A Trip Back in time to the HOYSALAS

Our much awaited excursion to Karnataka began with an overnight train journey to Bangalore. During the train ride, most of us were way too excited to sleep. We stayed up talking and laughing the whole night.

We arrived in Bangalore at dawn and travelled to Hassan. The Hoysala village resort was absolutely beautiful. Upon arrival at the resort, the guide welcomed us with a briefing session about the Hoysala dynasty.

We visited Shravanabelagola to see a magnificent

Gomatheshwara statue, which required us to climb approximately 700–800 steps. The climb was challenging but well worth it—the statue and the view from the top were breathtaking. We returned to the resort, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and spent the evening playing games in each other’s rooms.

The next day, we set off to visit a coffee plantation. We learnt about different types of coffee beans, including Arabica and Robusta, and observed the process of coffee production. The plantation also had a small shop where we could buy quality coffee and we were treated to samples of freshly brewed coffee.

After a tummy-tickling lunch, we got set to go on our trek. To get to the start of the trek point, we split into groups and rode up the hill in ten different jeeps. The ride itself was exhilarating -we were holding on tight and laughing the whole way up.  However, due to unfavorable weather—thick fog and heavy rain— we couldn’t get off the jeeps.

In the evening, the resort hosted a cultural dinner night featuring a lively drum performance. We all danced along, enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, and had a variety of tasty dishes.

On the final day, we checked out of the resort after breakfast and headed to visit two beautiful temples in Belur and Haleibidu. We were really looking forward to seeing these UNESCO world heritage sites that were ages old. These temples are not only architecturally stunning but also rich in history. It was all beautifully carved out of soap stone. The place was well maintained and had lasted through the winds of time-a true testimony to pure skill and artistry.

Ananya. V  – 9 C

Excursion report 2025 By Anupama of 10B

10th grade excursion – A 3-day and 4-night respite from the chaotic
goings-on of Chennai in the midst of the lush green, tranquil hills of Kodaikanal.

Our journey began with a quiet night train from Chennai to Dindigul,
arriving so early in the morning that even the sun was yet to rise. Soon
after, we set off on a long bus ride (with a tea break in between) to
our resort – Germanus Springs. Perched on a low hilly region, its once
serene lodgings were now bustling with dozens of children eager to
accommodate themselves.

Shortly after, all the students gathered on the vast lawn for an
interactive knot-tying session led by experts. After lunch, we visited
the local Solar Observatory, where a staff member explained their work
in great detail. Following a quick break at the resort, we headed to
the breathtaking Kodai Lake, spending our evening cycling,
sightseeing, and shopping, before returning for a lively bonfire.

The next day began on the resort lawn, after which we drove to a
scenic viewpoint in the Lower Sholas forest. A short trail led us to
an introduction to Kodaikanal’s unique flora by the travel guide.
From there, we visited the disturbed Bombay Sholas forest, performing
a re-enactment of the Chipko movement, followed by an explanation of
the forests’ natural defence mechanisms. After lunch at the resort, we
met the local Paliyar tribals and conversed with the only graduate in
their tribe. The day ended with dinner and a memorable night dancing
in the hotel.

On our final day, after checking out late in the morning, we visited
the mysterious Guna Caves and had hilarious encounters with monkeys.
Then came a long drive through Berijam, with stops to enjoy its lush
greenery, before visiting a 150-year-old college in Shenbaganur.
There, we enjoyed lunch and explored the orchard gardens.

With this, we retraced our steps to Dindigul, boarded the night
train, and returned to Chennai with heavy hearts but wonderful
memories—an excursion to remember.

EXCURSION 2025 REPORT.

School Trip to Madurai & Karaikudi.

Our excursion began late at night as we boarded the Pandiyan Express at 9:40, waving goodbye to parents with excitement bubbling in the air. The journey was filled with chatter, endless photos, and sharing snacks. We reached Madurai early in the morning tired but thrilled, and after checking into our hotel and enjoying the comfort of air-conditioned rooms, we dressed smartly for the day. A hearty breakfast—ranging from French toast to spicy idlis—gave us the energy to set off for the world-famous Jallikattu Arangam Stadium. The museum’s historic photographs amazed us and the mechanical bull left us dizzy. We walked down the bull’s path into the stadium. Softened with coconut fiber the arena gave us goosebumps. Afterward, we relished a plate of traditional Madurai biryani, mouthwatering and flavorful, a meal that seemed to keep our souls filled for the rest of the trip. The afternoon took us to the eco-village of Arittapatti and its cave temples. The day ended in a burst of rhythm and color as we watched Silambattam, where performers spun tall bamboo sticks adorned with ribbons in dazzling patterns, and Parai Attam, with its powerful drumbeats that echoed through the air. The energy was contagious—we couldn’t resist clapping, moving to the beat, and even dancing along, swept away by the lively spirit of Tamil Nadu’s folk art. Finally, we ended the day with a serene visit to the Meenakshi Temple. We saw various deities and learnt about the history of the marvelous temple, both myth and fact.

The next day took us to Karaikudi, where we checked into a vibrant Chettinad mansion with colorful pillars and grand courtyards. Lunch was purely vegetarian but delicious. We changed into our traditional outfits and explored the Koviloor Nagarthar Museum, marveling at authentic artefacts from another era. The procession to the Nagarthar Mansion turned into an unforgettable cultural immersion. We made flower garlands under the patient guidance of the women of the household and celebrated a student’s birthday with a cake. That night, the manor echoed with laughter, music, and dancing, as teachers and students joined in, singing and dancing to songs in different languages, enjoying every moment together.

Our final day led us to Athangudi, where we toured an old house built with materials from Italy, Belgium, and England. We visited a place where they made wooden artefacts and handmade tiles, and even got a chance to try our hands at shaping  tile designs. Later, we watched women expertly prepare traditional Chettinad snacks and tasted them hot from the fire. The crisp spirals took shape in the hot sizzling oil above the burning embers—treats we eagerly bought for our family and friends. A hearty lunch was followed by a joyful bullock cart ride that brought us to the end of an unforgettable trip. Exhausted yet content, we boarded the train, played cards, recorded vlogs and soon drifted off to sleep, only to be received by our parents the next morning and carried home memories of a lifetime.

• Written by Tasha Neethirajan 11B

Report on School Excursion to Delhi, Chandigarh and Amritsar

School excursions were always special but this one was memorable as it marked our last one together as Sishya’s senior most batch. With bags full of excitement (and loads of snacks, of course) we set off for Delhi, Chandigarh and Amritsar on the 31^st of August.

Our adventure began in Delhi, the capital city that never fails to impress. Soon after landing, we checked into our hotel, Radisson Blu and set off to explore. The Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya (PM Museum) brought alive the journeys and visions of India’s Prime Ministers. The interactive touchscreens and holographic displays seamlessly blended history and technology. The drive through Parliament House was heartwarming and even more stirring was the visit to the iconic India Gate. It stood tall and glowed under the sun. It was not just another monument but a testament of bravery.

The next day, after a long bus ride we reached Chandigarh. The soft drizzles gave the city a fresh sparkle as we proceeded to Sukhna Lake in the evening. Later, we headed to Sector 17 for shopping and strolled from shop to shop filling our bags with mementos and souvenirs for family and friends after long bargaining battles.

On the third day, we set off to Amritsar. What looked like a very tiring journey was 20 rounds of Uno, 10 rounds of cards, 2 hours of sleeping and a pit stop at KFC and Burger King. Everyone was worn out so we only did local shopping in the evening.

The following day even the rain could not stop us as we hurried through the streets of Amritsar, the girls sporting last minute salwar suits which had been haggled at the market the day before. The Jallianwala Bagh silenced us with its quiet calmness as we felt every scar etched into the wall as a reminder of the lives lost and the pain they endured. Next, we visited the glorious Golden Temple, a marvel of devotion and serenity. The ethereal temple seemed to float between heaven and earth and every corner whispered sacred hymns, timeless beauty and a deep sense of reverence which humbled all of us. In the evening, we made our way to the Wagah Border which amped our spirits with patriotism. The ceremonial lowering of the flags by the Indian and Pakistani soldiers was a spectacle of precision, discipline, and pride.

On the 4^th of September, it was time to pack our bags as we left reluctantly enriched with memories for a lifetime.

R. DAKSHATA   12 A