Grade 10 Field Trip - Yelagiri

The overnight field trip to Yelagiri aimed to provide Grade 10 students with a blend of educational, recreational, and adventurous experiences. An overnight stay with their classmates for the first time, students were excited at the prospect of not only visiting a new place but also doing so in the company of their friends. The visit to the Bird Park offered insights into avian diversity and conservation, while Thrill Valley provided opportunities for team-building and adrenaline-pumping activities.

Boarding the bus at dawn proved a worthwhile experience. Students assembled in the wee hours of the morning greeting each other and aligning themselves in groups of four. the journey to Yelagiri was fun as children sang, danced and had a merry time. A break for a sumptuous breakfast added to the enthusiasm. The scenic views and the hairpin bends added to the joys of travelling with friends. Students were greeted at the Sarvakaya resort with a lavish lunch that began with soup and ended with ice cream. They were also allotted rooms to keep their bags and freshen-up for their post-lunch activities.

The afternoon visits to the Yelagiri Funderapark, an open reserve sheltering over 300 birds, housing animals including snakes, huskies and even flightless birds such as ostrich, was a fun, learning experience. This well-maintained park was a unique opportunity for students to observe a diverse range of exotic and indigenous bird species in a natural habitat. It also helped foster a deep appreciation for avian biodiversity and ecological balance. Children were thrilled with the sighting of several birds including the macaws. They were enthralled with the opportunity to hand feed these birds.

A high-tea greeted the students on their return from the bird park. A campfire was organized at the accommodation site, where students gathered, shared their day’s experiences and enjoyed music and dancing. The evening ended with an equally grand dinner after which children settled in their rooms for the night.

Day 2 dawned bright and early as children were up and about enjoying the cool climate as well as the landscape. A hearty breakfast and then we were off to the Thrill Valley for an adventurous morning. With several activities such as wall/rock climbing, zip-lining and rope course, students enjoyed the various challenges. Team camaraderie was evident in the way the children urged one another to try and complete each one of them. The morning thrills ensured gaiety and laughter followed by a delicious lunch.

The trip was a perfect blend of education and quest. It brought forth team spirit even as students overcame their reluctance and imbued confidence. The comfortable stay at the resort, the bird park visits and the adventure park provided the perfect break from their academics. The excellent organization and safety measures taken throughout the journey added to the enjoyment. Overall, the trip was a memorable experience, leaving participants with cherished memories and valuable knowledge.