New Delhi is situated in the northern part of India within the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It forms a small, central part of the much larger National Capital Territory of Delhi. The geography of the city is characterized by a mostly flat plain, intersected by the historic Yamuna River to the east and the rugged terrain of the Delhi Ridge to the west and south.
The Delhi Ridge, considered the green lung of the city, is an extension of the ancient Aravalli Range. It protects New Delhi from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan and supports a surprising amount of urban biodiversity. The city's strategic location in the plains has made it a crucial gateway between the diverse regions of the Indian subcontinent, though it lacks significant natural mineral resources within its urban boundaries.
