Class 9 Excursion to Coorg 2024

I had the pleasure of embarking on a memorable trip to Coorg, a picturesque hill station. Despite not being an early riser, I thoroughly enjoyed the train journey, which proved to be an excellent precursor to the exciting experiences that lay ahead.

The resort where we stayed was truly exceptional, boasting lush green surroundings and spacious accommodations. Unfortunately, our itinerary was curtailed due to unforeseen rainfall. Nevertheless, we made the most of our time, visiting notable attractions such as a misty park, a bustling marketplace, and a scenic bridge overlooking a swift-flowing stream.

As we departed Coorg and boarded the train to return home, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Although our trip was shorter than anticipated, the memories and experiences garnered will remain with me forever.

– By Sarah Sathiq Peermohideen, Class 9C

10th Grade Excursion to Kodaikanal

This year’s 10th grade excursion to Kodaikanal from 1st – 3rd September was a fantastic break from our usual school routine, offering a mix of adventure and exploration. Over three days, we immersed ourselves in the natural beauty of Kodaikanal and enjoyed various activities. Our journey began with a fun train ride to Kodaikanal early in the morning on a Sunday. The train journey set the tone for our trip, with changing landscapes from bustling cityscapes to the tranquil countryside. We arrived at Dindigul, from where we took a bus all the way to Kodaikanal. After reaching there, we were greeted by the cool mountain air and lush greenery. We checked into our resort, which offered stunning views of the surrounding hills.

We then headed to Kodai Lake, a serene spot that offered a peaceful escape. The lake’s calm waters and surroundings were perfect for a relaxing evening. We enjoyed walking around while some of us rented bicycles and speeded around the lake, taking in the views, and capturing some beautiful photos. We returned to our resort and danced together, making the night even more memorable and fun.

The next day, we visited the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The observatory was fascinating, providing us with insights into the study of the sun and the advanced technology used in solar observations. We learned about the sun spots witnessing it through our own eyes with the help of a telescope. We were also educated about the solar cycles, layers of the earth and the sun and had an amazing opportunity to have a look at the oldest telescope. It was an educational experience that combined learning with the thrill of exploring science.

Following the observatory, we revisited Kodai Lake to experience its beauty once again. Next, we explored Coaker’s Walk, which offered breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding hills. The fresh air and stunning surroundings made the walk both refreshing and enjoyable. We then set out for Moir Point, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the valley and the hills. From there, we headed to the Pine Forest, a beautiful area filled with tall, slender pine trees that created a serene and almost magical atmosphere.

Next on our itinerary were the Guna Caves, rock formations that provided a sense of mystery and adventure. Exploring the caves was a fun experience, and we marvelled at the natural formations. At the resort, we gathered around a crackling bonfire under the starlit sky. Laughter and music filled the night, creating a cozy and unforgettable end to a perfect evening in the beauty of Kodai.

On our final day, we visited Chettiar Park, a well-maintained park known for its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. The park offered a relaxing environment where we could unwind and enjoy nature. Our next stop was the Kurinji Andavar Temple, a significant religious temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple provided a serene and spiritual experience. Our final destination was The Silver Cascade Park, a picturesque waterfall located on the outskirts of Kodaikanal. The sight of the water and the surrounding natural beauty was a fitting end to our trip. As we boarded the train, we felt a mix of nostalgia and satisfaction. The train ride home provided a chance to reflect on our experiences, share memories, and enjoy each other’s company one last time.

This three-day excursion to Kodaikanal will truly be the highlight of this year. The combination of exploring natural wonders, visiting educational sites, and spending time with friends made the trip unforgettable.

– By Radhika Kapoor 10-C

11TH GRADE Report on School Excursion to Jaipur

September holidays mark the beginning of the magical journey of the school excursion. This year too, with hearts brimming with exhilaration, we embarked on a joyous journey to unlock the rich tapestry of ‘Jaipur’.

The atmosphere was alive with anticipation as we reached the airport on the morning of 5th September, excitedly, we waved goodbyes to our parents and bid adieu to the ‘coastal canvas’. The plane soared into the sky and in no time, we were in Hyderabad in transit. We soon touched down in Jaipur and got caught in the relentless wave of heat which radiated warmth at every turn. We then transferred to the Radisson, where a hearty meal awaited us.

The sightseeing was indeed a tale fit for royalty. The magnificent ‘City Palace’ is a stunning blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture in vibrant colours – showcasing intricate carvings, expansive courtyards and majestic pillars, each a testament to the royal tapestry of the splendid city woven meticulously through centuries.

We returned to the hotel to a delectable dinner, after which we drifted into tranquility as night fell.

The next day, with the wind in our hair, we eagerly set off on a jeep ride to explore the storied walls of Amber Fort. The jeeps rumbled along the winding path, each bump adding to our euphoria. The grand fort nestled in the lush greenery of the Aravallis evoked a sense of wonder. The local market was our next stop, where we filled our bags with mementos and souvenirs for family and friends. While on the bus, we also had a glimpse of the Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal. In the evening, we paid a visit to Chokhi Dhani, where we were elated by the folk dances and traditional music. An authentic Rajasthani thali served in a village setting took us back in culinary history.

The following day rain played spoilsport on our Pushkar plans. The heavy onslaught ensured that we could not undertake the journey and forced us to stay indoors. We watched movies, played card games, sang and danced in our rooms because being together was all that mattered.
Our teachers had arranged a post-dinner party, where we ended the day on a high note after dancing till we dropped.
On 8th September, we packed our bags and left the ‘Pink City’ enriched with memories for a lifetime.

– By R. DAKSHATA 11 A

Grade 12 Excursion to Ooty

The past few months have been hectic, to say the least. Between our first term exams, practicing for School Day, and preparing for college admission season, Sishya’s senior-most batch has been on its toes for quite a while. Thus, we welcomed our final excursion as high school students with open arms- a short trip to Destiny Farm Resort in Ooty.

We assembled at MGR Central Station on the 31st of August, a sultry Saturday night, ready to trade the city’s humidity for the zephyrs of Ooty. We would be taking the Cheran Express to Coimbatore and driving to our resort from there. After a bit of shuffling around trying to find a way to sit with our respective friend groups, we eventually settled in, either with a pack of Uno cards or a good topic to have a long conversation about.

They say the fun only begins after midnight on school trips- I cannot confirm or deny this, because I was out cold by eleven p.m., but I’m pretty sure the giggles of my friends were confirmation enough.

We disembarked at Coimbatore and began our long bus ride to Destiny Farm after a quick breakfast. Some of us dozed off to compensate for the lack of sleep on the train. A few others took in the picturesque views- acres and acres of sprawling farmland, tea plantations, verdant greenery, and hills dotted with miniscule cottages. It was like something straight out of a movie.

We reached the resort’s parking lot and hopped onto military vehicles. We were warned that the ride would be bumpy, but none of us were prepared to be tossed around in our seats as we made our way through a dirt path to the resort. Once we arrived, though, all the motion sickness was forgotten.

Destiny Farm was the kind of place you’d find on the back of a postcard- green grass as far as the eye could see, rustic buildings, and the sparkling Emerald Lake in the distance. We spent some time taking our surroundings in before dumping our luggage in our rooms and digging into a big lunch. We spent the rest of the day exploring the fields and paths, meeting animals, and enjoying the weather.

The second day of our trip got off to an eventful start. We were told we’d be going on a short nature walk, but that quickly turned into a fight for survival (well, at least from the perspective of city-dwellers). We trekked through a stream, traversed a slippery, slushy mud path, and crossed a river on a makeshift raft. It was exhilarating, sure, but not the calming stroll I was expecting.

Later on, some of us tried our hand at fishing, whilst the others went to visit the animals on the property. Destiny Farm is home to sheep, cows, horses, goats, and chickens, and a few of us tried milking cows. Some of my more thrill-seeking classmates went ziplining.
As night fell, we headed to a small hall to do some karaoke. We sang a bunch of Tamil and English songs, and a friend of mine and I even belted out an incredible rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Day 3, our final day at the resort, was upon us, and we were to head out on another nature walk. This one has us grabbing leaves for support and walking on all fours, as we gripped the grass to scale a hill. As always, the view from the summit made up for all the sweat and panic. We spent the rest of the day doing some more ziplining and riding horses. At night, we headed to the property’s conference hall to blast music and dance. It was the perfect end to our tranquil getaway.

The next morning, we left the resort and headed to SIMS Park in Coonoor. After exploring the gardens, we headed back to Coimbatore and hopped on our train back home at around eleven p.m. at night.

We reached Chennai early in the morning on the 5th of August, bidding each other tearful goodbyes and knowing this final sojourn with all our friends would never leave our hearts.

– Compiled by: Amairha Pokala 12B