7. Reading Skills Comprehension: Manali

MANALI

1. Manali, the very name of the place evokes a strange mountain mystique, stirring the spirit of adventure even in the most laid-back traveller. The view of the snow-clad peaks in and around Manali, at the height of over 7,000 feet above sea level is like a journey into the heavens. Mountain peaks and ridges stand out in bold relief against the skyline.

2. As for tourists, whether domestic or foreign, travelling to Manali and its surronnenSfi areas is an unforgettable experience. Deep purple crevices over sheer cliffs reach down towards the valley. Silver streaks of water glistening in the clear sunlight cascade down the perpendicular slopes. The pinewood trees flank the sides of sheltered ravines and ascend in irregular, unspoilt and undulating formation towards rock-crowned crests.

3. Manali derives its name from ‘Manavalaya’, the abode of Manu. The words ‘Manav” and ‘manushya’ are derived from the root word Manu. Manu was the only survivor of the Mahajalpralay—the great flood—and is said to have fathered the human race. A visit to the temple of Manu is a must. It is the only shrine in the country dedicated to the great Manu Rishi.

4. Manali, apart from tourists who are in for a good holiday, beckons adventure lovers in large numbers every year. In the lap of these mountains, one can be sure to achieve what he or she is looking for, whether it be mountaineering, rock climbing, white water rafting, skiing, hiking, high altitude jeep safari, bicycling, paragliding, hiking or trekking. With all the basic amenities available in Manali, it is the right base camp for any activity.

5. There are many treks which commence from Manali itself but the most popular one is to Beaskund (12177 ft.). Trekkers find it a rewarding destination as it offers much in terms of scenic beauty and nature. The main valley of Beaskund is only 7 km from the last camp at Dhundi. Beaskund offers a mountaineer many peaks to satiate his zest for climbing such as Hanuman Tibba, Friendship, Ladhaki and Sheridan. Trekkers begin to pour in from the first week of May every year. The route to Beaskund lies along the Solang Nallah which ultimately joins the river Beas on reaching Manali. A trek to this place is bound to etch permanent memories in the mind of a visitor. The trek commences from Solang.

6. The village Solang, as such, is a 15-minute climb towards the right of Solang Nallah. At 8085 ft., Solang is a very popular destination among adventurers as sports such as skiing in the winters and trekking and paragliding in the summers are held regularly. Solang is only eleven kilometres further north of Manali. From Solang, it is an easy climb or rather a walk of eight kms passing through patches of pinewood trees and mixed jungle to arrive at the next campsite at Dhundi at 9174 ft. The next day’s trek to Beaskund is a taxing seven kms climb through a snow-covered dreamland but the view of the towering giants above virtually makes it a painless walk. The famous Beaskund, the source of the river Beas has an epic attached to it that the great Vyas Rishi performed ‘tapa’ here during the Mahabharat Kaal. It was because of this that the river got the present name of Beas.

Word-Meanings

Para 1. 1. Evokes (verb): produces 2. Mystique (noun): mystery 3. Laid-back (adjective): easygoing  4. clad (adjective): covered 5. peaks (noun): pointed tops 6. ridges (noun): a long, narrow elevation of land 7. relief (noun): something providing a pleasing change as from monotony

 Para 2. 1. unforgettable (adjective): that which cannot be forgotten 2. crevices (noun): narrow openings in rocks 3. sheer (adjective): very steep 4. cliffs (noun): a vertical (or nearly vertical) rock face 5. streaks (noun): thin lines of contrasting colours 6. glistening (verb):shining 7. cascade (verb): fall down like a fountain 8. flank (verb): to stand at the side of 9. ravines (noun): deep gorges 10. undulating (adjective): waving 11. ascend (verb): to move upwards 12. crests (noun): the highest parts of hills

Para 3. 1. abode (noun): dwelling place or home 2. shrine (noun): temp 3. derives (verb);  to   originate

Para 4. 1. beckons (verb): calls 2. lap (noun): midst 3. amenities (noun): facilities

Para 5. 1. commence (verb): start 2. satiate (verb): satisfy 3. zest (noun): enthusiasm  4. etch (verb): carve

Para 6. 1. taxing (adjective): difficult 2. towering (adjective): very high 3. giants (noun): things or persons of extraordinary bulk and stature 4. epic (noun): a long poem telling of heroic deeds

Questions:

1. Choose the correct option:                  

(a) Solang is only………….   further north of Manali.

 (i) 11 km                            (ii) 10 km                        (iii) 14 km                            (iv) 15 km

(b) Who is said to have fathered the human race?

 (i) Manav                          (ii) God                            (iii) Manu                             (iv) Vyas

 (c) Where did the great Vyas Rishi perform `tapa’?

 (i) Solang                          (ii) Manali                       (iii) Beaskund                      (iv) Dhundi

(d) The mountain peaks in Manali are at the height of over………………   feet above the sea level.

(i) 700                                (ii) 1700                           (iii) 2700                               (iv) 7000

 (e) laid-back’ means…………………

 (i) sleeping                      (ii) oldies                         (iii) easygoing                     (iv) good-for-nothing

(f) ‘towering’ is /an ………………..

(i) adjective                      (ii) noun                           (iii) verb                              (iv) adverb

2.Answer the questions briefly:

(a) What does Manali evoke in them, the laziest traveller?

 (b) Why is a shrine of the great Manu Rishi unique?

(c) What is Solang famous for?

 (d) Why is Manali a right base camp for any adventure activity?

 (e) Find a word in Para 3 which means ‘a dwelling place’.

(f) What does the term ‘snow-clad mountains’ mean?

Answers:

1.(a) i                        (b) iii              (c) iii                (d) iv           (e) iii            (f) i

2.(a) Manali evokes a strange mountain mystique and a spirit of adventure even in the laziest traveller.

(b) The temple of Manu in Manali is unique because it is the only shrine in India dedicated to

Manu Rishi.

 (c) Solang is famous for skiing in winters and trekking and paragliding in summers.

 (d) It is because all possible basic amenities (for any adventure activity) are available here.

 (e) dwelling place

 (f) snow-covered mountains

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