Page 113 - sandesh

t was an unusual selection of a place for a school
trip, but one that I am so glad that I went for. I had
the most amazing time, absorbing and understanding
Ithe rich cultural heritage of our country. During
our tour, we visited Hampi, a village and temple town
recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was
one of the richest and largest cities in the world during
its prime. It is located within the ruins of the city
of Vijaynagara, the former capital of the Vijaynagara
Empire by the banks of the river Tungabhadra. Hampi PHo t o
continues to be an important religious centre, housing
the Virupaksha Temple and several other monuments
belonging to the old city. The Vijaya Vittala Temple in G A llery
Hampi has 56 musical pillars also known as the Sa-Re-
Ga-Ma Pillars. The pillars produce musical tones when
struck with a thumb. It sounds like bells ringing. We
were told about the musical pillars but not allowed to HAMPI-BADAMI
go and touch them as they are under restoration. It was
amazing to see such rich architectural structures like
the Stone Chariot and others. Next day, we went to
Badami cave temples. The rich carvings depicted many
mythological stories about Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
The guide told us interesting stories like the craftsmen
protecting their eyes with transparent leaves while lying
down and carving the underside of roofs. We also visited
Mahakuta, Aihole and Pattadakkal temples on this day. It
was all a dream come true to see such beautiful temples
in one day.
Apart from the serious viewing of temples and ruins,
we also had a lot of fun in the bus playing ‘antakshri’
with our teachers and watching movies. In the 4 day
trip, we celebrated 3 birthdays of our friends, had dance
parties at the hotels we were staying in and the days
were full of chatter and fun. I will always cherish these
memories. Though I have been to two other school trips,
this one seemed to be the most exciting and informative.
Poorna Tewari, P4 A

112 Sandesh 2016-17, Volume 1 Sandesh 2016-17, Volume 1 113