A timetable organizes every hour https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School , but once a year, it gives up a day. Subjects like math and science are replaced by laughter and shared lunches, creating lasting memories not found on a blackboard. Welcome to “An Annual Escape Outside The Timetable: One Day Between Classrooms & Highways.”

Some papers carried marks. Some carried homework. One sheet of paper carried anticipation. That single permission slip could transform an ordinary school week into the most awaited day of the year.

To know the deets of my college chronicles with my educational odyssey, click on College Chronicles : My Educational Odyssey – Wander, Feast & Thrive

one day between classrooms & highways : an annual escape outside timetable

School trips were totally essential at our school. Every year, we’d pay a separate fee for the big field trip along with our fees for books, uniforms, and other stuff. It will be something all of us will look forward to during the school year. From day one of class, we all couldn’t wait to find out where we would head that year!

Once the trip was planned, circulars were sent out to every classroom. They had all the deets—the destination, when to show up, what to pack, and some notes from the teachers. When we got the notice, we could hardly hold in our excitement. Talks shifted super fast from homework and tests to bus rides, hanging out with friends, and all the cool spots we were gonna check out.

Getting ready for the trip the night before filled us with excitement. We packed our bags with breakfast, lunch, snacks, a towel, water bottles, and some money, ensuring we had what we needed. We also reminded each other to bring an extra set of clothes to stay comfortable and dry after the water rides.

many of us lovingly packed an extra set of school uniform : one day between classrooms & highways

Many of us lovingly packed an extra school uniform for the change of dress, while others, with heartfelt approval from our teachers, brought along their favorite casual outfits. As bedtime approached, we would carefully go through our belongings once more, as the thought of forgetting even the tiniest item filled us with anxiety.

Field trip mornings started much earlier than a normal school day. Instead of doing homework, we rushed to prepare for a fun day out. Our parents dropped us off at school before sunrise, and the buses were ready. Teachers and classmates brought bigger bags than usual, all excited. They checked names to ensure everyone was present before we boarded the bus.

As the buses rolled out of school, we cranked up some devotional tunes. Our first pit stop was a temple where we said a quick prayer for a safe trip. Then the real fun began! The vibe in the bus changed completely—filmy songs were blaring, everyone was singing along, snacks were passed around, and suddenly, the window seats were the hottest spots to snag!

visiting black thunder & athisayam amusement parks : an annual escape outside timetable

During my tenth standard, our destination was Black Thunder Amusement Park in Coimbatore. In my eleventh standard, we travelled to Athisayam Amusement Park near Madurai. I honestly cannot remember where we went during twelfth standard, or if we even had an excursion that year. Time may have blurred that particular memory, but the excitement surrounding those journeys remains as clear as ever.

Breakfast was typically planned midway through the trip. The buses would stop near a farm or open area after getting permission. We would get out with our food bags, spread out, and enjoy breakfast together. It felt much different from eating in a classroom or at home. After everyone finished, the teachers called us back, took attendance again, and the buses continued on.

Reaching the destination was thrilling. Teachers collected our tickets, guided us inside, and gave safety instructions before we began exploring. The day was packed with water rides, dry rides, laughter, pictures, and plenty of walking between attractions. Lunch was a short break before we hurried back for more rides. Every moment was special because no one wanted the day to finish.

as evening came, we got freshened up : one day between classrooms & highway

As evening came, we changed into fresh clothes and gathered at the pickup spot for the buses. Roll call was taken, and the same students who sang joyfully in the morning now sat quietly, looking tired, with sun-kissed skin and just enough energy to watch the scenery. The ride back was peaceful, with many of us dozing off before we got to school.

Back at school, parents waited on campus. Teachers ensured each student left safely with their families before the buses were empty. The trip had ended, but we could still smile because often the next day was a holiday, giving us another chance to remember every ride, conversation, and moment before going back to our usual classroom routine.

Even today, those trips are some of my happiest school memories. I might not recall every place we visited or every ride, but I remember the excitement from the announcement, the friendships made during long bus rides, and the joy of being outside the classroom for a whole day. Writing these memories now feels like reliving those journeys.