Where the Wi-Fi Ended and Life Began
By Malak Khan
When the bus first stops in the heavy rain, you can barely see beyond the pelting drops against the window. The inside buzzes with excitement; outside looms the gate above which you might spot “Eco Tourism Center.”
Near Betul lies the highest peak in Madhya Pradesh. And in it lies three days worth of adventure.
When they first arrived, the sun had already begun to settle down. The students of DP, along with a few from classes 6th to 10th, ventured out to the sunset point hill when they had settled into the tourism center’s dormitories. Along the short path to the sunset view, they discussed various different things about the area – the scientific adaptation of the flowers, mating call of insects, and the history behind the ‘failed’ windmill which paved the way for future success were the more prominent ones.
The next morning, they set out for the long awaited trek. The path started off as a pleasant and long walk with rivers, fields, and rocky paths with butterflies looking for salt – but the further they went, the more difficult the trek became. They walked narrow paths, ensuring both self’s and other’s safety, and in the end came out as risk takers. When they returned, the students planned out what would happen next, suggesting a few activities for that day and the next; they immediately came forth to work in teams and pitch tents, developing their collaboration skills. That very night, some were as courageous as to go for a trek out at night, returning late and sleeping even later.
Of course, day three was no less eventful. The morning began with walking to the same hill to view the sunrise from. Yet it resulted in something of greater significance; there, they found a fossil possibly dating back to millions of years ago. It all added to the educational aspect of the trip, learning about fossilisation and the vast history of Kukru Khamla.
Then, when they returned, they moved into the activities they planned; they worked in teams as girls against boys to prepare breakfast. This activity required planning and coordination with many challenges along the way. Of course, it all worked out in the end.
Everything does eventually end. Bidding farewell, students packed up their luggage and cleaned out the tents before moving to depart. And so was the journey back to Bhopal.
