One Day Field Trip 2024 Travelogue

 On September 27, 2024, the first-semester B.Ed. students embarked on an enriching one-day field trip to Thiruvananthapuram. The journey commenced early at 6:24 am from the college campus, beginning on a spiritual note with a prayer led by Dr. Elizabeth Joshua. Our route took us through Thazhakara, Adoor, and Vamanapuram, with a scheduled breakfast stop at Hotel Bismillah in Nilamel at 8:00 am. This initial leg of the trip set a positive tone for the day, as the group of 45 students and four faculty members—Dr. Mumtas S, Dr. Velayudhan T Nair, Dr. Elizabeth Joshua, and Dr. Renjany—shared a meal before heading toward our first major destination.

By 10:19 am, we arrived at the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in Vellar. This cultural hub proved to be an immersive experience, showcasing the intricate artistry of Kerala through pottery, handloom weaving, and woodwork. To navigate the expansive village effectively, our batch divided into two groups, exploring various sections dedicated to the preservation of traditional products like bronze ornaments, bamboo crafts, and musical instruments. The visit offered a profound look at how local heritage is maintained, providing us with a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship before we departed at 1:11 pm.

Our midday break took us to The Authentic Malabari Dum Biriyani Hotel in Kazhakuttom. Although the space was somewhat congested, the experience was a testament to our group’s camaraderie; students actively participated in serving food and cleaning up, turning a logistical challenge into a moment of teamwork. Following lunch, we transitioned from traditional heritage to modern commerce with a visit to Lulu Mall at 3:30 pm. For three hours, we explored the vast complex in small groups. While some enjoyed the gaming zone on the second floor, others browsed the retail outlets. I personally visited the Crossword shop and purchased Bharat Rising: Dharma, Democracy and Diplomacy by Utpal Kumar, a fitting souvenir for a day focused on education and culture.

The return journey began at 6:30 pm, marked by a lively atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and photography. As we traveled back through Attingal and Kottiyam, some students bid farewell at various stops along the way. We paused for dinner at Hotel Nice in Kottiyam at 8:12 pm, enjoying a variety of dishes ranging from Appam to Noodles. The final stretch of the journey concluded as we arrived back at the college at 10:55 pm. This field trip was not only a requirement of our curriculum but a memorable day of bonding and experiential learning that perfectly balanced Kerala's rich history with its contemporary lifestyle.