Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to embark on an exciting excursion to the enchanting cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari. With a group of twenty students and four teachers, we were all set to explore the cultural and natural treasures of these South Indian destinations.
Our journey commenced as we boarded the Kerala Express, having reserved twenty-four seats for our group. Spirits were high, and everyone seemed eager to embark on this adventure. However, our excitement was soon met with a minor setback when some unreserved passengers forcefully occupied seats near us. Despite our protests, they created a ruckus in the coach. Helplessly, we endured the chaos until they finally alighted at the next station. Relieved, we continued our journey in peace.
Upon reaching Thiruvananthapuram, we checked into the Mascot Hotel, where we had reserved rooms in advance. The exhaustion from the journey quickly dissipated as we indulged in a sumptuous meal before retiring to bed. Sleep enveloped us, rejuvenating our tired bodies and minds.
The next morning, we visited the local museum, eager to explore its treasures. The diverse collection of birds and animals mesmerized us, with the playful antics of the black chimpanzee leaving a lasting impression. Observing the captive tigers and lions, we couldn't help but wonder at the vitality and prowess they would exhibit in their natural habitats. After a fulfilling day at the museum, we returned to the hotel, where we engaged in animated discussions about our discoveries.
The journey then took us to Kanyakumari, as we traveled in a luxury coach belonging to the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Upon reaching our destination, we checked into a hotel and settled into the rooms that awaited us. Eager to witness the famed sunset, we hurried to the shore. As the sun dipped into the calm ocean, it painted the sky in hues of red, creating an ineffable beauty. The solemnity and awe-inspiring spectacle left us mesmerized, recalling the lines from Wordsworth's poem:
"The clouds that gather round the setting sun Do take a sober colouring from an eye That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality."
The following morning, at the break of dawn, we eagerly gathered to witness the glorious sunrise. The radiant sunlight illuminated the entire atmosphere, filling us with wonder. This breathtaking sunrise reminded me of the Englishman in Henry Newbolt's poem "He Fell Among Thieves," who wished to see the rising sun in all its glory before meeting his end. Like him, we saw the sun as a symbol of divinity, the life-giving force that sustains all living beings on Earth.
During our stay in Kanyakumari, we also visited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The engravings on the memorial were captivating, and the atmosphere exuded a sense of harmony and peace, reminiscent of Swami Vivekananda's address at the final session in Chicago in 1893. Sitting there in silence, we pondered the profound contribution he made in interpreting India's religious heritage to the world.
As our excursion came to an end, we embarked on our return journey home. The memories of Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari would forever remain etched in our hearts. This unforgettable experience had not only enriched our knowledge but also deepened our appreciation for the diverse beauty and cultural heritage of our incredible country.