Tours And Treks Report: Hyderabad
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
— Saint Augustine
Day 1, October 02, 2018
As a part of the Annual Tours and Treks programme, a group of four teachers and 33 students of grades V and VI left the campus on October 2, 2018 at 5:00 pm for an excursion to the historic city of Hyderabad. We travelled overnight by Rajdhani Express. The students, especially the ones travelling solo by train for the first time, without their parents, were enthusiastic and ecstatic. Mr. John from Riya Travels, our tour organiser, accompanied us for the entire duration of the trip.
Day 2, October 03, 2018
We arrived at Hyderabad railway station at approximately 7:30 am and headed straight to Ramoji Film City; our first destination. We stopped a while to freshen up and have breakfast.
Ramoji Film City has been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest studio complex in the world. Built by Telugu film doyen Ramoji Rao in 1996, the film city is spread over a mind-boggling 1666 acres and hosts film production units from across the country. It welcomed us, to its glory and charisma, with open arms.
After checking into our hotel, we decided to walk around and visit some famous film sets where iconic movies had been shot in the past. Angel Fountain, Chandramukhi bungalow and Munna Bhai MBBS hospital were some sets which enchanted the students. After the leisurely stroll, we returned to the hotel and had a sumptuous dinner. This was followed by an exciting storytelling session which summarised the day’s learning experiences.
Day 3, October 04, 2018
After an early breakfast, we proceeded on a day-long guided tour of Ramoji Film City, on a vintage bus. The day was packed with fun-filled action as we were taken to Eco zone, Fundustan, Ramoji Movie magic, entertainment show at Eureka and rides spread across the city. The Wild West Stunt show, shooting locations, and gardens were spectacular enough to quench the thirst of the ever-inquisitive young minds. At the end of the action-packed day, we headed off to Hyderabad city.
Day 4, October 05, 2018
We dedicated the entire day to exploring the sights and sounds of Hyderabad city. Our first stop-over was the famous Birla Temple; an architectural masterpiece sculpted artistically, with 2000 tons of white marble from Rajasthan. It took ten years of dedicated work to create this place of worship. We then went to visit the Birla Planetarium where we sat back and relaxed while our souls travelled through the darkness of space around the planets and the stars. On conclusion of our visit to the planetarium, we returned to the hotel for lunch and then proceeded to the famous Golconda Fort. Yet another architectural marvel, the fort was first built by Kakatiya dynasty and later developed by the Qutub Shahi Kings. It presents an awe-inspiring sight, and as our local guide recited some mysterious and wonderful facts about the magnificent fort, we were transported back into a chapter of our illustrious history. The light and sound show served as a befitting climax to the enlightening and enchanting visit to the fort.
Day 5, October 06, 2018
On this day, we decided to get adventurous and indulged in different adventure activities, including Sky Cycle, zip lining, Commando net, Spider-web and archery. We continued through the day, taking a brief break for lunch. Tired to our bones, we returned to the hotel only after the sun had set; to have dinner and retire for the day.
Day 6, October 07, 2018
Waking up after a soulful sleep, we ate our breakfast at leisure and then started the day with a visit to Salar Jung Museum; the third-largest museum in India. It houses more than 43000 art objects covering Indian, Far Eastern, European, and Middle Eastern Art. It also has a collection of 9000 manuscripts and 47000 printed books, spread over 38 galleries. The veiled marble statue of Rebecca, the 19th century British Musical Clock, the amazing Ivory gallery are a few masterpieces which hold the attention of visitors from across the world. Completely mesmerised by the art and culture spectacle at the Salar Jung Museum, we returned to the hotel for lunch and then visited Lumbini Park. Lumbini Park is a perfect amalgamation of lush green, clear lake water, entertaining rides and a festive ambience. The evening turned more musical and colourful as we watched the laser show and went boating at the lake.
Day 8, October 07, 2018
We started our day with a late breakfast, and then visited the historic monument of Charminar. The grand structure stood tall and welcomed us to appreciate the historic architecture once again. The visit was eventually supplemented with a brisk shopping spree in the lanes and by-lanes of the old charming city. Having had a feast during lunch, it was time for a footloose session as we visited the Snow World. Experiencing the way people survive in extremely cold conditions, we realised the plight of our brave soldiers who protect us and our motherland in trying circumstances.
Day 9, October 08, 2018
During the first half of the day, we paid a visit to the IKEA store in Hyderabad. IKEA is world most famous furniture giant and Hyderabad is their first store in India. The furniture items displayed in the store were most exquisite and held the students attention for a long time. We then returned to the hotel, packed our bags and moved onwards to board a train to Bangalore. Dinner was served to us on board the train.
Day 10, October 09, 2018
After an overnight journey, we arrived at Yeshwantpur railway station at approximately 10:40 am. On our way back to the school, we had lunch and finally reached the campus at 2:30 pm. As we walked towards our boarding houses, we were replete with memories of the lanes and by-lanes of Hyderabad. How we all wished we were back there all over again!
