Summer excursion to Chakrata

On 28 May 2019, a group of forty-one students of classes IX to XI embarked on an exciting road trip to Viraatkhai, Chakrata. They were escorted by four teachers- Mr. Sushant Raut, Mr. Pallab Roy, Ms. Suchishmita Chatterjee and Ms. Deepali Gupta.

The two luxury coaches and a tempo traveller carrying their excited inmates drove into the still night, effortlessly swallowing up the miles. After a long and lively drive, the exuberant travellers arrived at their destination in the morning. The joyful children tumbled out of their respective buses and scattered like wild poppies in the eco-friendly lodges built amidst picturesque hills. The fresh air and the clear blue sky created ideal conditions for a hearty and appetizing breakfast!

Thereafter, the young enthusiasts retreated to their respective quarters to freshen up. On reassembling a little later, they were divided into groups and taken for adventure activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, valley crossing and Burma Bridge.

Each child was safely harnessed and given detailed instructions on how to perform the thrilling actions. They were also given a demonstration of the different types of knots. The adventurous party was high on a veritable cocktail of emotions with adrenaline coursing through all the children- the afraid and the unafraid. Nonetheless, all were triumphant under the watchful guidance of the camp organisers.

The break for lunch was welcomed wholeheartedly by the tired but radiant adventurers. After a delicious and satiating lunch, the children played team games in the evening. The fatigue of the day was overcome with team spirit evoked by this group activity.

An enjoyable dinner signed off the day and the tired soldiers slumbered off in their beds dreaming of adventures that awaited them in the new morn.

The next morning after breakfast, the party trekked to Tiger Falls. It was a long and winding trek replete with slippery stones, downhill slopes and beautiful sceneries. The epic trek on the rugged hills was well worth the effort as the flushed group laid its eyes on the mesmerising falls.

The children lounged along the stream in a moment of solitude to admire the cascading waterfall. After enjoying the bounties of nature, the trekkers headed back to the lodge where platefuls of snacks and hot refreshing cups of tea helped them relax and rest their much travelled feet.

In the evening, the children played carom and cards. A memorable bonfire and music set the tone for the late evening which saw much merriment, dancing and bonhomie. A delicious dinner was followed by star gazing with keen gazers pointing out the various constellations. Everybody enjoyed the splendid sight and cherished the sight of diamond-like stars which are often lost in the haze of urban living.

On third morning, the sombre party packed their bags and checked-out of the lodge after breakfast. However, their spirits lifted up once again on reaching the fascinating hill station of Mussoorie. The budding shopaholics engaged in a frenzy of shopping on the famed Mall Road buying trinkets and souvenirs.

The return journey to Delhi commenced soon after lunch at a nearby hotel. Later, the travellers stopped enroute for dinner at a subway. The excited but subdued party reached School late at night where eager parents welcomed them in their warm embrace.

All around were faces lit by a million magical memories of a truly amazing and unforgettable trip.

Divija Puri, 11-C