Glimpses of India - II Coorg (Story) - English Class 10 In English

Chapter 5. (Story) Glimpses of India – II (Coorg)

Coorg, written by Lokesh Abrol, is the second part of the chapter Glimpses of India. The lesson introduces readers to Coorg (Kodagu), a beautiful hill district in Karnataka, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, coffee plantations, rich wildlife, and unique culture. The chapter also highlights the bravery, hospitality, and adventurous spirit of the people of Coorg, making it one of India's most attractive tourist destinations.

Story Summary (English)

The lesson describes Coorg as one of the smallest districts of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysuru and the coastal town of Mangaluru. Surrounded by evergreen forests and mist-covered hills, Coorg is known for its pleasant climate throughout the year. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall transforms the region into a lush green paradise, while the months from September to March are considered the best time for tourists to visit.

Coorg is widely known as the coffee country of India. The hills are covered with vast coffee plantations where coffee plants grow under the shade of tall evergreen trees. Along with coffee, spices such as black pepper and cardamom are also cultivated. The air is filled with the pleasant aroma of coffee blossoms, creating a refreshing and peaceful environment.

The chapter also throws light on the people of Coorg, who are believed to be descendants of either Greek or Arabic origin. They are famous for their bravery, hospitality, and martial traditions. Many distinguished soldiers of the Indian Army have come from Coorg. General Kodandera Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and General K. S. Thimayya belonged to this region, reflecting the courage and patriotism of its people.

Apart from its cultural heritage, Coorg is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy trekking, river rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and wildlife watching. The forests are home to elephants, deer, squirrels, langurs, and numerous species of birds. The River Kaveri originates from the Brahmagiri Hills in Coorg and adds to the natural beauty of the region. Through this lesson, the author presents Coorg as a perfect blend of scenic beauty, rich culture, wildlife, and adventure.

Story Summary (Hindi / सारांश)

"Coorg" अध्याय Glimpses of India का दूसरा भाग है, जिसे Lokesh Abrol ने लिखा है। इस पाठ में कर्नाटक के सुंदर पर्वतीय जिले कूर्ग (कोडगु) का परिचय दिया गया है। यह स्थान अपनी प्राकृतिक सुंदरता, कॉफी के बागानों, घने जंगलों, वन्यजीवों तथा समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक परंपराओं के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। लेखक ने कूर्ग को भारत के सबसे आकर्षक पर्यटन स्थलों में से एक बताया है।

कूर्ग मैसूर और मंगलुरु के बीच स्थित एक छोटा-सा पर्वतीय जिला है। यहाँ वर्षभर सुहावना मौसम रहता है। मानसून के दौरान यह क्षेत्र हरियाली से भर जाता है, जबकि सितंबर से मार्च तक का समय यहाँ घूमने के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त माना जाता है। चारों ओर फैले कॉफी के बागान, ऊँचे-ऊँचे पेड़ और मनमोहक घाटियाँ इसकी सुंदरता को और बढ़ा देते हैं।

कूर्ग को भारत की "कॉफी भूमि" भी कहा जाता है। यहाँ बड़े पैमाने पर कॉफी की खेती की जाती है। कॉफी के साथ-साथ काली मिर्च और इलायची जैसी मसालों की भी खेती होती है। यहाँ के लोगों को बहादुर, ईमानदार और अतिथि-सत्कार करने वाला माना जाता है। भारतीय सेना के प्रथम कमांडर-इन-चीफ जनरल के. एम. करियप्पा तथा जनरल के. एस. थिमैया जैसे महान सैनिक इसी क्षेत्र से थे।

कूर्ग साहसिक खेलों और प्राकृतिक पर्यटन के लिए भी प्रसिद्ध है। यहाँ ट्रैकिंग, रिवर राफ्टिंग, रॉक क्लाइम्बिंग तथा पर्वतीय साइकिलिंग जैसी गतिविधियों का आनंद लिया जा सकता है। घने जंगलों में हाथी, हिरण, लंगूर, गिलहरियाँ और अनेक प्रकार के पक्षी पाए जाते हैं। प्रसिद्ध कावेरी नदी का उद्गम भी कूर्ग के ब्रह्मगिरि पर्वत से होता है। यह पाठ हमें प्रकृति संरक्षण, सांस्कृतिक विरासत और भारत की विविधता की सुंदर झलक प्रस्तुत करता है।

Character Sketch

1. The People of Coorg

The people of Coorg are brave, disciplined, warm-hearted, and hospitable. They have a rich martial tradition and are known for their honesty, courage, and respect for guests. Their love for nature and their unique cultural identity make them special.

2. General K. M. Cariappa

General Kodandera M. Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He was a courageous, patriotic, and disciplined leader who brought great pride to Coorg and the entire nation.

3. General K. S. Thimayya

General K. S. Thimayya was one of India's most respected army officers. He was known for his bravery, leadership, dedication, and outstanding service to the country.

Theme / Message of the Story

The lesson highlights the beauty of India's natural and cultural diversity. It teaches us to appreciate nature, preserve forests and wildlife, respect local traditions, and take pride in the courage and patriotism of the people of Coorg. The chapter also encourages eco-tourism and harmonious living with nature.

Difficult Words and Meanings

1. Evergreen – Remaining green throughout the year.

2. Plantation – A large farm where crops are grown.

3. Aroma – A pleasant smell.

4. Martial – Related to soldiers or military life.

5. Descendants – People who come from a particular ancestor.

6. Hospitality – Friendly and generous treatment of guests.

7. Rafting – Travelling on a river in a raft.

8. Trekking – Walking long distances through hills or forests.

9. Biodiversity – A variety of plants and animals living in an area.

10. Confluence – The place where two rivers meet.

11. Origin – The starting point or source.

12. Scenic – Beautiful because of natural surroundings.

13. Wilderness – A natural area untouched by humans.

14. Adventure – An exciting and challenging experience.

15. Heritage – Traditions, culture, and history passed down through generations.