School trip to Sariska; classes 5-7.

Early morning on 24 December, 2016, 29 students of classes 5 to 7, with three teachers, gathered at School with their packed bags for a School trip to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The excitement amongst the students quickly spread and despite the bitter chill they were ready to set out.

Laughter, song and jokes were a continuous feature of the bus ride. The children and the adults escorting them, were determined to enjoy themselves. The first stop was at Haldirams, situated on the outskirts of Delhi, where the children partook of a sumptuous breakfast.

As we moved closer to our destination, the picturesque mountains and the lush forests of Sariska slowly came into view. Finally, we arrived at the hotel, where we were to be lodged for the next couple of days. The stay at the hotel was an enjoyable one with delicious food and rooms that were comfortably furnished. Through our stay there, the weather remained suitably pleasant ensuring everyone had a fabulous time!

Finally, the tour of the place began. The monuments, majestic forts and temples looked grand and had plenty of interesting stories to offer. On the first day, the group went on an evening tour to the Pandupole Temple. This temple is situated inside the Sariska National Park. As we entered, the children saw many devotees offering prayers and as we walked about, the locals related interesting stories about the place. Next, the group went to Natni ka Bara. This place has a bridge where a natni (female artist) is said to have danced on a piece of yarn that extended between the two hills. As the tour for the day ended, we were were guided back to the hotel where we enjoyed a bonfire and played games before dinner.

On the second day, the group header to Alwar Fort, situated on a hill in the Aravallis above the town of Alwar. The fort is 5 kms long. The guide, accompanying us related interesting facts and stories of the fort.

Next we were taken on a hike to the Moosi Maharani ki Chatari, which was built by Vinay Singh in memory of Alwars ruler, Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and his queen, Rani Moosi. The double-storeyed structure with the Aravalli hills in the background looked stunning at sunset. The top floor is carved and designed entirely in marble whilst the interiors are adorned with some exquisite mythological paintings and frescoes on the ceiling. We also visited the government museum which offered many interesting displays relating to the fort. The swords and other weaponry amongst other belongings of the royal family were some of the major attractions here. The guides recreated the period in history through their stories.

Back at the hotel, the children settled in early after dinner so they could be up early for the most exciting attraction of the tour, the safari! Next morning, the children were seated into two open mini buses, as a thrill ran through each one at the prospect of getting to sight a tiger! Alas, this we were not sufficiently lucky to manage. However, we did see several other magnificent creatures such as intimidating crocodiles, colourful peacocks and plucky deer. None of us wanted to return to the hotel but we reluctantly did as we had to eat and rest before our long journey back home the next morning.

On the way back to Delhi, we stopped at the Siliserh Lake where we were welcomed by the a band of friendly monkeys! At Manesar, a meal at McDonalds was a like a cherry on the cake! Back in School, the childrens parents had gathered to receive them. Ecstatic, the children rushed towards them and without a breather shared all the exciting moments of their excursion!

Ms. Radhika Prabhakar.