NEW ENGLISH SCHOOL STD 9 th SUB English

NEW ENGLISH SCHOOL • STD- 9 th • SUB- English • Deshmane J S

Picnicking in the Hills Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

If you are looking for a quiet getaway, this might be just the place for you. Nestling amidst the hills, Bhandardara is easily one of the most beautiful holiday spot around Pune. Found here are dense green forests amidst which lays a splendid Arthur Lake formed by the dammed waters of the Pravara River. Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

Bhandardara boasts of one of the highest hills in Maharashtra with dam-sites, temples, waterfalls, forts, a lake and a wildlife sanctuary. Situated 191 kms from Pune it is an ideal getaways. We started off early and had our first halt at a roadside dhaba. Refreshed with tea and snacks we dove on till Sangamnagar our second halt. This is another tourist spot where people come for a dip in the holy waters of river Pravra. It’s best to get any servicing or purchasing done here as there is no other town till Bhandardara. From here we took a left turn towards Bhandardara. A right turn will take you to the wellknown holy place of Shirdi. Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

Soon we reached Bhandardara. The first thing that strikes you here is awesomely the strong winds. Such is the force that a motorcycle was pushed to the edge of the road right before our eyes! The main part of the town has many hostels offering accommodation and dining halls, at price ranging between Rs. 350 to Rs. 600 a day. Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

Taking a walk through the picturesque locations was very relaxing. The famous Wilson dam is a lovely site for picnicking as well. Built in 1910 on the Pravara river, the dam is almost 150 meters above sea level, its cool placid waters running for miles. The umbrella falls here called the Randha falls, are breathtaking as several stremlets cascade down 45 meters from the lakes. These are use for hydropower generation. We relaxed here listening to the soomthing sound of waterfalls , while enjoying a picnic lunch of sandwitch and fruit. Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

Our next visit was to Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak (1646 meters) of the Sahyadri range, ideal for trekkers. A small temple sits on the hilltop. During the Maratha rule this peak served as a watchtower. Another must-see in the area is the Ratangad Fort. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was one of his favourites. The fort offers a breathtaking view of green valleys and dence forests. Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

Next morning we took off to Amriteshwar temple , which is filled with intricate carving making it the pride of Bhandardara. The Agasti Rishi Ashram mentioned in Ramayana attracts a lot of crowd. -Preety Modi Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

HOW TO GET THERE 191 kms from Pune take the Nashik Highway. 30 kms from the city is the first ghat. Continue this way till Sangamner. After Sangamner take a left turn to reach Bhandardara. Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

Answer the following questions I. 1. How many halts did the writer and his team take before reaching Bhandardara ? 2. Who had captured Ratangadh fort ? 3. Where did the writer and his team decide to go next ? II. 1. Why did Bhandardara an ideal getaway ? 2. What does the passage tell about dams and falls ? Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills

III. 1. Do you think picnicking sometimes disturbs nature ? Give your reasons. 2. How is picnicking in the hills different from picnicking on a seashore ? Std. 9 th Subject - English Topic - Picnicking in the Hills