ANNUAL TRIP
Annual Trip to Dwaraka - Somnath - Gir Forest for Grade 9 (Heritage Tours)
Date: 14/11/2024 to 18/11/24 | Time/ Duration: 5 days and 4 nights |
Venue: Dwaraka – Somnath – Gir Forest | No. of Participants: 47 participants from G9 A, B, C, D, E, F |
Objectives: This trip aims to introduce grade 9 students to the captivating stories of Lord Krishna in His kingdom of Dwaraka and the sacred significance of Somnath Jyotirlinga, while also exploring the diverse wildlife of Gir Forest. Through interactive experiences, students will deepen their understanding of India’s cultural, religious, and natural heritage. | |
Event Details:
The recent educational excursion, jointly arranged by Heritage Tours and NIVE, proved to be an unforgettable and thrilling experience for the 47 eager Grade 9 students from New Horizon Gurukul. The thoughtfully crafted schedule guaranteed that every aspect of the trip was brimming with happiness and anticipation, forging enduring recollections for both students and educators.
Day 1: 14th November 2024, Thursday
As morning’s warmth awakens the sky, our travels begin, and the students set off towards the airport and boarded their flight to Rajkot. Upon arrival in Rajkot, we travelled to Dwarka, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site where the students were thrilled of exploring a new city and experiencing its cultural heritage.
Day 2: 15th November 2024, Friday
Today was a day of spiritual enlightenment and natural splendour as we explored some iconic landmarks around Dwarka.
- Rukmini Devi Mandir – The intricate carvings and serene ambiance of this temple left us spellbound, narrating the eternal love of Rukmini and Krishna.
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga –: We felt blessed visiting this revered Jyotirlinga, a symbol of Lord Shiva’s protection and divine energy.
- Shivrajpur Beach – Children enjoyed in the beach .
- Dwarkadhish Temple – Standing before the grand temple of Lord Krishna, we marveled at its timeless beauty and spiritual aura.
Day 3: 16th November 2024, Saturday
The day began with an early departure from Dwarka, traveling to Somnath, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. En-route, the students visited two significant attractions:
1. Beyt Dwaraka: The place derived its name from the bet or gift that Lord Krishna received at this place from his friend sudama.
2 Sudama Mandir: A temple dedicated to Sudama, a childhood friend of Lord Krishna, showcasing their eternal bond of friendship.
3 Jambavan Cave: A cave associated with Jambavan, a warrior bear, who played a crucial role in the Ramayana.
Next, we arrived in Somnath and visited Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The day concluded with the spectacular Somnath Laser Show, a mesmerizing display of light, sound, and music, depicting the temple’s history and mythology. After a fulfilling day, the group enjoyed dinner and rested, carrying the blessings and memories of Somnath with them.
Day 4: 17th November 2024, Sunday
The day began with the visit to Bhalka Tirtha, a sacred site where Lord Krishna is said to have walked on the divine path and where the atmosphere is filled with devotion and spiritual energy.
Students visited Gitamandir and gained valuable insights into the teachings of Bhagavat gita
We visited Triveni sangam in Somnath which is the confluence of three sacred rivers –Hiran,Kapila and saraswati.
Had darshan of Lord Rama at Ram Mandir. Thereafter Students were excited to spend time at Somnath beach
Our journey then took us to Gir Safari, a renowned wildlife sanctuary and home to the majestic Asiatic lions. The students embarked on a thrilling safari adventure, spotting lions, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. As the day drew to a close, students enjoyed reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the past few days.
Day 5: 18th November 2024, Monday
The students bid farewell to Dwaraka, by carrying the divine blessings of Lord Krishna and the memories of an unforgettable journey and embarked on their return journey to Rajkot.
As we travelled, students reflected on the wonderful experiences they had shared during their trip. From the spiritual highs of Dwaraka and Somnath to the thrilling Gir Safari adventure, it had been a journey to remember bringing their memorable trip to a close.
Conclusion :-
The school trip was a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, culture, and enjoyment. The careful planning by Heritage Tours and the enthusiastic cooperation of both students and teachers ensured that every moment of the journey was a delightful experience, which made them carry a treasure trove of memories, blessings and leaving lasting impressions on all participants. It was a journey that not only broadened our horizons but also brought us closer together as a school community, fostering friendships and creating memories that will stay with us forever.
