"Adventure creates new and inspiring memories"- a Travelogue by Priyanka Kumari, Bronze Award participant from YES Centre Ansal Institute of Technology, Gurgaon

Adventure creates new and inspiring memories which reminds us that our journey is just the begining. Adventure is not that extreme or dangerous of an experience. On the contrary, it is an attitude that helps us face the obstacles present in our daily routine. The challenges we have to deal with, the new and different options that life offers, the thrill of the unknown always waiting for us; all represent an adventure in itself that we just need to discover ourselves.

I got the wonderful opportunity to discover  myself when I joined as part of my Bronze level, I went to Rishikesh for the adventure trip. It was an enriching experience that left an indelible imprint on my mind. Before boarding the coach, we were given instructions regarding the safety measures and a small first aid session was conducted. In the bus, we all danced and sang till we reached our destination. A 15 minute walk down the hill took us to the foothills of the Shivalik range where the camp Roof N Ride rested in the arms of the nature.

The view of the valley and the small perennial river flowing by the side of the camp was majestic. The camps were so designed that each one of us could enjoy every moment of our stay, be it the camp fire, beach volley, or a quick splash in the stream and then a nice sun tan.

We stayed in the swiss tents. The morning tea along with the chilly winds were quiet enjoyable. The breakfast was really appreciable as they cooked fresh vegetables grown on their farm. They served delicious food in the buffet style.

We all were divided into two groups. I was in the second group which was accompanied by Nivedita ma’am, Sonal mam and kapoor sir. Pratibha ma’am and C.S.Yadav sir accompanied first group. 

The first adventure of my group was rock climbing and rappelling. We were 24 in the second group. We walked through the village led by a guide. The life of the people there was quite simple and serene. Watching the other camps, the green fields and the small stream flowing along the way, we reached our rock climbing spot. There was an aashram named Phoolchatti nearby. Brief introduction of the various equipments was given by Arvind sir. One by one, we all experienced the thrill of hanging by a cliff of 40 feet height. The cheerup done by the whole team was mind blowing. I never felt I was away from my home. In the mean time, we watched the scenic beauty and collected some extraordinary looking seeds. We returned to the camp, had lunch and within few minutes we were at the rafting spot. It was a 16 kms long rafting journey starting from Shivpuri. Imagine freezing water trying to push you off the boat like the bull do to a cowboy. We faced 4 rapids and at a point we were asked to jump off the boats and do the body surfing. My heart skipped a beat when I prepared myself for the cliff jumping. We returned by the evening, shivering in our wet clothes.

       

THRILL OF ROCK CLIMBING AND RAFTING

The camp people had prepared bonfire along with the hot tea and snacks. Everyone felt drowsy and tired but still played antaakshiri and some music till late night. Finally, we slept like dead in our tents till the valley bathed completely in the sun rays.                   

I can not forget the morning tea with the whole gang and then the yoga session. After that, we all set to start for the trek to the waterfall. Along the roads of Mohanchatti, we reached the waterfall.we jumped into the water, splashed it on everyone and played with the falling drops joy in the form of shower. Our journey winded up on a happy note with group photo sessions. During return journey, we stopped at Dhuradhari Aashram and the Ganga ghats at Haridwaar. We offered prayers at the ghat for the whole IAYP gang. Travelling for the whole night with a break at a hotel for snacks and dinner, we reached AIT before the sun rise.

For me, this trip was  not less than any educational trip. I understood the deeper and hidden meaning of an adventure trip. It was not only about travelling, sight seeing and hanging by a rope but it actually taught me to recognize my strengths ,weaknesses and accept myself as a person. It requires intense concentration and focus, which is a great mental workout. Moreover, the touch of nature and it’s beauty can heel any of the wound. Those days without a cell phone, tv and PCs taught me to live with myself. It was the best time for spiritual and emotional discovery.

Three Cheers for IAYP............

Three cheers for the entire team.........

 “HIP HIP HURRAYYYYYYYY.....................”