DAY 5- FINAL DAY ADVENTURE IN DELHI- A BLEND OF HERITAGE AND SHOPPING

 18/03/2025

After an overnight bus journey from Kullu, we reached Delhi around 10:00 AM. Upon arrival, we were given some time to freshen up and enjoy a light breakfast. Once we packed and organized our luggage, we geared up for the final leg of our sightseeing and shopping in the capital city.

Our first stop was the historic Qutub Minar, which we reached by around 1:00 PM. Although our time there was brief due to a tight schedule, we were captivated by the magnificent architecture and rich historical significance of the towering monument. We made sure to click a few quick photos to preserve the memory of this iconic site.

Lunch was served onboard the bus as we proceeded to our next destination-Sarojini Nagar Market. Known for its vibrant energy and budget-friendly shopping options, the market was buzzing with life. From stylish dresses and footwear to bags, accessories, and watches, the variety of items available at affordable prices made it a shopper’s paradise. It was the perfect opportunity to buy souvenirs, gifts, and fashionable items to take home.

As evening approached, we made our way to the Delhi Railway Station. At 7:00 PM, we boarded the Kerala Express for our return journey. With our hearts full of memories and our bags full of treasures, we settled into the train, content and grateful for the incredible experiences we had during this unforgettable tour.

20/03/2025

 Homecoming and Heartfelt Memories

After spending two days and two nights on the Kerala Express—exchanging food, laughter, stories, and reflections—we finally arrived at Kollam Railway Station, our home station, around 7:30 PM on 20th March 2025. With that, our remarkable journey officially came to an end. This educational tour was far more than just a change of scenery. It was a meaningful experience that combined learning with joy, friendship with adventure, and exposure to the diverse culture and landscapes of North India. From the majestic monuments of Delhi to the snow-covered peaks of Manali and the vibrant markets of Chandigarh, each moment enriched us both personally and academically. We returned home not only with bags full of souvenirs but also with minds full of knowledge and hearts full of cherished memories.

DAY 4- MANALI TO KULLU: A JOURNEY THROUGH PEACE AND BEAUTY❄️🚣‍♀️

 17/03/2025

On this memorable day of our North India tour, we dressed in layered warm clothes to suit the pleasantly chilly morning of Manali. By 8:00 AM, we had a hearty breakfast consisting of toast, butter, omelet, and a warm cup of tea, preparing ourselves for a day filled with exploration and scenic beauty.

Our first destination was the Tibetan Monasteries in Manali. The calm atmosphere, adorned with prayer wheels, colorful flags fluttering in the breeze, and the serene interiors of the monasteries, gave us a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural essence of Buddhism. Many of us took this opportunity to buy woolen garments, traditional prayer flags, and local handicrafts as souvenirs.

Following this, we headed to Van Vihar National Park-a lush, peaceful forest area lined with towering deodar trees. We enjoyed a relaxed walk along the wooden paths, took part in boating on the calm lake, and captured countless photos with our friends, cherishing each moment in the lap of nature.

 After returning to the park near our hotel for a short rest, we resumed our journey towards Kullu, reaching there by around 2:00 PM.

While some in the group chose to experience the thrill of river rafting in the Beas River, I preferred to stay back and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The riverbank was alive with excitement and laughter, and we cheered for our friends as they paddled through the waters. After the activity, we all gathered at a nearby shop and warmed ourselves with delicious hot Maggi noodles, which were especially satisfying in the cool weather.

As evening fell, we freshened up and got ready for our overnight return journey to Delhi by bus. Dinner was served around 9:30 PM during the ride. Tired but content, we rested through the night, carrying with us the joy and memories of a truly unforgettable day spent amidst the natural charm of Himachal Pradesh.

DAY 3- A DAY IN SNOWY PARADISE: EXPLORING SOLANG VALLEY AND HADIMBA TEMPLE 🥶❄️☃️

 16/03/2025

Our journey to Manali culminated with our arrival at 7:00 AM, greeted by the crisp mountain air and mist-laden hills. A short coffee break helped us shake off the travel fatigue before heading to Kullu. There, we freshened up, changed into warm winter clothing, and enjoyed a delightful breakfast of puri, bhaji, and hot tea.

Later, we boarded three mini-buses and set off on a scenic, winding route toward Solang Valley. En route, we stopped to rent snow gear-jackets, gloves, boots, and pants-for a total of ₹350. Though the roads were narrow and slippery, the panoramic views of snowy peaks and pine forests kept our excitement alive.

Solang Valley welcomed us like a postcard scene-glistening white snow, towering trees, and clear blue skies. Some among us chose adventure sports like paragliding and snow sliding, while others engaged in snowball fights or clicked countless pictures in the stunning landscape. ❄

By 4:00 PM, we gathered around stalls to savor hot Maggi noodles, a perfect treat amidst the freezing weather. As the wind picked up and a light drizzle began, we returned the rented clothes and proceeded to visit the Hadimba Temple. Surrounded by tall deodar trees, the temple impressed us with its unique wooden architecture and peaceful ambiance.

We reached the hotel by 7:30 PM, where a hot dinner was served. After a day full of fun, thrill, and cultural exploration, we enjoyed a cozy overnight stay in Manali.

DAY 2 -A ROYAL MORNING AT THE TAJ, RED FORT EXPLORATIONS & JOURNEY TO MANALI

15/03/2025

Our second day began bright and early at 5:00 AM as we dressed in traditional attire to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal-an iconic symbol of love and an architectural marvel we had eagerly awaited. The girls wore elegant sarees and churidars, while the boys appeared graceful in traditional mundus. By 6:30 AM, we arrived at the Taj Mahal complex, and as we passed through the grand red sandstone gateway, the first glimpse of the white marble monument left us speechless with admiration.

We paid an entry fee of ₹200 and were given shoe covers to help preserve the monument’s pristine condition. Inside, we viewed the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, marveled at the exquisite marble inlay work, delicate Quranic calligraphy, and the flawless symmetry of the structure. Many of us captured this magical moment using high-end smartphones like the Samsung S24 Ultra. The serene atmosphere and cool morning breeze made the visit even more memorable.

After soaking in the experience, we had breakfast at a nearby hotel and checked out from our Agra accommodation by 11:00 AM. We then set out for Delhi, reaching the historic Red Fort by 1:30 PM, where lunch had been arranged. Due to time limitations, we took a brief yet insightful tour of key spots like Diwan-i-Am, Rang Mahal, and the surrounding structures. The fort's imposing architecture and rich Mughal legacy left a lasting impression, even in our quick visit.

Later in the afternoon, we had a short shopping break in nearby markets, picking up souvenirs and enjoying the local vibe. By 7:00 PM, we gathered for a quick dinner and then boarded our AC sleeper coach for the overnight journey to Manali. En route, we stopped at a roadside dhaba around 10:30 PM, where a simple yet satisfying meal of rice, dal, and sabzi was served. The rest of the night was spent resting in the bus as we journeyed through the winding roads of the Himalayas, excited for the adventures that awaited us in the mountains.

DAY 1 AGRA DIARIES 🥳

 

14/03/2025

We boarded the Kerala Express from Kollam at 1:20 PM on 12th March, embarking on a long yet delightful journey marked by fun games, cheerful conversations, and shared snacks among friends. After two days on the train, we arrived at Agra Cantt Railway Station at 10:30 AM on 14th March. There, we were warmly welcomed by the representatives of Sky Holidays, who arranged a comfortable push-back Volvo bus to take us to our hotel.

After checking in, we had some time to freshen up and change into comfortable clothes -perfect for Agra's warm, slightly dusty weather. Our first meal in Agra was a traditional North Indian lunch at the hotel, which included delicious aloo paratha, curd, and tea. Following a short rest, we enjoyed a second round of lunch with roti, dal, mixed vegetables, and fresh salad before heading out for sightseeing.

Around 3:00 PM, we began our exploration at the grand Agra Fort, a stunning red sandstone marvel built by Emperor Akbar. Walking through historic sections such as Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, and Musamman Burj, we were immersed in the legacy of the Mughal era. From Musamman Burj, the distant view of the Taj Mahal added to the magic of the place.

Due to the Holi festivities, our visit to Meena Bazaar was a bit underwhelming, as most shops remained shut, leaving only a few high-end stores open. By 7:30 PM, we returned to our hotel and enjoyed a delicious dinner that included paneer butter masala, rice, chapati, and gulab jamun. Later, we visited a nearby park for some leisure time, where we laughed, chatted, and took memorable photos. This peaceful and joyful moment brought the day to a perfect close before we returned to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

A JOURNEY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:OUR NORTH INDIA EDUCATIONAL TOUR🚉🧳

As part of our second semester B.Ed. curriculum, an educational tour was planned to provide us with meaningful real-life experiences beyond textbooks. Initially, we considered exploring South India, but after much deliberation, we decided to shift our focus to the culturally rich and diverse North India. This change wasn’t easy—it involved weeks of careful planning, documentation, permissions, and coordination. We consulted travel agencies, discussed logistics, and finally set everything in motion for a journey through Agra, Delhi, and Manali.

A team of 70 enthusiastic students, guided by our dear Swathy Teacher, Sheeja Teacher, and Akhil Sir, along with our local manager Fr. Jacob, formed the travel group. The journey kicked off on 12th March 2025 at 1:00 PM, as we boarded the Kerala Express (Train No. 12625) from Kollam Railway Station. The excitement was palpable.

Due to ticket constraints, our group was split across two coaches—S5 and S6—but this didn’t dampen our spirits. In fact, the 45 hour train ride became a bonding experience like no other. We filled the compartments with music, games like UNO and cards, laughter, and stories. While some caught up on sleep, others enjoyed the scenic journey, watching the landscapes of India unfold outside their windows. The heat was intense at times, but the shared moments and camaraderie made it all bearable.

During the journey, we encountered a variety of people—street performers, beggars, and members of the transgender community—each interaction adding a unique layer to our real-world learning. We stayed alert, moved in groups, and supported each other throughout, embodying the values of cooperation and empathy.

On the morning of 14th March 2025, we finally arrived at Agra Cantt Railway Station around 10:30 AM. There, the representatives of Sky Holidays welcomed us warmly and escorted us to our hotel via a comfortable AC Volvo bus. With Agra as our first stop, we knew that the real adventure was just beginning. The land of majestic monuments, political power, and snowy wonder awaited us.

EMPOWERING MINDS: LIFE SKILL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

 On March 6, 2025, a Life Skill Development Workshop was conducted at Baselios Marthoma Mathews II Training College as part of the B.Ed. curriculum. The session, led by soft skills trainer Mr. E.K. Jijan, focused on enhancing personal and professional competencies.

The workshop was divided into two sessions. The morning session introduced key life skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness through models like the Johari Window and Kintsugi. Activities like color-word challenges, blindfolded tasks, and memory games highlighted the importance of clarity, empathy, and mindfulness.

The afternoon session featured lively group activities including a balloon game, product-selling task, and drawing-based communication challenge, all aimed at improving teamwork, creativity, and expression. Eleven teams participated enthusiastically.

The workshop concluded at 3:30 PM with a vote of thanks by Fr. Terry and a few students. It was a dynamic and enriching experience that left participants with valuable insights and practical life skills.

A DAY OF SELF-AWARENESS: STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

On March 4, as part of the Semester 2 B.Ed. curriculum (EDU 07), our college organized an enriching Stress Management Workshop. The session commenced at 10:00 AM with a prayer and a welcome speech by Mrs. Nisha Nasim, our Psychology faculty.

The workshop was conducted by Dr. Sreejith, a well-known clinical psychologist, who guided us through two engaging sessions. The first session focused on theory, helping us understand the difference between the brain and mind, types of stress, and their effects. Techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and breathing exercises were introduced as practical tools for handling stress.

In the second session, we moved into hands-on activities. Group games like the Ball-Picking Game added energy and fun, while a CBT-based journaling activity allowed for deeper self-reflection. An assignment linked theory to practice, requiring us to apply CBT with 8th-grade students.

The event wrapped up by 1:15 PM, concluding with participant reflections and vote of thanks from Fr.Terry, Neethu, Sreelekshmi, Feba P.S., and Union Chairman Albin K. Alexander.

This workshop was more than an academic activity—it was a timely reminder of the importance of mental well-being in our personal and professional lives.