Maharashtra Board Class 10 Solutions for English Reader – Unexplored Beauty
Pre-reading Activities
Question 1:
Tourist places .
Look at the tourists centres given in column A and their peculiarities given in column B. Discuss with your partner and match them.
Answer:
(i – d), (ii – c), (iii – b), (iv – e), (v – a)
Question 2:
Reasons to visit tourist places Discuss with your partner and complete the following web on why people visit different places.
Answer:
i. to fulfill religious beliefs
ii. for better education and job opportunities
iii. to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life
iv. to enjoy and appreciate the art
v. to know the culture
vi. to know the historical importance
vii. to enjoy the natural beauty
viii. to relax and refresh
Question 3:
Advertisements
Look at the advertisements of different tourist places given in your textbook. Discuss with your partner which one you would prefer to visit. Why?
God’s Own Land: Kerala
i. Enjoy the backwaters
ii. Valley of flowers
iii. Serene atmosphere
iv. Sea-side resorts
v. Sea food and the south spices
Visit the Forts: Maharashtra
i. Historical places
ii. Full of natural beauty
iii. Ideal for trekking and hiking
iv. Explore flora and fauna
Land of Rajas: Rajasthan
i. Enjoy the camel ride
ii. Get lost in the desert
iii. Adventure rides
iv. Enjoy the lake cities
Answer:
I would like to visit the forts of Maharashtra, as I am very interested in getting acquainted with the history of my native land. A visit to the forts would throw light on the skills, intelligence and techniques of the people in the ancient times. It is really astonishing to see the massive forts constructed with a special focus on safety. In addition to this, the places are filled with natural beauty. There are different water sources and the greenery ‘ enchants every person visiting the forts. The forts are ideal for trekking and hiking. Adventurous people can enjoy weekend trips to these forts. It would give them an opportunity to explore the flora and fauna while trekking and hiking.
[Note: The above answer is given for reference.
Question 4:
Guessing the place
You are going to read about a famous tourist place. Look at the following words and guess what the place can be.
i. Islands ii. Tribals
iii. South of India iv. Dense Forest
v. Mangrove vi. Beaches
Answer:
From the given words, I guess that the place
might be Apdaman.
A1. Factual Reading
Question 1:
Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions choosing from the correct alternatives.
i. Which is the island described in the text?
a. Maldives
b. Andaman and Nicobar
c. Sri Lanka
Write the line that gives the answer
Answer:
b. Andaman and Nicobar.
The line that gives the answer is— ‘Parrot Island, in the calm and balmy waters of Andaman, is one such place that has escaped the herd of tourists’.
ii. What type of text is it?
a. story b. play
c. travelogue
Answer:
c. travelogue
Question 2:
State whether the following statements are True or False.
i. Parrot Island is situated in pristine and natural beauty of Andaman.
ii. Parrot Island is full of green mangroves and green meadows bordering the sea.
iii. Bluish backwater of Andaman sea is neither flowing nor stagnant.
iv. Parrot Island is about a minute’s boat ride from Nilambur Jetty.
Answer:
i. True
ii. True
iii. True
iv. False
A2. Understanding the Passage
Question 1:
Read the following statements and write the lines from the passage as a proof for your answer.
i. The visitors do not visit the Parrot Islands.
Answer:
Parrot Island, in the calm and balmy waters of Andaman is one such place that has escaped the her4 of tourists.
ii. The Andaman Islands are calm and quiet.
Answer:
Gifted with the combination of serenity and solitude, bluish backwater, which is neither flowing nor stagnant, Parrot Island is like balm for the soul.
iii. Nilambur Jetty is very close to the Parrot Islands.
Answer:
It takes around 20 minutes of a boat ride from the Nilambur Jetty to Parrot Island.
iv. The Parrot Island offers a beautiful site for the early sunrise.
Answer:
Be one with this island for witnessing the early sunrise and parrots flocking together in search of their paradise.
Question 2:
Go through the passage quickly and mark which of the following statements best sums up its main idea.
i. Andaman is one such place that has escaped the herd of tourists.
ii. Andaman has been trimmed with lush green mangroves and green meadows which stands like heaven for the visiting tourist.
iii. Sea-shore of Andaman is untouched and unspoiled.
iv. Bluish backwater of Andaman sea is neither flowing nor stagnant.
Answer:
Andaman is one such place that has escaped the herd of tourists.
Question 3:
Complete the web by choosing different colours mentioned in the passage.
Answer:
i. crimson
ii. orange
iii. pink
iv. purple
Question 4:
Complete the web by choosing the things that Parrot Island offers its tourists.
Answer:
i. trimmed lush green mangroves
ii. green meadows bordering the sea
iii. miles of beach
iv. bluish backwaters
A3. Meaning from the Text
Question 1:
Find out the synonyms of the words given in column A.
Answer:
Question 2:
Find the meaning of the following words and match them.
Answer:
(i – c), (ii – a), (iii – d), (iv – b)
Question 3:
Look at the following sentences from the passage and find out, what they mean.
e.g. Andaman is a place that has escaped from tourists = Visitors have overlooked to visit Andamans.
i. Parrot Island is a balm for the soul. = ………………..
Answer:
Visit to the Parrot Island provides a very soothing and pleasant effect on the mind.
ii. Parrot Island is largely unexplored. = …………..
Answer:
Tourists have not yet visited many places on Parrot Island.
iii. Parrot Island is a must visit for all Indians. = …………..
Answer:
Question 4:
Read and suggest one word for the following.
i. a class of educated and enlightened people
*ii. a long band of sand near the sea
iii. outward appearance of a place
iv. road that does not follow a straight line
Answer:
i. intelligentsia ii. beach
iii. visage iv. meandering
Question 5:
Find from the passage opposites of the following words.
i. tiny ii. explored
iii. uncertainty iv. ascend
Answer:
i. huge ii. unexplored
iii. certainty iv. descend
A4. Language Study
Do as directed.
Question 1:
Nations have been vying to attract tourists.
(Underline the infinitive)
Answer:
Nations have been vying to attract tourists.
Question 2:
It is nature at its best. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
It is nature at its best, isn’t it?
Question 3:
The approach to the island is a pleasure.
(Rewrite as an interrogative sentence)
Answer:
Isn’t the approach to the island a pleasure?
Question 4:
It is strange to see such a beautiful and gorgeous place.
(Rewrite as an exclamatory sentence)
Answer:
How strange it is to see such a beautiful and gorgeous place!
Question 5:
I felt I was the only luckiest spectator that evening when I saw the beautiful visage of the five islands.
(Rewrite using infinitive form of the underlined word)
Answer:
I felt I was the only luckiest spectator that evening to see the beautiful visage of the five islands.
A5. Personal Response
Question 1:
Name a few islands in India and write where they are located and what they are famous for.
Answer:
The following are some of the islands in India: Shivanasamudra Island of the Cauvery River, Chorao, Divar – Goa, Lakshadweep,
Elephanta, Cross Island – Mumbai Harbour, Great Nicobar, Vypin – Kerala, Srirangam Island – Tamil Nadu, etc.
These islands are famous for lush greenery, speedboat drives, beaches, peaceful atmosphere and ambience.
Question 2:
Do you think that the writer has enjoyed her journey? Find the instances from the article.
Answer:
Yes, I do think that the writer has enjoyed her journey. Instances from the article that show this are
i. It is nature at its best.
ii. Untouched and virgin miles of beach that are an answer to the prayers of those seeking solace in the arms of mother nature.
iii. Parrot Island is balm for the soul.
iv. I felt I was one of the luckiest spectator that evening, when I saw the beautiful visage of the five islands.
v. Without meandering, I can say with certainty that Parrot Island is a must visit for all Indians.
A1. Factual Reading
Question 1:
Read the passage quickly and supply the information asked.
i. Baratang Island is situated between ……………..
ii. The distance from Andaman to Baratang Island is …………………
iii. The Mangroves Canopy walk is about …………
iv. Port Blair is …………….. away from Baratang.
v. The tribe that is seen in Andaman Island is …………………
Answer:
i. South and Middle Andaman Islands.
ii. about 100 kilometres.
iii. one and a half kilometre long narrow path.
iv. 100 km
v. the Jarawa tribe.
Question 2:
Choose the correct alternative and complete the following sentence.
i. Baratang Island is a huge deposit of ……………..
a. granite
b. limerick
c. limestone
Answer:
c. limestone
ii. After getting off from Nayadera Jetty, one has to …………. to reach the limestone caves.
a. take a short ferry ride
b. walk through dense forest
c. drive all the way
Answer:
b. walk through dense forest
iii. Journeying through Baratang Creek is ideal for …………….
a. day trips
b. night trips
c. short trips
Answer:
a. day trips
iv. The Great Andaman connects the …………… South and North Andaman.
a. Railway Line
b. Trunk Road
c. Boating Facility
Answer:
b. Trunk Road
A2. Understanding the Passage
Question 1:
Find out the proper words from Part I to fill and complete the following sentences.
i. The district collector plays badminton on everyday in the morning.
ii. Which road connects South and North Island?
a. Great Andaman Highway
b. Great Andaman Main Road
c. Great Andaman Trunk Road
Write the line that gives the answer
Answer:
c. Great Andaman Trunk Road
The line that gives the answer is – ‘The Great Andaman Trunk Road’, connects the South and North Andaman through this reserve area.
iii. What is the speed limit for the vehicles in Andaman and Nicobar Island?
a. 100 km. b. 90 km.
c. 30 km.
Write the line that gives the answer
Answer:
c. 30 km.
The line that gives the answer is – ‘Vehicles are not allowed to stop there and to interact with them, but all vehicles do slow down because the speed is restricted up to 30 km. per hour by the Government of Andaman and Nicobar island.’
Question 2:
Go through the passage and describe the various places that are visited by the writer
Answer:
A3. Meaning from the Text
Question 1:
Read and suggest one word for the following.
i. a piece of land surrounded by water
ii. a narrow area of water where the sea flows into the land
iii. a cover that is fixed or hangs above
iv. an area where no one is allowed to enter
v. something that is not commonly seen
vi. control on something
Answer: i. island ii. creek
iii. canopy iv. reserve area
v. rere vi. resticted
Question 2:
Find out the synonyms of the words given in column A.
Answer:
Question 3:
Write from the passage opposites of the following words.
i. long ii. sparse
iii. broad iv. fast
Answer:
i. short ii. dense
iii. narrow iv. slow
A4. Language Study
Do as Directed.
Question 1:
Baratang Island is situated between South and Middle Andaman islands.
(Frame a ‘Wh question’ to get the underlined part as answer)
Answer:
Where is Baratang Island situated?
Question 2:
They provide a soothing effect to the eye and the mind.
(Rewrite using ‘not only …. but also’)
Answer:
They provide a soothing effect not only to the
Question 3:
One can get acquainted with various aspects of mangroves.
(Rewrite using ‘able to’)
Answer:
One is able to get acquainted with various aspects of mangroves.
Question 4:
I get ready to board the jet my flight to Koikata from Port Blair.
(Underline the Infinitive)
Answer:
I get ready to board the jet my flight to Koikata from Port Blair.
Question 5:
The speed is restricted by the Government of Andaman and Nicobar Island.
(Change the voice)
Answer:
The Government of Andaman and Nicobar Island has restricted the speed.
A5. Personal Response
Question 1:
Would you like to visit Andaman-Nicobar Island? For what reasons?
Answer:
Yes, I would definitely like to visit Andaman- Nicobar Islands for its scenic beauty and wonders of nature. The beautiful description of the place makes me want to visit the islands at the earliest, to enjoy and fill my heart with all the beautiful sights they offer.
Question 2:
Why do you think Limestone Cave is a very important place in Andaman Islands?
Answer:
The Limestone Caves in the Andaman Islands are known for its stunning white beauty. According to me, they are also important from the point of view of commercial value of the mineral deposits.
Additional Questions for Practice
Question 1:
Read Part I again and after discussing with your partner answer the following questions.
i. Answer in just a few words
a. Where should you go to witness parrot island?
Answer:
We should go to the andaman island to witness parrot island.
b. How does the author describe the water of Andaman?
Answer:
The author describes the water of Andaman as calm and balmy.
c. Where do the green mangroves stand?
Answer:
The green mangroves stand bordering the sea.
d. What is the Parrot Island gifted with?
Answer:
The Parrot Island is gifted with a combination of serenity and solitude, bluish backwater, which is neither flowing nor stagnant.
e. Where is Nilambur Jetty located?
Answer:
The Nilambur Jetty is located at a distance of about 20 minutes by boat ride from the Parrot Island in the Andaman.
ii. Answer in about two to three sentences.
a. Why are the beaches of Andaman yet unspoilt and untouched?
Answer:
The beaches of Andaman are yet unspoilt and untouched because they have escaped the herd of tourists. A huge section of the intelligentsia is convinced that more the tourists, the corresponding is the decline in pristine nature of the place. People are unaware about its beauty, serenity and solitude.
b. Why does the author think that visit to Andaman is a must?
Answer:
The author thinks that visit to Andaman is a must because it is a paradise that is unexplored. The waters of Andaman are calm and balmy. The Parrot Island in Andaman has trimmed lush green mangroves and green meadows bordering the sea. Nature is at its best. When the sun descends down, the sky spreads a crimson colour which sometimes looks like mixture of orange, pink and purple light. During early sunrise, one can witness parrots flocking together in search of their paradise.
c. Why have the Parrot Islands remained unexplored so far?
Answer:
The Parrot Islands have remained unexplored so far because of the fact that many people have not heard about them. They have also escaped the herd of tourists as not many people know about its serenity and solitude.
Question 2:
Title
Look at the title.
Unexplored Beauty
i. What do you mean by ‘unexplored’?
Answer:
‘Unexplored’ means not visited by people (tourists) before.
ii. Why do you think that more number of people do not visit this place?
Answer:
I think that Parrot Island is not a familiar place and very few people know about its existence. So, more number of people do not visit it.
iii. What is ‘beautiful’?
Answer:
Anything that draws our attention towards it, which is attractive, pleasing to the eyes and soothing to the heart is ‘beautiful’.
iv. What is beautiful about Andaman and Nicobar?
Answer:
Lush green mangroves and green meadows, virgin beaches, serenity and solitude, bluish backwater, enchanting ambience, the beautiful sunrise and sunset in Andaman and Nicobar are all beautiful.
v. What other befitting title you can think of?
Answer:
The following are the befitting titles that I can think of:
i. A Paradise on Earth
ii. Enchanting Islands
Question 3:
Finding words
ii. The mountains are always human minds. to the
iii. T.V. has made us passive
iv. visit Mahabaleshwar during summer season.
v. When the sun sets it spreads the sky. all over
Answer:
i. the beach ii. stunning
iii. spectators iv. One must
v. a crimson colour
Question 4:
Describing words
Go through both Part I and Part II quickly and find out the places that match the following describing words.
Answer:
Question 5:
Using describing words
Go through both the Parts and find out all those words that are used to describe different places. Get to know their meaning. Then use these words to describe the places in your town or any nearby place.
For example: The journey towards Mahadev temple is a refreshing and enhancing experience.
Answer:
Describing words:
Part I – pristine nature of the place; calm and balmy waters; lush green meadows; untouched and virgin miles of beach; stunning visage; beautiful and gorgeous place; enchanting ambience; unexplored beauty.
Part II – refreshing and enhancing experience; massive, primordial tropical forest; soothing effect.
[Note: Students may refer to the ‘Glossary’ section for the meanings.]
Sentences:
i. We enjoyed the pristine nature of Mahabaleshwar.
ii. Tourists are attracted towards the calm and balmy waters of the Goan beaches.
iii. The horse ride through the lush green, meadows was a thrilling experience.
iv. There are many untouched and virgin beaches on the western coast of India.
v. The Himalayan ranges covered with snow form a stunning visage.
vi. Beautiful and gorgeous palaces are the main tourist attraction of Rajasthan.
vii. Delicious food was accompanied by enchanting ambience at the wedding reception.
viii. I like to visit unexplored beautiful places in the remote rural areas of India.
ix. A trek to the fort filled our minds and hearts with a refreshing and enhancing experience.
x. It was so dark in the massive, primordial tropical forests that we lost our way.
xi. Walking by the beach in the evening had a very soothing effect on my mind.
Question 6:
Read Part II again and after discussing with your partner answer the following questions.
i. Answer in just a few words.
a. Where do you come across a huge deposit of limestone?
Answer:
Baratang Island, particularly at Nayadera, near the Wrafter Creek
b. What is Baratang Creek ideal for?
Answer:
day trips
c. What provides a soothing effect to the eye and mind?
Answer:
The sight of the tiny island and endless stretches of massive, primordial tropical forest and mangrove vegetation
d. How long is Mangroves Canopy Walk?
Answer:
one and a half kilometres
e. Which tribes would you come across in the Mangroves Canopy?
Answer:
Jharkhand and Andamanese tribals
ii. Answer in a few sentences.
a. Where did the author enjoy ferry- ride?
Answer:
The author enjoyed ferry ride from middle strait to Baratang Island. The journey through the Baratang Creek was a refreshing and enhancing experience. The speedboat knifed its way through the waters of Baratang Creek. The sight of the tiny island and massive, primordial tropical forest and mangrove vegetation provided a soothing effect to the eye and the mind of the author.
b. What does mangrove vegetation provide during the journey through the Baratang Creek?
Answer:
The mangrove vegetation provides a refreshing and enhancing experience during the journey through the Baratang Creek. The endless stretches of massive, primordial tropical forest provide a soothing effect to the eye and the mind. One can also get acquainted with various aspects of mangroves, while walking on this path.
c. Where can you get acquainted with various aspects of mangroves?
Answer:
The Mangroves Canopy Walk is one and a half kilometre long narrow path. One can get acquainted with various aspects of mangroves while walking on this path.
Question 7:
Matching to form sentences Read Part II and then match the group of words to form meaningful sentences.
Answer:
(i – c), (ii – d), (iii – a), (iv – b), (v – e)
Question 8:
Islands
Following are the names of islands. Categorise them into native and foreign islands.
[Sri Lanka, West Indies, Japan, Andaman, Daman, Nicobar, Diu, Maldives, New Zealand, Devbaug]
Answer:
Question 9:
Develop a paragraph
Read the fact file and develop a paragraph based on the information.
Remember:
Make use of words like: whereas, however, largest, smallest, etc.
Fact File:
i. Geographical area: 8249 sq. km.
ii. Number of islands: 556
iii. Number of inhabited islands: 38
iv. Number of districts: 3
v. Population (census 2011): 3.80 lakhs
vi. Capital city: Port Blair
Answer:
The Andaman Islands are located to the South East of the main continent of India. The total geographical area of the Andaman Islands is 8249 sq. km. While Andaman consists of 556 islands, only 38 of them are inhabited. The islands are divided into 3 districts. According to the census of 2011, the population of the Andaman Island is 3.80 lakhs. The capital city is Port Blair, which is also the largest city of these islands.
Question 10:
Do you know?
Prepare a paragraph based on the information given below.
Location of Andaman: South East of the main continent of India, group of islands Geographical area: 8249 sq. km.
Number of islands: 556 Number of inhabited islands: 38 Number of districts: 3 Population (census 2011): 3.80 lakhs Capital city: Port Blair
Answer:
The Andaman Islands are located to the South East of the main continent of India. The total geographical area of the Andaman Islands is 8249 sq. km. While Andaman consists of 556 islands, only 38 of them are inhabited. The islands are divided into 3 districts. According to the census of 2011, the population of the Andaman Island is 3.80 lakhs. The capital city is Port Blair, which is also the largest city of these islands.
Question 11:
Infinitives
i. Look at the following sentences. Read the underlined part carefully and discuss the questions given below with your partner. Note down all the points of your observation.
a. On my return journey, I got ready to board the Jet, my flight to Kolkata from Port Blair.
b. The tourists love to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Parrot Island.
Discuss
• What is added before the underlined word? Ans: The word ‘to’ is added before the underlined
word.
• What does it suggest, about the action?
Ans:
It suggests that the action does not belong to any specific time period, i.e. past, present or future.
ii. Working in pairs, use infinitives to join the following sentences. One is done for you.
I didn’t go to adventure sports. I was frightened.
I was frightened to go to the adventure sports.
a. I met the Jarawa tribe. I was happy.
Answer:
I was happy to meet the Jarawa tribe.
b. I enjoyed the Parrot Island. I was immensely pleased. .
Answer:
I was immensely pleased to enjoy the Parrot Island.
c. We saw the unexpected beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We were surprised.
Answer:
We were surprised to see the unexpected beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
d. We travelled through the Mangroves Canopy on foot. We were delighted.
Answer:
We were delighted to travel through the Mangroves Canopy on foot.
e. We heard about the beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We were thrilled.
Answer:
We were thrilled to hear about the beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
iii. Look at the news headlines carefully. Form pairs and find to + verb forms in the headlines. After finding the correct to + verb forms, fill in the blanks of the given sentences with the appropriate to + verb form.
Answer:
to give
Answer:
to take
Answer:
to obtain
Answer:
to replace
e.g. We decided to keep less baggage and environment friendly gadgets for the next month’s tour to Mauritius.
a. We planned ……………… the world famous Salarjung Museum of Hyderabad.
Answer:
to visit
b. In spite of severe injury, Sachin resolved …………….. the mega final against the arch rivals.
Answer:
to play
c. Government is determined ………….. strict action against the anti-social elements doing mischief at the tourist places.
Answer:
to take
d. The students’ council requested the Principal ………….. permission for conducting a Blood-Donation Camp in the school.
Answer:
to grant
e. For visiting a foreign country, we have ……………. permission and visa in advance from the embassy of the country.
Answer:
to obtain
f. It is difficult ………….. the seasoned player with a debutant.
Answer:
to match
g. Students demanded ……………… 24 hours library and internet facility during their term exams.
Answer:
to allow
h. The Tourism Minister resolved …………………. the meeting for making people aware of the pathetic conditions of some famous tourist places.
Answer:
to conduct
i. Many State Governments resolved ………….. and strictly implement an anti-alcohol drive at the tourist places.
Answer:
to enforce
iv. Complete the sentences by using the infinitive.
e.g. I reached the book stores to buy books.
a. Seeing the room dirty, Raju brought the broom ………………..
Answer:
to clean the floor
b. In the evening, we reached the Taj restaurant ……………….
Answer:
to have dinner
c. Regarding Ohm’s law, I met the science teacher ………………..
Answer:
to clarify my doubts
d. We all sat silently …………………
Answer:
to tear the speech.
v. Form pairs and use your own ideas and experience to complete the following sentences.
e. g. I went to Big Bazaar to buy groceries and electronic gadgets.
a. I phoned my brother …………….
Answer:
to inquire about his health.
b. Ali took the breakfast hastily …………..
Answer:
to be able to reach office in time
c. Omkar locked the front door ……………
Answer:
to ensure safety
d. Gayatri needs a key ………..
Answer:
to open the cupboard
e. I went to the Post Office ……………
Answer:
to buy some postage stamps
f. Zaheer Khan took the ball in his hands ………….
Answer:
to bowl to the batsman
g. The Principal called an emergency meeting …………….
Answer:
to discuss the examination schedule
h. I am going out ………….
Answer:
to deposit money in the bank
i. The salesman knocked on the door ……………
Answer:
to sell his products
Question 12:
Travelogue
Imagine that you have visited a hill-station near your area as a part of your school excursion. Develop a travelogue on the following lines.
Reason to Visit the Place
i. One day our class-teacher announced ………………
ii. In one voice we ……………….
iii. Lot of information ……………..
i. Attractive beginning
ii. Catchy title
iii. Appropriate vocabulary
Road-map to reach Hill Station
We all decide to travel ……………
The distance was of ………….
Sites on the way ………….
i. Discuss and plan before you write
ii. Prepare a rough draft
Best time to Visit the Place We
were told ………………
We decided to ……………
In this time of the year …………..
What, when, where, why, who and how – answer so as to develop your ideas Accommodation Available
Our class-teacher made us aware …………….
We were very eager ……………
What a joyful ………………!
i. Prepare paragraphs
ii. Use joining words for connecting ideas
Beautiful Points to be watched by the Tourists The place was full of ………………
……………. worth visiting.
The journey towards ……………
i. Use variety of sentences
ii. Use interrogations
iii. Use exclamations
Describing Fun and Humour We
had a lot of fun …………….
Watching tall trees and the flora and fauna ……………
…………. was like in a heaven.
i. Use the past tense form
ii. Look at the sequence of events Road-map of Return Journey
While in our return journey …………….
…………… was worth memorable.
We could never forget .
i. Attractive summing-up
ii. Proper end
iii. Give personal touch
Answer:
Beauty of Lonavala
One day, our class teacher announced a trip to Lonavala. In one voice, everyone agreed to go. Some of our classmates had already visited the place. They came up with lot of information about Lonavala. A road map to the hill station was brought. We decided to travel by road and our teacher hired a bus for the same. The distance was about 104 km. There were thirty students, including myself. It was decided that each student would pay Rs.2500/- for the entire trip. We all planned the trip and decided on the things that we were going to carry along with us. We were going to stay at the MTDC resort in Lonavala. All the arrangements and bookings were made and the money was collected. Since it was November, it was the best time of the year to visit the place.
Finally, the day of departure dawned. Our entire luggage was loaded in the bus. We began our journey at around 7 am in the morning. At the beginning, nothing seemed to be exciting. However, as we reached Karjat, the fun and enjoyment seemed to have reached its peak. At Karjat, we had hot and spicy Vada Pav. The weather started getting colder as we went forward to Lonavala. During the journey, on one side of the road, there were cold waterfalls and on the other side, there was a deep green valley. Everything was so beautiful and pleasant. As we moved on, we saw that the trees were getting taller and the forests, thicker. Soon, we covered ourselves with shawls and mufflers. At around 10 am, we reached Lonavala. We were completely surrounded by mist and fog.
We checked into the MTDC resort. Our teacher asked us to relax for some time until the breakfast was arranged. After having the delicious food, we headed for the trek. Our teacher hired a guide who explained the significance of various flora and fauna on our way. Next, we headed towards Duke’s nose. This cliff resembled the nose of the Duke of Wellington, which explained the origin of its name. It was a popular viewpoint, as it offered a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forests. The next stop was the Tiger’s leap. If it is viewed from a certain location, one gets the illusion of a tiger leaping across the valley. The echo caused by dropping rocks into the crevasse was another attraction. Moreover, the monkeys at the place were very entertaining.
We also relaxed at Lonavala Lake for some time. It was a pleasant experience, since Lonavala Lake was surrounded by natural scenery. We went to see the Karla caves next, a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 2nd to 3rd century B.C. We also saw the famous temple of Goddess Ekvira Devi. We relaxed near the springs and waterfalls. The gushing sound of water was melodic and soothing.
We went to our beds at around 10 pm. In the morning, it was time to leave. We had a mixture of feelings. We were glad to take such beautiful memories with us. At the same time, we were sad to return. While on our way back, we bought the famous Lonavala Chikki and Fudge. Indeed, it was a memorable trip—one which we would remember for a long time.
Question 13:
Letter
You have come across the following advertisement. Prepare a letter for planning a visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Being the in-charge of the cultural committee of your school, write a letter to the Tourism Department of Andaman and Nicobar for providing the required information.
The Officer Incharge,
Tourism Development Corporation,
Andaman and Nicobar.
Subject:
Sir/Madam,
i. name of the school and other details ii. purpose of the visit
iii. inquiry regarding accommodation, tariff, food, etc. iv. procedure for booking
v. availability of seats vi. precaution and care
Thank you,
Yours faithfully,
Ravi Suryawanshi,
Answer:
M. Gandhi High School, Moregaon.
25th November, 2013.
To,
Chapter 8.1: Unexplored Beauty
Ravi Suryawanshi,
M. Gandhi High School, Moregaon.
25 Nov. 2013
The Officer Incharge,
Tourism Development Corporation, Andaman and Nicobar.
Subject: Request for information regarding school trip to the Islands
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Ravi Suryawanshi, the incharge of the cultural committee of M. Gandhi High School. I am writing this letter to request for information regarding a trip to the Island. The main purpose of the visit is to gather maximum information about Andaman and Nicobar islands as it forms an important part of the curriculum. We also want to visit Parrot Island and enjoy the water sports there.
We would like to visit somewhere during mid-December. Kindly provide some information regarding the following:
i. Arrangement for accommodation of 30 students and 3 teachers
ii. Rates for accommodation, food, transportation, etc.
iii. Procedure of booking
iv. Availability of seats
v. Any precautions or restrictions to be followed (if any, what are they?)
Please let us know the details at the earliest. We would also appreciate if you could send across one of your brochures, as it would help us to plan our trip more systematically.
Awaiting a quick and positive response.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Ravi Suryawanshi