NCERT Textbook: Spectacular Wonders

 Page 1


s pe CTa CUlar Wonders Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look 	 at 	 the 	 pictures 	 given 	 below 	 and 	 sort 	 them 	 into 	 natural 	 and 	 
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______ 
 II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and 	why? 	Share 	your 	answers 	 with 	 your 	 classmates 	and 	 teacher.
 III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. 	 Discuss 	 what 	 makes 	 them 	 impressive. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	 with 	
your 	 classmates 	and 	teacher. 	
	 IV	 Work 	 in 	 groups 	 of 	 four. 	 Complete 	 the 	 web 	 chart 	 given 	 below 	 with 	 words 	
that 	 you 	 associate 	 with 	 the 	 phrase, 	 ‘Nature’s	 Power’. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	
with 	your 	classmates 	 and 	teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Reprint 2026-27
Page 2


s pe CTa CUlar Wonders Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look 	 at 	 the 	 pictures 	 given 	 below 	 and 	 sort 	 them 	 into 	 natural 	 and 	 
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______ 
 II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and 	why? 	Share 	your 	answers 	 with 	 your 	 classmates 	and 	 teacher.
 III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. 	 Discuss 	 what 	 makes 	 them 	 impressive. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	 with 	
your 	 classmates 	and 	teacher. 	
	 IV	 Work 	 in 	 groups 	 of 	 four. 	 Complete 	 the 	 web 	 chart 	 given 	 below 	 with 	 words 	
that 	 you 	 associate 	 with 	 the 	 phrase, 	 ‘Nature’s	 Power’. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	
with 	your 	classmates 	 and 	teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Reprint 2026-27
Poorvi
138
 Let us read
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural 
phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination. 
1. The Valley of f lo Wers , UTTarakhand The 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 is 	 an 	 eye-
catching spectacle with around 
600 	 species 	 of 	 exotic 	 ??owers, 	
including orchids, poppies, 
primulas, marigold, daisies, and 
anemones. It is a place where 
nature 	 blooms 	 in 	 its 	 full 	 glory 	
o??ering 	 an 	 attractive 	 view. 	
The	 trek	 to 	 the 	 valley 	 o??ers 	 spectacular 	 views	 of 	 beautiful	
waterfalls 	 and 	 wild 	 streams. 	 The 	 valley 	 is 	 also 	 home 	 to 	 rare	
wildlife	 species 	 like	 the 	 grey 	 langur, 	 ??ying 	 squirrel, 	 red	 fox, 	
lime	 butter??y, 	 and 	snow 	 leopard, 	 to 	name 	a 	few.
With 	 a 	 stunning 	 backdrop 	 of 	 the 	 mighty 	 Himalayan 	 ranges, 	
the 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 National 	 Park 	 presents 	 an 	 unforgettable 	
experience	 for	 visitors. 	 Spread 	 over 	 a 	 huge 	 area 	 in 	 the 	 Chamoli 	
district, 	 the 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 National 	 Park	 is 	 a 	 UNESCO 	 World 	
Heritage 	 Site. 	 Between 	 the 	 months 	 of 	 May 	 and 	 October, 	 this 	
area turns into a botanical 	wonderland!
2. The l i Ving r oo T Bridges , Meghalaya Imagine building a bridge 
without the use of cement, 
stones, concrete, etc. Is it 
possible? 	 The 	 living 	 root 	
bridges are incredible feats 
of 	 engineering 	 built 	 by 	
the indigenous people of 
Meghalaya. 	 The 	 living 	 root 	
bridges 	 are 	 one 	 of 	 Meghalaya’s 	 most 	 beautiful 	 tangible 
UNESCO 	 world 	 heritage 	sites. 	
Crossing 	 the 	 many 	 waterways 	 without 	 bridges 	 was 	 di??cult 	
for people in the past, during monsoons.
mystifying: 
strange or 
impossible to 
explain
spectacle: an 
unusual sight 
that attracts 
interest
exotic: 
uncommon
botanical: 
relating to 
plants
feats: tasks 
di??cult 	to 	
achieve, 
especially 	 those	
involving a lot 
of skill
indigenous: 
native
tangible: 
noticeable
Unit 3.indd   138 Unit 3.indd   138 13-05-2025   12:58:40 13-05-2025   12:58:40
Reprint 2026-27
Page 3


s pe CTa CUlar Wonders Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look 	 at 	 the 	 pictures 	 given 	 below 	 and 	 sort 	 them 	 into 	 natural 	 and 	 
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______ 
 II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and 	why? 	Share 	your 	answers 	 with 	 your 	 classmates 	and 	 teacher.
 III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. 	 Discuss 	 what 	 makes 	 them 	 impressive. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	 with 	
your 	 classmates 	and 	teacher. 	
	 IV	 Work 	 in 	 groups 	 of 	 four. 	 Complete 	 the 	 web 	 chart 	 given 	 below 	 with 	 words 	
that 	 you 	 associate 	 with 	 the 	 phrase, 	 ‘Nature’s	 Power’. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	
with 	your 	classmates 	 and 	teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Reprint 2026-27
Poorvi
138
 Let us read
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural 
phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination. 
1. The Valley of f lo Wers , UTTarakhand The 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 is 	 an 	 eye-
catching spectacle with around 
600 	 species 	 of 	 exotic 	 ??owers, 	
including orchids, poppies, 
primulas, marigold, daisies, and 
anemones. It is a place where 
nature 	 blooms 	 in 	 its 	 full 	 glory 	
o??ering 	 an 	 attractive 	 view. 	
The	 trek	 to 	 the 	 valley 	 o??ers 	 spectacular 	 views	 of 	 beautiful	
waterfalls 	 and 	 wild 	 streams. 	 The 	 valley 	 is 	 also 	 home 	 to 	 rare	
wildlife	 species 	 like	 the 	 grey 	 langur, 	 ??ying 	 squirrel, 	 red	 fox, 	
lime	 butter??y, 	 and 	snow 	 leopard, 	 to 	name 	a 	few.
With 	 a 	 stunning 	 backdrop 	 of 	 the 	 mighty 	 Himalayan 	 ranges, 	
the 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 National 	 Park 	 presents 	 an 	 unforgettable 	
experience	 for	 visitors. 	 Spread 	 over 	 a 	 huge 	 area 	 in 	 the 	 Chamoli 	
district, 	 the 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 National 	 Park	 is 	 a 	 UNESCO 	 World 	
Heritage 	 Site. 	 Between 	 the 	 months 	 of 	 May 	 and 	 October, 	 this 	
area turns into a botanical 	wonderland!
2. The l i Ving r oo T Bridges , Meghalaya Imagine building a bridge 
without the use of cement, 
stones, concrete, etc. Is it 
possible? 	 The 	 living 	 root 	
bridges are incredible feats 
of 	 engineering 	 built 	 by 	
the indigenous people of 
Meghalaya. 	 The 	 living 	 root 	
bridges 	 are 	 one 	 of 	 Meghalaya’s 	 most 	 beautiful 	 tangible 
UNESCO 	 world 	 heritage 	sites. 	
Crossing 	 the 	 many 	 waterways 	 without 	 bridges 	 was 	 di??cult 	
for people in the past, during monsoons.
mystifying: 
strange or 
impossible to 
explain
spectacle: an 
unusual sight 
that attracts 
interest
exotic: 
uncommon
botanical: 
relating to 
plants
feats: tasks 
di??cult 	to 	
achieve, 
especially 	 those	
involving a lot 
of skill
indigenous: 
native
tangible: 
noticeable
Unit 3.indd   138 Unit 3.indd   138 13-05-2025   12:58:40 13-05-2025   12:58:40
Reprint 2026-27
Mystery and Magic
139
futile: useless
intertwined: 
twisted together
persist: 
continue to 
exist
whopping: 
huge
nestled: 
situated in a 
half-hidden 
or sheltered 
position
colossal: 
extremely 	large
cradles: holds
rugged: rough
terrestrial: on 
or related to 
earth
allure: 
attraction
Attempts to use bamboo or wooden bridges across these 
waterways 	 proved 	futile as these bridges could not last long 
in 	 the 	 heavy 	 rains	 and 	 strong 	 waters. 	 Living 	 root 	 bridges 	
are an innovative and indigenous solution to solve this 
age-old problem.
They 	 are 	 made 	 of 	intertwined roots which are a sort of magic, 
but 	 they	 aren’t 	 imaginary. 	 These 	 bridges 	 have 	 been 	 built 	 for 	
centuries 	 by 	 the 	 indigenous	 people 	 of 	 the 	 land. 	 It 	 is 	 a 	 naturally 	
built 	 ecosystem 	 of 	 local 	 ??ora. 	 It 	 also 	 symbolises 	 the 	 relationship 	
and knowledge that the local people have over their region 
and 	 the 	 cultural 	 signi??cance 	 that 	 it 	 holds 	 for 	 them.	 Under 	
ideal conditions, a root bridge is thought to be able to persist 
for 	 hundreds 	of 	years. 	 These 	 bridges 	frequently 	rise 	50 	to 	100 	
feet 	 in 	 the 	 air. 	 The 	 state’s 	 longest 	 living 	 root 	 bridge 	 is 	 said 	 to 	
be a whopping 	 175 	 feet 	 in 	 length. 	 There 	 are 	 approximately 	
100 	 or 	 so 	known 	 living 	root 	 bridges 	across 	di??erent 	villages. 	
3. The l onar Cra Ter l ake , Maharash Tra The 	 Lonar 	 Crater 	 Lake 	 is 	 a	
geological wonder, nestled in 
the 	 town 	 of 	 Lonar 	 in 	 Buldhana 	
district, Maharashtra. It is 
believed to have been formed 
thousands 	 of 	 years 	 ago. 	 This 	
ancient landform, consisting 
of a giant hole, came into 
existence when a colossal 	 meteorite, 	 blazing 	 at 	 an 	 extremely 	
high 	 speed, 	 crashed 	 into 	 the 	 Earth, 	 leaving	 behind 	 a 	 stunning 	
mark. 	 It 	 is 	 the 	 only 	 crater 	 in 	 India 	 formed 	 in 	 basaltic 	 rock 	 by 	
a meteorite impact and ranks as the third largest in the world, 
placing 	it 	among 	the 	top 	??ve 	 largest	craters 	 globally.
The 	 crater’s 	 perfectly	 circular 	 depression 	 cradles a unique 
saline lake at its core, creating a striking visual contrast 
against the surrounding rugged 	 terrain. 	 This 	 site 	 is 	 a 	 rare	 and 	
extraordinary 	 blend 	 of 	 celestial 	 impact 	 and 	terrestrial 	 beauty. 	
The 	 rim 	 of 	 the 	 meteor 	 crater 	 o??ers 	 a 	 breath-taking 	 spectacle 	
of 	 nature’s	 power 	 and 	 the 	 enduring 	 allure 	 of 	 our	 planet’s	
ancient past.
Unit 3.indd   139 Unit 3.indd   139 13-05-2025   12:58:41 13-05-2025   12:58:41
Reprint 2026-27
Page 4


s pe CTa CUlar Wonders Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look 	 at 	 the 	 pictures 	 given 	 below 	 and 	 sort 	 them 	 into 	 natural 	 and 	 
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______ 
 II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and 	why? 	Share 	your 	answers 	 with 	 your 	 classmates 	and 	 teacher.
 III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. 	 Discuss 	 what 	 makes 	 them 	 impressive. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	 with 	
your 	 classmates 	and 	teacher. 	
	 IV	 Work 	 in 	 groups 	 of 	 four. 	 Complete 	 the 	 web 	 chart 	 given 	 below 	 with 	 words 	
that 	 you 	 associate 	 with 	 the 	 phrase, 	 ‘Nature’s	 Power’. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	
with 	your 	classmates 	 and 	teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Reprint 2026-27
Poorvi
138
 Let us read
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural 
phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination. 
1. The Valley of f lo Wers , UTTarakhand The 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 is 	 an 	 eye-
catching spectacle with around 
600 	 species 	 of 	 exotic 	 ??owers, 	
including orchids, poppies, 
primulas, marigold, daisies, and 
anemones. It is a place where 
nature 	 blooms 	 in 	 its 	 full 	 glory 	
o??ering 	 an 	 attractive 	 view. 	
The	 trek	 to 	 the 	 valley 	 o??ers 	 spectacular 	 views	 of 	 beautiful	
waterfalls 	 and 	 wild 	 streams. 	 The 	 valley 	 is 	 also 	 home 	 to 	 rare	
wildlife	 species 	 like	 the 	 grey 	 langur, 	 ??ying 	 squirrel, 	 red	 fox, 	
lime	 butter??y, 	 and 	snow 	 leopard, 	 to 	name 	a 	few.
With 	 a 	 stunning 	 backdrop 	 of 	 the 	 mighty 	 Himalayan 	 ranges, 	
the 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 National 	 Park 	 presents 	 an 	 unforgettable 	
experience	 for	 visitors. 	 Spread 	 over 	 a 	 huge 	 area 	 in 	 the 	 Chamoli 	
district, 	 the 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 National 	 Park	 is 	 a 	 UNESCO 	 World 	
Heritage 	 Site. 	 Between 	 the 	 months 	 of 	 May 	 and 	 October, 	 this 	
area turns into a botanical 	wonderland!
2. The l i Ving r oo T Bridges , Meghalaya Imagine building a bridge 
without the use of cement, 
stones, concrete, etc. Is it 
possible? 	 The 	 living 	 root 	
bridges are incredible feats 
of 	 engineering 	 built 	 by 	
the indigenous people of 
Meghalaya. 	 The 	 living 	 root 	
bridges 	 are 	 one 	 of 	 Meghalaya’s 	 most 	 beautiful 	 tangible 
UNESCO 	 world 	 heritage 	sites. 	
Crossing 	 the 	 many 	 waterways 	 without 	 bridges 	 was 	 di??cult 	
for people in the past, during monsoons.
mystifying: 
strange or 
impossible to 
explain
spectacle: an 
unusual sight 
that attracts 
interest
exotic: 
uncommon
botanical: 
relating to 
plants
feats: tasks 
di??cult 	to 	
achieve, 
especially 	 those	
involving a lot 
of skill
indigenous: 
native
tangible: 
noticeable
Unit 3.indd   138 Unit 3.indd   138 13-05-2025   12:58:40 13-05-2025   12:58:40
Reprint 2026-27
Mystery and Magic
139
futile: useless
intertwined: 
twisted together
persist: 
continue to 
exist
whopping: 
huge
nestled: 
situated in a 
half-hidden 
or sheltered 
position
colossal: 
extremely 	large
cradles: holds
rugged: rough
terrestrial: on 
or related to 
earth
allure: 
attraction
Attempts to use bamboo or wooden bridges across these 
waterways 	 proved 	futile as these bridges could not last long 
in 	 the 	 heavy 	 rains	 and 	 strong 	 waters. 	 Living 	 root 	 bridges 	
are an innovative and indigenous solution to solve this 
age-old problem.
They 	 are 	 made 	 of 	intertwined roots which are a sort of magic, 
but 	 they	 aren’t 	 imaginary. 	 These 	 bridges 	 have 	 been 	 built 	 for 	
centuries 	 by 	 the 	 indigenous	 people 	 of 	 the 	 land. 	 It 	 is 	 a 	 naturally 	
built 	 ecosystem 	 of 	 local 	 ??ora. 	 It 	 also 	 symbolises 	 the 	 relationship 	
and knowledge that the local people have over their region 
and 	 the 	 cultural 	 signi??cance 	 that 	 it 	 holds 	 for 	 them.	 Under 	
ideal conditions, a root bridge is thought to be able to persist 
for 	 hundreds 	of 	years. 	 These 	 bridges 	frequently 	rise 	50 	to 	100 	
feet 	 in 	 the 	 air. 	 The 	 state’s 	 longest 	 living 	 root 	 bridge 	 is 	 said 	 to 	
be a whopping 	 175 	 feet 	 in 	 length. 	 There 	 are 	 approximately 	
100 	 or 	 so 	known 	 living 	root 	 bridges 	across 	di??erent 	villages. 	
3. The l onar Cra Ter l ake , Maharash Tra The 	 Lonar 	 Crater 	 Lake 	 is 	 a	
geological wonder, nestled in 
the 	 town 	 of 	 Lonar 	 in 	 Buldhana 	
district, Maharashtra. It is 
believed to have been formed 
thousands 	 of 	 years 	 ago. 	 This 	
ancient landform, consisting 
of a giant hole, came into 
existence when a colossal 	 meteorite, 	 blazing 	 at 	 an 	 extremely 	
high 	 speed, 	 crashed 	 into 	 the 	 Earth, 	 leaving	 behind 	 a 	 stunning 	
mark. 	 It 	 is 	 the 	 only 	 crater 	 in 	 India 	 formed 	 in 	 basaltic 	 rock 	 by 	
a meteorite impact and ranks as the third largest in the world, 
placing 	it 	among 	the 	top 	??ve 	 largest	craters 	 globally.
The 	 crater’s 	 perfectly	 circular 	 depression 	 cradles a unique 
saline lake at its core, creating a striking visual contrast 
against the surrounding rugged 	 terrain. 	 This 	 site 	 is 	 a 	 rare	 and 	
extraordinary 	 blend 	 of 	 celestial 	 impact 	 and 	terrestrial 	 beauty. 	
The 	 rim 	 of 	 the 	 meteor 	 crater 	 o??ers 	 a 	 breath-taking 	 spectacle 	
of 	 nature’s	 power 	 and 	 the 	 enduring 	 allure 	 of 	 our	 planet’s	
ancient past.
Unit 3.indd   139 Unit 3.indd   139 13-05-2025   12:58:41 13-05-2025   12:58:41
Reprint 2026-27
Poorvi
140
4. Magne Ti C h ills in l eh dis Tri CT, l adakh In the travels around 
Leh-Ladakh, 	 is 	 a 	 fascinating	
sight 	 which 	 arouses 	 curiosity	
to 	 no 	 end—the 	 Magnetic 	 Hill,	
a 	 place 	 where 	 gravity 	 takes 	 a	
backseat!
Lying 	 at 	 a 	 distance 	 of 	 around 	
30 	 km 	 from 	 Leh, 	 the 	 Magnetic 	
Hill 	 is 	 marked 	 by 	 a	 yellow 	 signboard 	 which 	 reads 	 ‘The 	
Phenomenon 	 That 	 De??es 	 Gravity’. 	 It 	 also 	 instructs 	 visitors 	 to 	
park vehicles in the box marked with a white point on the road, 
which 	 is 	 known 	 as 	 the 	 Magnetic 	 Road. 	 When 	 the 	 vehicles 	 are 	
parked 	 at 	 the 	 indicated 	 spot, 	 they 	 begin 	 moving 	 forward 	 at 	 a 	
speed 	 of 	 almost 	 20km/h. 	 This 	 unusual 	 place 	 creates 	 an 	optical 
illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill, a sight that has 
left 	 tourists 	 in 	 disbelief 	 for	 years, 	 caused	 by 	 the 	 peculiar	
alignment of surrounding slopes and the horizon line.
5. g lo Wing Wa Ters of k erala 
Situated 	 15 	 kms 	 from 	 Kerala’s 	
Kochi town, Kumbalangi 
is a beautiful village with 
vast green vegetation. 
In the serene backwaters of 
Kumbalangi village, one can 
see 	 magically 	 glowing 	 waters 	
in the night.  
This 	 phenomenon 	 is 	 called 	 bioluminescence, and is caused 
by 	 a	 high 	 concentration 	 of 	 micro-planktons 	 in 	 the 	 sea, 	 which 	
are 	 small 	 organisms 	 found	 in 	 marine 	 and 	 freshwater. 	 This 	
beautiful sight has captured the attention of locals as well 
as tourists, making Kumbalangi an eco-tourism village in 
India. 	 One 	 can	 experience 	 the 	 village 	 life 	 in 	 all 	 its 	 beauty 	 and 	
simplicity, 	and 	acquaint oneself to their cuisine and culture. 
optical 
illusion: 
something that 
tricks 	 your	 eyes	
and 	 makes 	you 	
see	it 	 di??erently 	
from how it 
really 	is
serene: calm
backwaters: a 
part of a river 
where the water 
does 	 not	??ow
biolumine-
scence: light 
produced inside 
the 	 body 	of	a 	
living organism 
by 	 a	 chemical	
reaction
eco-tourism: 
tourism that 
is responsible 
towards 
preserving the 
environment
acquaint: to 
become familiar 
with something
Unit 3.indd   140 Unit 3.indd   140 13-05-2025   12:58:42 13-05-2025   12:58:42
Reprint 2026-27
Page 5


s pe CTa CUlar Wonders Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look 	 at 	 the 	 pictures 	 given 	 below 	 and 	 sort 	 them 	 into 	 natural 	 and 	 
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
 ______
,
 ______
,
 and ______ 
 II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and 	why? 	Share 	your 	answers 	 with 	 your 	 classmates 	and 	 teacher.
 III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. 	 Discuss 	 what 	 makes 	 them 	 impressive. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	 with 	
your 	 classmates 	and 	teacher. 	
	 IV	 Work 	 in 	 groups 	 of 	 four. 	 Complete 	 the 	 web 	 chart 	 given 	 below 	 with 	 words 	
that 	 you 	 associate 	 with 	 the 	 phrase, 	 ‘Nature’s	 Power’. 	 Share 	 your 	 answers 	
with 	your 	classmates 	 and 	teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Reprint 2026-27
Poorvi
138
 Let us read
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural 
phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination. 
1. The Valley of f lo Wers , UTTarakhand The 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 is 	 an 	 eye-
catching spectacle with around 
600 	 species 	 of 	 exotic 	 ??owers, 	
including orchids, poppies, 
primulas, marigold, daisies, and 
anemones. It is a place where 
nature 	 blooms 	 in 	 its 	 full 	 glory 	
o??ering 	 an 	 attractive 	 view. 	
The	 trek	 to 	 the 	 valley 	 o??ers 	 spectacular 	 views	 of 	 beautiful	
waterfalls 	 and 	 wild 	 streams. 	 The 	 valley 	 is 	 also 	 home 	 to 	 rare	
wildlife	 species 	 like	 the 	 grey 	 langur, 	 ??ying 	 squirrel, 	 red	 fox, 	
lime	 butter??y, 	 and 	snow 	 leopard, 	 to 	name 	a 	few.
With 	 a 	 stunning 	 backdrop 	 of 	 the 	 mighty 	 Himalayan 	 ranges, 	
the 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 National 	 Park 	 presents 	 an 	 unforgettable 	
experience	 for	 visitors. 	 Spread 	 over 	 a 	 huge 	 area 	 in 	 the 	 Chamoli 	
district, 	 the 	 Valley 	 of 	 Flowers 	 National 	 Park	 is 	 a 	 UNESCO 	 World 	
Heritage 	 Site. 	 Between 	 the 	 months 	 of 	 May 	 and 	 October, 	 this 	
area turns into a botanical 	wonderland!
2. The l i Ving r oo T Bridges , Meghalaya Imagine building a bridge 
without the use of cement, 
stones, concrete, etc. Is it 
possible? 	 The 	 living 	 root 	
bridges are incredible feats 
of 	 engineering 	 built 	 by 	
the indigenous people of 
Meghalaya. 	 The 	 living 	 root 	
bridges 	 are 	 one 	 of 	 Meghalaya’s 	 most 	 beautiful 	 tangible 
UNESCO 	 world 	 heritage 	sites. 	
Crossing 	 the 	 many 	 waterways 	 without 	 bridges 	 was 	 di??cult 	
for people in the past, during monsoons.
mystifying: 
strange or 
impossible to 
explain
spectacle: an 
unusual sight 
that attracts 
interest
exotic: 
uncommon
botanical: 
relating to 
plants
feats: tasks 
di??cult 	to 	
achieve, 
especially 	 those	
involving a lot 
of skill
indigenous: 
native
tangible: 
noticeable
Unit 3.indd   138 Unit 3.indd   138 13-05-2025   12:58:40 13-05-2025   12:58:40
Reprint 2026-27
Mystery and Magic
139
futile: useless
intertwined: 
twisted together
persist: 
continue to 
exist
whopping: 
huge
nestled: 
situated in a 
half-hidden 
or sheltered 
position
colossal: 
extremely 	large
cradles: holds
rugged: rough
terrestrial: on 
or related to 
earth
allure: 
attraction
Attempts to use bamboo or wooden bridges across these 
waterways 	 proved 	futile as these bridges could not last long 
in 	 the 	 heavy 	 rains	 and 	 strong 	 waters. 	 Living 	 root 	 bridges 	
are an innovative and indigenous solution to solve this 
age-old problem.
They 	 are 	 made 	 of 	intertwined roots which are a sort of magic, 
but 	 they	 aren’t 	 imaginary. 	 These 	 bridges 	 have 	 been 	 built 	 for 	
centuries 	 by 	 the 	 indigenous	 people 	 of 	 the 	 land. 	 It 	 is 	 a 	 naturally 	
built 	 ecosystem 	 of 	 local 	 ??ora. 	 It 	 also 	 symbolises 	 the 	 relationship 	
and knowledge that the local people have over their region 
and 	 the 	 cultural 	 signi??cance 	 that 	 it 	 holds 	 for 	 them.	 Under 	
ideal conditions, a root bridge is thought to be able to persist 
for 	 hundreds 	of 	years. 	 These 	 bridges 	frequently 	rise 	50 	to 	100 	
feet 	 in 	 the 	 air. 	 The 	 state’s 	 longest 	 living 	 root 	 bridge 	 is 	 said 	 to 	
be a whopping 	 175 	 feet 	 in 	 length. 	 There 	 are 	 approximately 	
100 	 or 	 so 	known 	 living 	root 	 bridges 	across 	di??erent 	villages. 	
3. The l onar Cra Ter l ake , Maharash Tra The 	 Lonar 	 Crater 	 Lake 	 is 	 a	
geological wonder, nestled in 
the 	 town 	 of 	 Lonar 	 in 	 Buldhana 	
district, Maharashtra. It is 
believed to have been formed 
thousands 	 of 	 years 	 ago. 	 This 	
ancient landform, consisting 
of a giant hole, came into 
existence when a colossal 	 meteorite, 	 blazing 	 at 	 an 	 extremely 	
high 	 speed, 	 crashed 	 into 	 the 	 Earth, 	 leaving	 behind 	 a 	 stunning 	
mark. 	 It 	 is 	 the 	 only 	 crater 	 in 	 India 	 formed 	 in 	 basaltic 	 rock 	 by 	
a meteorite impact and ranks as the third largest in the world, 
placing 	it 	among 	the 	top 	??ve 	 largest	craters 	 globally.
The 	 crater’s 	 perfectly	 circular 	 depression 	 cradles a unique 
saline lake at its core, creating a striking visual contrast 
against the surrounding rugged 	 terrain. 	 This 	 site 	 is 	 a 	 rare	 and 	
extraordinary 	 blend 	 of 	 celestial 	 impact 	 and 	terrestrial 	 beauty. 	
The 	 rim 	 of 	 the 	 meteor 	 crater 	 o??ers 	 a 	 breath-taking 	 spectacle 	
of 	 nature’s	 power 	 and 	 the 	 enduring 	 allure 	 of 	 our	 planet’s	
ancient past.
Unit 3.indd   139 Unit 3.indd   139 13-05-2025   12:58:41 13-05-2025   12:58:41
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Poorvi
140
4. Magne Ti C h ills in l eh dis Tri CT, l adakh In the travels around 
Leh-Ladakh, 	 is 	 a 	 fascinating	
sight 	 which 	 arouses 	 curiosity	
to 	 no 	 end—the 	 Magnetic 	 Hill,	
a 	 place 	 where 	 gravity 	 takes 	 a	
backseat!
Lying 	 at 	 a 	 distance 	 of 	 around 	
30 	 km 	 from 	 Leh, 	 the 	 Magnetic 	
Hill 	 is 	 marked 	 by 	 a	 yellow 	 signboard 	 which 	 reads 	 ‘The 	
Phenomenon 	 That 	 De??es 	 Gravity’. 	 It 	 also 	 instructs 	 visitors 	 to 	
park vehicles in the box marked with a white point on the road, 
which 	 is 	 known 	 as 	 the 	 Magnetic 	 Road. 	 When 	 the 	 vehicles 	 are 	
parked 	 at 	 the 	 indicated 	 spot, 	 they 	 begin 	 moving 	 forward 	 at 	 a 	
speed 	 of 	 almost 	 20km/h. 	 This 	 unusual 	 place 	 creates 	 an 	optical 
illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill, a sight that has 
left 	 tourists 	 in 	 disbelief 	 for	 years, 	 caused	 by 	 the 	 peculiar	
alignment of surrounding slopes and the horizon line.
5. g lo Wing Wa Ters of k erala 
Situated 	 15 	 kms 	 from 	 Kerala’s 	
Kochi town, Kumbalangi 
is a beautiful village with 
vast green vegetation. 
In the serene backwaters of 
Kumbalangi village, one can 
see 	 magically 	 glowing 	 waters 	
in the night.  
This 	 phenomenon 	 is 	 called 	 bioluminescence, and is caused 
by 	 a	 high 	 concentration 	 of 	 micro-planktons 	 in 	 the 	 sea, 	 which 	
are 	 small 	 organisms 	 found	 in 	 marine 	 and 	 freshwater. 	 This 	
beautiful sight has captured the attention of locals as well 
as tourists, making Kumbalangi an eco-tourism village in 
India. 	 One 	 can	 experience 	 the 	 village 	 life 	 in 	 all 	 its 	 beauty 	 and 	
simplicity, 	and 	acquaint oneself to their cuisine and culture. 
optical 
illusion: 
something that 
tricks 	 your	 eyes	
and 	 makes 	you 	
see	it 	 di??erently 	
from how it 
really 	is
serene: calm
backwaters: a 
part of a river 
where the water 
does 	 not	??ow
biolumine-
scence: light 
produced inside 
the 	 body 	of	a 	
living organism 
by 	 a	 chemical	
reaction
eco-tourism: 
tourism that 
is responsible 
towards 
preserving the 
environment
acquaint: to 
become familiar 
with something
Unit 3.indd   140 Unit 3.indd   140 13-05-2025   12:58:42 13-05-2025   12:58:42
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Mystery and Magic
141
6. The s Undar Bans Can 	 a 	 forest 	 exist 	 in 	 a 	 coastal 	
zone? 	 Yes, 	 they 	 are 	 called 	
mangrove forests, where 
trees take root under water in 
the 	 low-oxygen 	 soil. 	 The 	 roots 	
slow down the movement 
of tidal waters, stabilising 
the coastline and reducing 
erosion. 	 The	 Sundarbans 	 is 	 one 	 such 	 mangrove 	 forest 	 spread 	
over 	 1,400 	 kms 	 in 	 West 	 Bengal, 	 lying 	 in 	 the 	 delta 	 of 	 rivers, 	 such 	
as	 the 	 Ganga, 	 the 	 Brahmaputra, 	 and 	 the 	 Meghna. 	 The 	 name 	 is 	
derived from sundari trees that are plentiful in the area. 
The 	 area 	 is 	 also 	 populated 	 by 	 an 	 extensive	 range 	 of 	 ??ora 	 and 	
fauna, 	 including 	 many 	 bird 	 species, 	 the 	 majestic 	 Bengal 	 tiger, 	
and other threatened species, such as the estuarine crocodile 
and 	 the 	Indian 	 python. 		
7. The i n Visi Ble Chandip Ur Bea Ch , o disha Have	 you 	 seen 	 things 	
disappearing in front of 
your 	 eyes?	 Well, 	 such 	 things 	
happen at times, when we 
keep things at some place, 
and 	 just 	 forget 	 where 	 we 	
have kept them. But, what if 
there’s 	a 	 sea 	that 	disappears?
This 	 happens 	 in 	 Odisha. 	 It 	 is 	 a 	 beach 	 in 	 the 	 Balasore 	
district where one can witness the sea disappearing  
mysteriously—the 	 Chandipur 	 Beach 	 which 	 is 	 known 	 for 	 its 	
unique 	feature	of 	 playing 	hide-and-seek 	with 	its 	 visitors.
The 	 sea 	 can 	 actually	 be 	 witnessed 	 disappearing 	 and 	
reappearing. 	 This 	 is 	 because 	 the 	 sea 	 water 	 moves. 	 It 	retreats 
by 	 2–5 	 km	 during 	ebb tide, the duration between the high tide 
and low tide, and comes back to the shore at the time of high 
tide. 	 This 	 unusual 	 natural 	 phenomenon 	 keeps	 on 	 happening 	
estuarine: 
living in an 
estuary 	(an	
area where 
a freshwater 
river meets the 
ocean)
retreats: goes 
backwards
ebb tide: period 
of time when 
water 	 ??ows 	
away	from	the	
shore
Unit 3.indd   141 Unit 3.indd   141 13-05-2025   12:58:43 13-05-2025   12:58:43
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