Course (Part 797)

False. Nepal has tropical lowlands, temperate hills, and cold Himalayan areas.

True. Lunch is not listed among the included meals.

True. The text gives these geographical figures.

False. India became independent in 1947; 1876 relates to Queen Victoria’s title as Empress of India.

True. Bhutan uses happiness rather than Gross National Product as its distinctive measure.

Lumbini.

tea.

coral.

1947.

Tshechus.

A. Patan. Patan, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur are the three ancient cities of the valley.

A. Tea. Sri Lanka is described as a major tea exporter.

C. To highlight global warming. The meeting called on nations to reduce carbon emissions.

A. The East India Company. The passage identifies the Company as the appointing authority in 1774.

C. 60 percent. Bhutan’s constitution requires at least 60 percent forest cover.

1–E: Nepal’s highest and most famous peak.

2–D: An ancient capital of Sri Lanka.

3–B: A ring-shaped coral reef or group of coral islands.

4–F: A celebrated monument and tourist attraction in India.

5–C: Bhutan’s distinctive measure of national progress.

Nepal is a small but geographically remarkable country between India and the Tibetan part of China. Its landscape changes greatly from south to north. The Terai Plains are tropical lowlands with hot summers and monsoon rainfall, the central hills have a temperate climate, and the northern region contains the Himalayan range and Mount Everest. This geographical variety creates opportunities for agriculture, trekking, pilgrimage, and tourism. Nepal is also culturally important because it contains temples, shrines, festivals, and ancient cities. Pashupatinath is a major Hindu shrine, while Lumbini is respected as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Hindus and Buddhists have lived together for centuries and sometimes share sacred places. Kathmandu Valley, containing Patan, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur, is especially rich in architecture and history. UNESCO has recognised seven monument zones in the valley as World Heritage Sites. Thus, Nepal unites natural grandeur with religious harmony and cultural heritage.

Sri Lanka attracts travellers because it combines natural beauty, cultural variety, economic significance, and historical treasures in a relatively small island. Its teardrop shape, Indian Ocean location, and coastline create many opportunities for beach tourism and water activities. Hikkaduwa, for example, is known for sandy beaches and coral reefs where visitors can surf, snorkel, swim, or enjoy the sun. The country also possesses green hills, waterfalls, lagoons, forests, tea estates, spice gardens, and abundant wildlife. Bundala National Park is especially important for birdwatchers and also shelters elephants, crocodiles, turtles, and leopards. Anuradhapura and Dambulla offer archaeological and religious attractions. Sri Lanka’s population includes Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors, Muslims, and Veddhas, so its culture reflects many influences. Tea, rubber, coconuts, cinnamon, and other spices strengthen its economy. These combined features explain the title “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”

The Maldives has a long and varied history. Early settlers probably arrived from southern India and Sri Lanka during the fourth and fifth centuries BC. In the twelfth century, sailors from East Africa and Arab countries came to the islands, and the Buddhist population gradually converted to Sunni Islam in the middle of that century. Ibn Batuta visited the Maldives in 1344. Portuguese forces ruled for fifteen years during the sixteenth century, and Britain controlled the islands from 1887 to 1965. The Maldives became independent in 1965, and the Islamic sultanate was replaced by a republic in 1968. Today, the country faces a serious environmental threat. Most of its land is only about 1.5 metres above sea level, and its highest point is approximately 2.3 metres. Rising seas caused by global warming could flood or submerge islands. The 2004 tsunami already flooded many dry areas. The underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 drew international attention to this danger.

India’s history begins with the Indus Valley Civilization and the arrival of the Aryans, whose culture developed in the region. In the fifth century, Ashoka unified much of India, and Buddhism spread widely during his reign. Islam first arrived in the eighth century and became firmly established by the eleventh century. Qutbuddin Aibak founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206. The Mughal Empire began in 1526 and again brought a considerable measure of political unity. During the seventeenth century, European powers, including the English, French, Dutch, and Portuguese, competed for control. The English eventually became dominant. Warren Hastings was appointed the first Governor General in 1774, and Queen Victoria received the title Empress of India in 1876. British rule lasted nearly two hundred years and encouraged a sustained struggle for freedom. Through patriotic movements, India achieved independence in 1947. This historical sequence helps explain India’s modern cultural, political, and linguistic diversity.

Bhutan protects its culture and environment through laws, traditions, controlled tourism, and constitutional commitments. Its isolation behind the Great Himalayas helped preserve a distinctive Buddhist culture. Traditional clothes, including the men’s Gho and women’s Kira, are important parts of public life. Religious festivals such as Tshechus use mask dances to express Buddhist teachings, while Losar celebrates the Lunar New Year through family gatherings, special food, music, and games. Bhutan also protects its natural world. Strict laws safeguard flora and fauna, and killing a black-necked crane may result in life imprisonment. The constitution requires at least 60 percent of the country to remain under forest cover. Foreign tourism began in 1974 but is carefully limited, helping reduce cultural and environmental pressure. Television and the Internet were introduced comparatively late, in 1999. Finally, Bhutan measures national progress through Gross National Happiness, showing that social and environmental well-being are valued alongside economic development.

Dear Rafi,
I am excited because I have chosen the four-night, five-day Dhaka–Kathmandu–Pokhara package tour. The return air ticket, airport taxes, two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu, two nights in Pokhara, daily breakfast and dinner, airport transfers in Kathmandu, and an air-conditioned bus journey between Kathmandu and Pokhara are included. We will also enjoy half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. The total cost is BDT 39,999. Lunch, visa costs, personal shopping, and attractions not mentioned in the advertisement may require extra payment. I hope to see historic temples, beautiful valleys, and Himalayan scenery. I will tell you everything when I return.
Yours lovingly,
Arif

Save the Maldives: Save Our Shared Ocean!
Beautiful beaches and coral atolls are threatened by rising sea levels. Reduce carbon emissions, use energy responsibly, protect coral reefs, avoid plastic pollution, and support climate-conscious tourism. The Maldives is not only a holiday destination; it is home to communities, wildlife, and a unique culture. Act today before the islands disappear beneath the waves.

Part 1—Geography: India has mountains, deserts, rivers, lakes, coasts, and fertile plains.
Part 2—Culture: Seventeen major languages, 844 dialects, many religions, regional traditions, and historic communities coexist.
Part 3—Heritage: The Taj Mahal, Qutb Minar, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Ajanta, Ellora, Kashmir, Ooty, and Darjeeling attract visitors. Closing message: diversity becomes a national strength when communities respect one another.

12 October: Today I visited Bhutan, the Land of Happiness. The mountain air was pure, and the valleys were covered with green vegetation. I watched monks perform colourful mask dances during a Tshechu festival. People wore traditional clothes, and the atmosphere was peaceful and respectful. Our guide explained that at least 60 percent of Bhutan must remain under forest cover. I was impressed that the country protects wildlife through strict laws and limits tourism to reduce pressure on nature. The most memorable lesson was that Bhutan measures progress through Gross National Happiness. I returned to the hotel convinced that a successful country should care for both people and the planet.

Five-day Nepal–Sri Lanka study plan: Days 1–2: visit Kathmandu Valley, Pashupatinath, and nearby cultural monuments; interview residents about Hindu–Buddhist coexistence. Day 3: travel to Sri Lanka and visit Dambulla’s cave temples. Day 4: explore Hikkaduwa’s beach and coral reef while following responsible-tourism rules. Day 5: observe wildlife and archaeological heritage through a virtual visit to Bundala National Park and Anuradhapura. Students will maintain a travel journal, record new vocabulary, compare climates, and prepare a presentation on how tourism can support local communities without damaging nature.

When I first arrived at my boarding school, I missed my family and the familiar sounds of home. I felt lonely during the first evening, but my roommate kindly showed me the library and playground. Soon I joined a study group and learned about my classmates’ villages and countries. We shared stories about Nepalese mountains, Sri Lankan beaches, Maldivian islands, Indian monuments, and Bhutanese festivals. Gradually, the school became a second home. I still miss my family, but I now understand that friendship, respect, and curiosity can make a new place welcoming.

During our hometown spring festival, the streets glow with coloured lights and paper decorations. The air smells of sweet cakes, fried snacks, and fresh flowers. Children laugh beside music-makers, while elders sit together and exchange greetings. Dancers move to the rhythm of drums, and the crowd applauds when the performers form a circle. At sunset, small lamps shine beside the road like stars. The festival brings neighbours together, strengthens friendship, and reminds us that culture is preserved through food, music, clothing, stories, and shared celebration.

Assessment model: include the country’s location, two geographical features, two cultural attractions, one historical fact, one environmental concern, and a suitable greeting and closing. Award marks for organisation, accurate information, vocabulary, grammar, and friendly tone.

Suggested headings: location, climate, population or size, cultural feature, tourist attraction, environmental issue, and a reason for visiting. Use short phrases, reliable figures from the lesson, and a concluding comparison.

Model rules: reduce plastic, respect local dress and worship, do not damage coral or wildlife, conserve water and energy, follow local guides, support community businesses, and leave natural places clean. Rubric: relevance 4, clarity 3, creativity 2, language accuracy 1.

To see Himalayan scenery and Everest, to visit temples and UNESCO heritage sites, and to experience religious coexistence, festivals, and diverse traditions.

Bundala National Park is famous for birdwatching and wildlife; Hikkaduwa is known for coral reefs, sandy beaches, surfing, and snorkelling.

Rising sea levels caused by global warming may submerge low-lying islands, and powerful storms or tsunamis may flood inhabited areas.