Overview: “Travelling is the only thing that leaves you speechless at first, but then turns you into a storyteller” With this quote in mind, Mount Abu School organized a trip for learners from Grade 7-10 to Jaipur on account of World Tourism Day. The trip involved 2 days and 1 night stay at Jaipur which involved a visit to Jantar Mantar, Chauki Dhani, Amber fort, and Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The learners enjoyed the excursion a lot, and it was a great learning experience which gave the students a glimpse of our Indian history.

Day 1:

• The trip began as the students accompanied by teachers departed from the school premises early in the morning via buses. On the way, the students got to see the Aravalli Ranges and learn about rain shadow areas formed by them which gives Rajasthan it’s hot climate.

• The buses stopped enroute for breakfast at Hotel Tokas where the students had a taste of traditional Indian delicacies, and soon after continued the journey.

• The students enjoyed the journey and soon reached the hotel. After check in followed by lunch, the students visited the incredible place of Jantar Mantar.

• At Jantar Mantar, the students discovered the various instruments, including Jaiprakash Yantra, Ram yantra, samrat yantra, and many more which were developed by Sawai Jai Singh ji

• Under the guidance of the travel guide, the students were able to inquire the various scientific concepts behind the different yantras. The students also got the opportunity observe the accuracy of the age-old devices by learning to calculate time using them. Students compared the time on the devices with that on their watches and were left in awe by the wonders of our past. They also came across the largest sundial in the world.

• At Jantar Mantar, Sundial activity was conducted, in which learners sat in groups and were provided with kits to make their own sundial using paper and cardboard. The learners enthusiastically took part and used their creative minds to construct their very own sundial. They also got to know how to place it and measure time using the same. This activity enriched the learners and promoted teamwork.

• After a great experience at Jantar Mantar, learners visited Choki Dhani, where they got to experience traditional Rajasthani Culture in person.

• The experience began as students relished Rajasthani cuisine by eating in the traditional style of sitting on the floor. After a wonderful traditional feast, the students got the opportunity to explore the place and learn about the various cultures and handicrafts.

• The students indulged in various activities, including pottery, block printing, horse and camel rides, and many more. The students got to experience various arts and were amazed by the skilled artisans. They got to see the art of Rice writing, jute printing, canvas bags, pottery, painting, bangle painting, jewellery, perfumes, and much more. They also brought some of this art home with them.

• After an exciting time at Choki Dhani, the students came back to the hotel to get charged up for the adventures ahead.

Day 2:

• The day began as the learners got ready and had a scrumptious breakfast. They then departed for Amber fort.

• On the way to Amber fort, the students took part in a special activity on the bus. The journey mentors played an audio related to the history of Amber fort. The learners listened carefully and then answered questions asked by the mentors. The winners were awarded as well.

• The bus then drove past Jal Mahal, giving the students a glimpse of the unique architecture of ancient times. Soon, the learners arrived at Amber fort.

• The students and teachers then began the trek for Amber fort. With a little effort and a lot of excitement, our global citizens overcame the hurdles and reached the peaks of Amber fort. The learners were mesmerized by the breathtaking view of the Aravalli Hills and enjoyed the experience.

• Under the guidance of the travel guide, learners inquired about the wonders of the fort. They learnt how the style of the fort was influenced by Mughal and Hindu architecture, and observed the unique ceilings made with concave mirrors and gold carvings. They then learnt about the different halls, and long corridors along with the purpose they served. The stories associated with this majestic monument left the learners in awe. The in-depth exploration of the various inscriptions and engravings enlightened the students about the construction of the fort.

• At the hilltops, the students also came across various arts and crafts popular there. They got the opportunity to bring home with them some of these items. After a great time at the Amber Fort, the students climbed down and went in their buses. While in the bus, they got to the activity of blog writing about their experience at Amber Fort.

• After a quick rest in the bus, students went to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum (MSMS museum). The experience at the museum enlightened the students a lot. They learnt about the kings and their reign. They got to know about the current descendants of the royal family, including the Prince, and saw their current residence. They also got to know about the 5-coloured Sawai flag, and it’s importance.

• At the museum, the students witnessed real objects of the past kings. They saw the outfits worn by them, their armours, jewellery, and much more. There they saw the largest war outfit in the world with belonged to Sawai Madho Singh I. They got a chance to look at the weapons used by the kings, which amazed the students. Even the weapons had intricate carvings! There they witnessed the heaviest sword, weighing 5 Kgs and the heaviest Gun, weighing 25 Kgs.

• They were amazed by the valorous kingly weapons. The students also got to see the cutlery in which the kings ate. There they observed a giant wok, and a giant pitcher with a capacity of 2000 litre, both made of silver. These two are the largest silver objects made till date. The students were left in awe by these works. The stories behind each of these were equally enriching, and the learners enjoyed the experience.

• After a great day of exploration and inquiry, the students had a lunch at the hotel. This was followed by a ceremony to crown “Royal Rajputs”. The learners who answered questions on the bus were awarded with badges. The teams with the best sundial and blog were awarded with a special certificate and badge. The best blogs got uploaded online. Soon, they learners departed for Delhi.

• On the way, the students filled feedback forms, appreciating the efforts of the journey mentors and educators in making this trip a success. The bus then stopped for the students to have dinner.

• The learners then took part in an activity on the bus, wherein they recalled their learnings of the day through a quick quiz. Soon, the wonderful trip came to an end as the students arrived back to Delhi.