Ladakh is truly a sight that no one would ever want to miss. A surreal landscape surrounded by the sky-piercing peaks of the snow-capped Himalayan, Zanskar and Karakoram ranges, and adorned with crystal waters of the Shyok, Zanskar and Indus rivers, the Ladakh union territory covers 22,800 square miles (59,000 square km) along the upper Indus River valley. It is one of the highest regions of the world. 
Rock carvings found in many parts of Ladakh indicate that the area has been inhabited from Neolithic times (about 12,000 years ago).
River valleys
The largest town in Ladakh is Leh, followed by Kargil, both of which headquarters a district. The Leh district contains the Indus, Shyok and Nubra river valleys and the Kargil district contains the Suru, Dras and Zanskar river valleys. Each of these wonders of Mother Earth never fail to awe viewers. Ladakh is the highest plateau in India with much of it being over 3,000 m (9,800 ft). It extends from the Himalayan to the Kunlun Ranges and includes the upper Indus River valley.
Food
Ladakhi food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most popular food being thukpa (noodle soup) and tsampa, known in Ladakhi as ngampe (roasted barley flour). Small-scale industries and handicraft manufacturing are important in Ladakh, particularly the production of cashmere shawls, carpets, and blankets. Other resources, such as abundant minerals, leave much potential for mining.
Ladakh is famous among space-geeks for housing one of the world’s largest telescopes. The Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh boasts of the second-highest telescope in Asia at an astounding height of 4500m. This makes Ladakh a hub for stargazers and astro-photographers who want the marvels of space not to be obstructed by mountains and constructions. Located in the remote village of Hanle, the IAO is India’s first robotic telescope.
Architectural enthusiasts also may want to spend some time marvelling at the Bailey bridge, the highest in the world. Located between the meandering Dras and Suru rivers, it was originally made by the military to migrate quickly through the rivers during wartime.
Iceland
This country, as you might know, rarely has a warm day throughout the year. Iceland’s capital and largest city is Reykjavík, which (along with its surrounding areas) is home to over 65 percent of the population. Iceland is one of the cleanest and most eco-friendly countries.
Pure water
The water in Iceland, for example, is extremely pure and refreshing and you can drink it from every tap in Iceland. You can also drink the water of most rivers in Iceland. The further out of the city you are, the purer the water tends to be.
Iceland was founded more than 1,000 years ago during the Viking age of exploration and settled by a mixed Norse and Celtic population. Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans, and its culture is founded upon the nation’s Scandinavian heritage. To date, Iceland is the most sparsely populated nation in Europe, with less than three inhabitants per square kilometre.
Many Icelanders still believe in elves and trolls, since these mythical creatures have long been an important part of their unique culture.
Land of fire and ice
Iceland, the land of fire (volcanoes) and ice (icebergs and glaciers), has become a popular travel destination over the past few years. Iceland is famous for many natural wonders such as active volcanoes and the spectacular Northern Lights. About 11 percent of the country is covered by glaciers which are one of the main attractions in Iceland, and to-date there are approximately 269 known glaciers.
One of the main sights in Iceland, the Elephant Rock, is a naturally erupted sculpture off the south coast of Iceland. The fascinating rock formation resembles the head of a giant elephant with its trunk submerged underwater, whilst the basalt rock gives it a unique wrinkled skin texture.
Climbing and sports
Conditions are excellent in Iceland for skiing, snowboarding, rock and ice climbing as well as mountain climbing, hiking, fishing, cycling and ski touring. A fantastic destination for hiking is the wilderness area of Hornstrandir in the Westfjords, with its craggy mountains, sea cliffs and plunging waterfalls.
Dinara Hettiarachchi
Grade 9
Ananda College, Colombo
