The journey to Udaipur started from Bandra Terminus. The train journey from Bandra Terminus to Udaipur was an unforgettable experience. The train snaked through the Aravalli Range, passing through tunnels and over bridges, providing breathtaking views of the rugged terrain.

    After a long and tiring 14-hour train journey,  we finally reached the Udaipur station from Bandra Terminus. Despite the fatigue, the excitement of exploring the city kept us going. As we stepped out of the train, we were greeted by the hustle and bustle of the station, with vendors shouting out their wares and travelers rushing to catch their trains. We took a deep breath, feeling grateful to have arrived safely at our destination, and made our way toward the exit, ready to begin our adventure in Udaipur.

    Udaipur is a beautiful city located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Known as the "City of Lakes" and the "Venice of the East," Udaipur is famous for its stunning palaces, forts, and temples that showcase the city's rich history and culture. With its vibrant markets, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals, Udaipur is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to India.

    We went to Udaipur for an internship which was held from the 25th of December 2022 to the 5th of January 2023. This was under the aegis of the Siksha Sambhal Program of Vidya Bhawan Education Resource Centre.

    Vidya Bhawan is an educational resource center located in Udaipur, Rajasthan that offers a range of programs and services to promote education and development. One of its offerings is a winter camp for various schools.  The winter camp is conducted in a safe and secure environment with qualified instructors and supervisors. Vidya Bhawan has a long-standing reputation for its commitment to education and has been providing quality services for over 80 years. The winter camp organized by Vidya Bhawan is a great way for students to have fun, and learn new things.

    Vidya Bhawan, an educational resource center, provided The hotel Ghoomar for volunteers to stay at.  The hotel offers a range of amenities, including air-conditioned rooms, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are spacious and well-furnished with modern facilities to provide a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel is conveniently located close to Vidya Bhawan, making it easy for volunteers to access the educational resource center. The Hotel Ghoomar provides a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability, making it an ideal place for volunteers to stay.

    The first day at Vidya Bhawan,  was filled with exciting workshops and orientation sessions. The workshops were designed to understand the center's mission and goals, as well as introduce them to the different programs and activities offered at Vidya Bhawan. The orientation session provided the students with an overview of the center's facilities and services. They were also given an introduction to the various rules and regulations they needed to follow. 

    Rajkiya Uccha Madhyamik Vidyalay, Newa Talai is a government-run higher secondary school located in the Newa Talai area of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The school provides education to students from grades 9 to 12 and offers a wide range of subjects such as science, commerce, and arts. Rajkiya Uccha Madhyamik Vidyalay, Newa Talai is committed to providing affordable education to all and has helped shape the future of many students over the years.

    On the first day of winter camp at Newa Talai School in Zawar, Udaipur, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. As a science teacher for the 10th standard, I was eager to begin my lessons and engage with my students. However, the turnout was less than expected, with only a handful of students present on that day. Nevertheless, I made the most of the situation and began my class with an introduction to the camp's objectives and expectations. Despite the smaller group, the students were enthusiastic and eager to learn. 

    Visiting a church on Christmas Eve was a magical experience. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the soft glow of candlelight and the sound of hymns being sung by the choir. The air was filled with the sweet scent of pine needles and the warmth of the congregation's joyous anticipation. The sanctuary was adorned with beautiful decorations.

    During the activity period of day 4 of winter camp, the students showcased their cultural dance called Timli, which is a traditional folk dance of the Gujarati community in India. The dance was lively and energetic, with fast-paced footwork and graceful hand movements. The students were clearly enjoying themselves, and the audience was captivated by the performance. As the dance continued, the music and the movements grew more intense, and the crowd erupted in applause.  The Timli dance was a beautiful expression of the student's cultural identity, and it was a joy to watch.

    During our visit to Udaipur, we were fortunate enough to attend the Shilpgram Utsav, a vibrant and colorful festival that celebrates the arts and crafts of Rajasthan. The festival is held annually, and it attracts a large number of visitors from all over India and the world.

    As we entered the festival grounds, we were immediately struck by the festive atmosphere. The stalls were decorated with bright colors and beautiful handicrafts, and the aroma of delicious food wafted through the air.

     Students were preparing for their exams, as we are going to conduct the exam on the last day of the camp. We used to take lectures outside the school because the temperature was so cold and sitting in warm sunlight make students feel better. 

    Sometimes, when the weather is too cold outside, it can be challenging for students to focus and learn in the classroom. In such situations, taking lectures outside in the warm sunlight can be a refreshing change. By moving the class outside, students can get some fresh air and sunlight, which can help boost their energy and concentration levels.  

    Tidi Dam is a picturesque destination located on the outskirts of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The dam is built on the Tidi river and is surrounded by beautiful hills, forests, and farms.

    One of the main attractions of Tidi Dam is the scenic beauty it offers. We enjoyed a leisurely walk along the dam and take in the stunning views of the serene water body and the surrounding landscape. 

    Tidi Dam is a perfect destination for a day trip from Udaipur. The journey to the dam itself is breathtaking, with the winding roads offering stunning views of the Aravalli hills. Once at the dam, visitors can spend the day enjoying the beauty of the place and indulging in various activities.

    Eating canteen food every day during the winter camp had become monotonous and boring for us. We craved a change in taste and were eagerly looking for options. Finally, we found a hotel called Udupi to Mumbai in Udaipur that served delicious Mumbai cuisine. We were excited to try the new food and decided to give it a shot. The moment we tasted the food, we knew it was worth the wait. 

    The aroma, the flavors, and the spices used in the dishes transported us back to Mumbai. The food was a welcome change from the canteen food and we savored every bite of it. From mouth-watering Paneer makhanwala to crispy corn nuggets, we enjoyed every delicacy served by the hotel. The food at Udupi gave us a taste of home away from home and made our winter camp experience even more memorable.

    The City Palace in Udaipur is a magnificent architectural masterpiece that showcases the grandeur and opulence of the Mewar dynasty. It is a sprawling palace complex that was built over a period of 400 years, starting from the 16th century. The palace is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola and is a prime example of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.

    We explored its numerous courtyards, pavilions, gardens, and museums that offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region.