Visual Story: Spectacular Wonders | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

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Spectacular Wonders
Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a colourful wonderland blooming 
with around 600 species of flowers such as orchids, poppies, primulas, 
marigolds, daisies, and anemones.
The valley looks like a natural painting from May to October, the main 
blooming season, and the trek to reach it passes through waterfalls and 
wild streams. 
It is also home to rare wildlife including the grey langur, flying squirrel, red 
fox, lime butterfly, and the snow leopard, making it rich in both plants and 
animals. 
Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO 
World Heritage Site that offers an unforgettable experience.
Living Root Bridges
In Meghalaya, local people create Living Root Bridges by guiding tree roots 
across streams and rivers, turning them into natural bridges.
These bridges are far stronger than bamboo or wooden bridges, which 
often get damaged in the monsoons, and they can last for hundreds of 
years.
Built by indigenous communities, the bridges show their close bond with 
nature and are part of their culture.
Some bridges rise 50 to 100 feet high, and the longest measures about 175 
feet. Nearly 100 such bridges exist across villages in Meghalaya, and they 
are recognised as part of UNESCO9s world heritage.
Lonar Crater Lake
The Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra's Buldhana district was formed 
thousands of years ago when a giant meteorite struck the Earth.
It is the only meteorite crater in India formed in basaltic rock and ranks as 
the third-largest basaltic crater in the world. 
At the centre lies a salty lake within the perfectly round crater, giving the 
place a mysterious beauty. 
The crater rim offers a spectacular view, blending space science with 
Earth's natural wonders and reminding us of nature's immense power.
Magnetic Hill
In Ladakh's Leh district, Magnetic Hill appears to defy gravity and is 
marked by a yellow signboard instructing visitors to park vehicles on a 
white-marked spot.
When vehicles are placed there, they seem to roll uphill on their own at 
speeds of nearly 20 km/h, amazing onlookers. 
This is actually an optical illusion created by the alignment of the land and 
horizon, but the strange effect has long fascinated and puzzled visitors.
Bioluminescent Waters
In Kerala, the village of Kumbalangi near Kochi has waters that glow 
beautifully at night due to tiny organisms called microplankton.
When disturbed, these organisms produce light, a natural process called 
bioluminescence, making the waters look magical in the dark. 
Kumbalangi has become a popular eco-tourism destination where visitors 
enjoy the glowing waters as well as the local food, culture, and peaceful 
village life. 
It is also an example of harmony between people and nature.
The Sundarbans
The Sundarbans in West Bengal is the largest mangrove forest in the 
world, spread across about 1,400 square kilometres at the delta of the 
Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
The forest grows in muddy, salty water areas, and the roots of the 
mangroves slow down tidal waves, protecting the coastline from erosion. 
Its name comes from the "sundari" trees that are common there. It is also a 
wildlife treasure, home to the famous Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodiles, 
Indian pythons, and many rare birds, showing how life thrives even in 
extreme conditions.
Chandipur Beach: The Disappearing Sea
Chandipur Beach in Odisha's Balasore district has a disappearing sea 
phenomenon that amazes everyone. 
During low tide, the sea water retreats by 2 to 5 kilometres, making it look 
like the sea has vanished. Later, during high tide, the water returns to the 
shore, creating a daily game of hide-and-seek. 
This unique movement is caused by natural tidal action and offers visitors 
one of the most surprising sights in nature.
Theme/Message
Nature's Creativity
All these natural wonders valleys full of flowers, living 
bridges, craters, magnetic hills, glowing waters, vast 
mangrove forests, and disappearing seas show the 
creativity and mystery of nature.
Science & Beauty
They blend science, beauty, and culture, inspiring 
people to explore more and reminding us to protect 
these treasures for future generations.
Key Messages for Young Explorers
The theme of this chapter is the extraordinary beauty and mystery of nature. It highlights how different 
natural phenomena can amaze us and showcase the uniqueness of our planet.
Each natural wonder described in the chapter teaches us about the importance of preserving nature. It 
shows that nature has incredible power and creativity.
The message of the chapter emphasises that we should appreciate and protect our natural wonders. 
They are valuable parts of our world that need care and respect.
Additionally, these wonders inspire curiosity and invite exploration. They encourage us to learn more 
about nature and its amazing capabilities.
Ultimately, the chapter reminds us that there is so much beauty in our world, and we should take the 
time to experience and enjoy it.