A Planter's Retreat
Coonoor retains much of the old world charm, the residents fervently cling to tradition. They continue to live largely untouched by the outside world. Their ups and downs metered by the growth or decline of the tea industry. The Coonoor season lasts from April to June.
Essentially plantation state, the town situated in the Nilgiri ranges of the Western Ghats, has not changed much from the time the pioneers opened up the land in the early 19th century. Its near inaccessible hill tracts, dense jungles and malaria infested marshes have given way to plantations, holds, timeshare resorts and blue gum covered hill sides. There are still more jungle trails and winding footpaths than roads.
There are numerous places of interest for the adventurous. The Sim's park, founded by J.D.Sim, is situated in a ravine and has several exotic species of plants and trees. Further ahead is the Dolphin's Nose where the road winds through forests and tea estates. Lady Canning's Seat is a rock where legend has it that the lady liked to rest her weary legs. It offers a panoramic view of the plains. Situated on the spur of the Hulikal ranges, the Droog was an outpost used by Tipu Sultan. A sheer drop on one side known as "Tipu's Drop" is supposedly the place from where Tipu threw his prisoners to their untimely death.
Hunting and trout fishing were past times of interest. To the West of Ootacamund, the Wenlock Downs provided an ideal place for riding to the hounds. But it was the jackal, not the customary fox, that was hunted.
Questions:
1.Write a summary of the above passage highlighting the main points of Coonoor.
2.What has given way to the inaccessible hill tracts and jungles?
3.There are more of something than the roads. What are they?
4.As mentioned in the first paragraph, can we relate to such a place in today's time.Why?
5. Find one word from the passage which means:
(i) explorer
(ii) continue to have or hold
6. Find the antonym word from the passage:
(i) straight (ii) sparse
7.Write the homophones for the following words:
(i)not (ii) way (iii) blue (iv) road (v) nose (vi) place
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