Class 10 B/C's trip to the picturesque and historically magnificent state of Rajasthan was an enriching experience disguised as a 'stress buster' after the strenuous preparations for the mock examinations. The onward journey, from Bandra to Bikaner was on the 22nd of February, and on arrival, we received a warm, Rajasthani welcome (the traditional garland and tikka ceremony) before our bus journey to the hotel 'park plaza'. The itinerary for the day was a visit to the splendid, modern monument that is the 'umed bhavan palace' and the glorious representation of centuries gone by- Mehrangar Fort. The former site was a beautifully and intelligently created structure that was part hotel, part museum, and part Home to the Prince. Images of the Royal family, and roped off areas of years old merchandise were eye catching- and so was the line-up of the famed 'rolls royce' that the king of Rajansthan had bought, at that time.

Mehrangar fort on the other hand was a magical reflection of the past- with conspicuous defence measures, beautifully carved walls and pillars, and a museum comprising of relics such as swords and 'elephant seats', with a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills; the fort resonated with an awe-inspiring outlook into the past- and the Rajasthani local attracting the tourist with a lively rendition of popular folk songs, created a light atmosphere, infused with the core of Rajasthani culture.

A night of dancing in the hotel lawns awaited us in the night, and those of us who were ready to recuperate from the tiring sight seeing took full advantage of this opportunity.

The next day started with a 6 hour long journey, towards the celebrated city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer didn't seem too welcoming when we reached. With stretches of scanty vegetation punctuating a barren landscape, not to mention the abundant ruins, our first impression of the city was not the one of enjoyment and beauty that we would form later in the trip.

Our first excursion was to the man-made Gadi Sagar lake, where we had an "eventful" boat ride. A water-fight with the green-algae-water made us feel like we were back in the 7th grade again! Then, a heart-melting cultural program was all we needed! A traditional puppet show, along with Rajasthani music was extremely enriching- our eyes were opened to the cultural diversity behind the land of the Marwaris. With the music resonating in the tiny room, this was the defining moment of the trip, as the reverb still fills my mind when I think about it.

That night we had a campfire planned for us back at the hotel, which was exclusively ours. So, the results were, (for want of a better word) hilarious: tribal dances around the campfire and running around the fountains.

The next day, we visited the magnificent Jaisalmer fort, with a breathtaking view of the city from the top, following which we visited two eerie havelis. But what followed the havelis was definitely the most enjoyable moment of the trip- the camel safari!

Though most were a bit apprehensive when they got on the camels, (with some teachers yelling "mummy mummy!") we soon got used to them. The general mood of hilarity was elevated when everyone noticed that Mr Gulhane and Mr Sreeraman's camel was extremely badly behaved. Watching the sunset through the sand-dunes was thought-inducing and numbing together, as we bathed in its beauty. This romanticism was soon belied by our class, when rolling down the sand-dunes became everyone's favourite pastime. Finally, at the end of a long, fulfilling day, we took part (that's right- we didn't just watch!) another cultural program, with music and dance around a campfire.

Altogether, it was a rejuvenating experience encompassing culture and fun, as we spent time with our friends and teachers while witnessing the work of one of the greatest civilizations in history.