India Geography The Himalayasform the highest mountain range in the world, and slope southward into a large fertile plain that covers much of India. Three mountain ranges extend from the Indus Riverin the northwest, to the Brahmaputra River in the east, including the Himadri, Himachal and Shivaliks - all with deep canyons gorged by the fast-flowing water. India's highest point is Kanchenjunga which rises 28,208 ft. (8,598 m). The land rises slightly into two plateaus, bordered in the central and south by lower mountains (Ghats), that gently slope into narrow coastal plains. Numerous rivers drain the land, and without question, the Ganges is the heartbeat of India and one of the most significant rivers on the planet.