir into Pakistan.
Due to the abundance of water and fertile lands, the region of the northern river valleys is the most populated region of the country and it is where Indian civilization began. To the south of this region lies the vast triangular-shaped Deccan plateau, which occupies almost the entire Indian peninsula. The height of the plateau is from 300 to 900 m, however, sometimes there are chains up to 1200 m high. In many places it is crossed by rivers. In the east and west the plateau is framed mountain ranges: Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. The Western Ghats rise to a height of up to 900 m. Between them and the Arabian Sea lies the narrow plain of the Malabar coast. The Eastern Ghats rise to a height of about 460 m. Between them and the Bay of Bengal lies a narrow, flat strip of the Coromandel coast.
Climate
Due to the large territory and the presence of different climatic zones, the climate of India is varied, tropical monsoon in the north, predominantly tropical in the rest of the territory, subequatorial in the south of the peninsula. The rainy season is June - October, most pronounced in Bombay. The cool, dry season runs from late October to early March; this is the best time to visit the Hindustan Peninsula. At this time, most areas are clear, sunny days. The hot season begins in March, reaching its peak in May, when the thermometer rises to 49 °C. The southwest monsoon season begins on the west coast at the end of May and is accompanied by precipitation (from 60-6000 mm). Especially heavy rains found in northeast India; here is the rainiest place on Earth (about 12,000 mm of precipitation per year). Tourist resources due to their geographical location and climatic features have seasonal appeal.
In Kolkata, January temperatures range from 13°C to 27°C, July temperatures range from 26°C to 32°C. In Bombay - from 19? C to 28? C in January, from 25? C to 29? C in July.
Flora and fauna
In the arid areas bordering Pakistan, vegetation is quite sparse. Bamboo and palm trees grow in some areas. The Ganges Valley, which receives fairly high rainfall, has a wider variety of flora, especially in the southern part of the region, where mangroves and hardwood trees predominate. The lower slopes of the Himalayas are covered with fairly dense coniferous forests in the northwest and sub tropical forests in the east of the region. There are especially many magnolias, rhododendrons and oaks. The coastal region of southwest India and the slopes of the Western Ghats are covered with dense tropical forests: bamboo, teak, and other evergreen trees. On the Deccan Plateau the vegetation is less dense, however, there are forests with palm trees, bamboo and deciduous trees. The fauna in India is represented quite widely. Among the representatives of the cat family, tiger, panther, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, and clouded leopard stand out. Other large mammals include the Indian elephant, rhinoceros, black bear, wolf, jackal, buffalo, antelope, several species of monkeys, and deer. In the Himalayas and other mountainous regions there are many mountain goats (ibex, serow). India has a particularly large number of poisonous snakes, including cobra, lizard and others. Among the reptiles there are also pythons and crocodiles. Among large quantity The most notable birds are the peacock, heron, parrots, and kingfisher.