Grade IX: Trip to Coorg and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
Our Grade 9 students embarked on a memorable journey to Coorg and Nagarahole Tiger
Reserve from 2nd to 5th July. Accompanied by Mr. Praveen from Ollit Tours and teachers
Mr. Bharadwaj, Mr. Sravan, and Ms. Rashmi, 28 out of 29 students participated in this
enriching experience. The students were served tea, breakfast, and lunch on the Shatabdi
train, provided by Indian Railways.
The train reached Mysore station at 1pm where the students boarded a bus to Evergreen
County Resort at Coorg where Ms. Nandini met the group. Girls and boys were
accommodated in separate dormitories, each equipped with sufficient space and
amenities for their stay. The first activity planned was a treasure hunt, where students
were tasked with identifying specific trees, leaves, or objects to familiarise themselves
with the resort area.
Later, they were divided into two teams for games like Sponge filling and Balloon blasting,
fostering teamwork and a sense of camaraderie among the groups. This cooperative spirit
continued throughout the trip, creating enthusiasm and healthy competition among the
students.
Afterward, they enjoyed free play, opting to engage in activities such as dodgeball and
badminton. A hot buffet dinner was served, followed by a nocturnal walk with naturalist
and experiential educator Ms. Janet. Students sighted illuminated insects, fireflies, and a
starry night sky, observing how their eyes gradually adjusted to the night light and layers
of light on the surrounding forest. They found the experience deeply captivating,
connecting with the serene beauty of the natural environment.
Link for photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R9DBqq8tQ49yAPmYGHG_3_5wDKePrVti
Grade IX: Trip to Coorg and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
On 3rd July, students embarked on a morning nature walk at 6 am, where they immersed
themselves in the sights and sounds of nature, identifying birds, insects, and exploring the
pepper and bayleaf plantations among the coffee estates.
After a hearty breakfast, they embarked on a scenic 90-minute bus ride to Nagarahole
Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival at the reserve by 12:30 pm, they eagerly indulged in a
delicious lunch before setting off on safari rides in three large Forest Department jeeps.
The safari was a thrilling adventure as they spotted a variety of wild animals, including
deer and an elephant herd. The highlight for many was encountering a sloth bear, which
created excitement and awe among the students.
Returning to the resort in the evening, they enjoyed a satisfying dinner before embarking
on a lantern walk, with students taking turns carrying lanterns to illuminate their path.
The serene ambiance of the night forest left a lasting impression on many.
Link for photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R9DBqq8tQ49yAPmYGHG_3_5wDKePrVti
Grade IX: Trip to Coorg and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
The next morning, on 4th July, students eagerly anticipated the zip-lining activity. The
exhilarating experience of soaring above the treetops filled them with joy and
exhilaration.
This was followed by kayaking and a parasol ride on the resort's pond, providing moments
of relaxation and scenic enjoyment. The students relished these water activities, soaking
in the beauty of their surroundings. Throughout their stay, the resort offered its own
produce for sale, including wild honey, which some students eagerly purchased as a
souvenir of their unforgettable trip.
After lunch, they vacated the resort and travelled to the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe,
about 90 minutes away. They stopped at a small local market for dry fruits, spices, coffee,
and other local produce.
At the Tibetan monastery, they were briefed about Tibet, the Tibetan government in exile
in India, and their form of Buddhism and deities. Inside the monastery, students admired
the exquisite Tibetan paintings on the walls and pillars and spent quiet time in the prayer
hall.
The journey to Mysore began after the monastery visit. In Mysore, Ms. Nandini and an
archaeologist who was also an epigraphist met the students, taking them on a walk
around the Mysore Palace and letting them taste local street food. After the meal, they
stayed at Hotel Sidhartha, near the railway station. After a restful night's sleep, they woke
early and boarded the bus one last time to reach Mysore railway station by 5:30 am on
5th July.
From there, they boarded the Vande Bharat train to Chennai, departing at 6 am and
arriving at Chennai station at 12:10 pm, 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Throughout the
train journey, students enjoyed tea and breakfast in the train's comfortable facilities. The
journey concluded with students reflecting on their favourite moments and experiences.
Many expressed a strong desire to revisit Coorg in the future, cherishing the memories of
their adventurous and educational trip.
Link for photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R9DBqq8tQ49yAPmYGHG_3_5wDKePrVti
