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It comes as a gift to the students that the University has directed all the affiliated colleges to make proper arrangements for Official Field Trips during the mid-semester break in every session.
The University of Delhi has always been up-to-date with trends set by the private universities. Be it the incorporation of technology, or the introduction of more “vocational” courses, the University has had a knack for them, even if under the influence of private universities.
This time, however, the University has gone a step ahead with modernisation. It has released a notice that has asked the colleges and concerned departments to organise official trips around the mid-semester break. In order to ensure the accessibility of these trips to all the students, the trips shall have financial backing from the University and shall be advanced to the students at fairly lucrative prices. The Ministry of Tourism has agreed to sponsor the finances behind this move.
The decision comes after a petition was submitted by DU Beat and 32 travelling societies of Delhi University colleges, demanding the field trips to

be an official phenomenon on the pan-University level. “We perceived the anguish that the students faced because of the unofficial

field trips. Those who did not go for the trips would go for the classes, thereby, ruining mass bunk for everyone. We then tried to analyse the reasons
behind this. We figured that those who won’t go did so for two reasons. Either they felt the amount being charged was too high, or they were afraid of missing classes. It was then that we decided to put in this petition, making this an official affair. Therefore, no more failed mass bunks, no more hung-over classes, from now on it’s going to be pure fun,” says Sharvi Maheshwari, the Human Resource Department head of DU Beat and the President of DU Travel Rights Foundation, who came up with the idea of filing the petition.
Now, not only have the field trips been legalised, but the University has also been gracious enough to give out a list of “appreciated places for field trip
visits”, which includes places like Goa, Gangtok, Kullu, Manali, Shimla, among many others. According to sources, Kasol shall also be added in the list
soon. This has brought about a wave of happiness amongst the students. They have already partied with the money they had saved for the trip after stumbling upon this news.
Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted.
Feature Image Credits: Wanderway
Aashish Jain

What are you planning to do during the semester break? Have your thought of something your winter vacation yet? Breaks and holidays are usually spent lazying around binging on cheap Chinese food and addictive TV series. Don’t let the holiday blues get to you; pack a bag and go make some memories you’re your college friends!

College is the time to travel with new found friends, explore yourself, and enjoy to the fullest. These are some must-visit places that will remind you of good times during college years when you look back.

 

  1. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

This small town, situated in the midst of beautiful hills, is an attraction for tourists all the year round. Known for its charismatic weather and pretty cafes, this place is generally quiet, away from the honks and loud screams of the commercialised world. This little town also has a remarkable Buddhist culture with monasteries and schools dedicated to the propagation of the religion in the city.

 

  1. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Known for its scenic beauty, calm vibes, and serenity, Kasol is one of the most loved places especially for students who reside in Delhi. They flock to Kasol to escape the scorching heat of the capital. One can also trek to Malana or go till Tosh(which is frozen during the winter months) through Kasol.

 

  1. Jaipur, Rajasthan

The city of palaces has always been a major attraction for tourists for its historical significance and aesthetic charm. Often flooded during the Jaipur Literature Festival, it offers a huge variety of sites to explore, while paying ide to literature. The accessibility to this city is also a bonus – it is not more than a 6-hour drive from Delhi via a car or a bus.

 

  1. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Known for being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra is home to tales of grandeur and kingship. The Taj Mahal has, since time immemorial, attracted millions of people from all over the world to come and marvel at the monument of love. Fatehpur Sikri, around one and half hours away from Agra via road, is the land of the Buland Darwaza and the tale of Akbar’s son, Salim (later known as Jahangir).

 

  1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is the gateway to the iconic Rohtang Pass, the pretty cafes and alleys in Old Manali, and the amazing food! It has always been popular among travellers as a destination of exploration and finding the hidden love for the mountains within.

 

  1. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand  

Unlike any other hill station, Mussoorie is home to the ever favourite author Ruskin Bond. It is an overnight bus ride away from Delhi and the major advantage is that the author sits in his bookshop on Saturdays (that means a weekend worth of a change)!

 

  1. Amritsar, Punjab

Especially famous among the History folks, this place has seen the most traumatic phase of partition. Along with the famous Golden Temple and a rich history, it also has the Jallianwala Bagh which has the cries of millions still echoing within. Recently, the world’s first Partition Museum was inaugurated in Amritsar, and it is worth paying a visit to.

Make sure you go around all of them, and many more, before the three most beautiful years of your life come to an end!

 

Feature Image Credits: Mcleodganj Tours and Travels 

Ananya Bhardwaj

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Driver’s license? Check.

Technically, that’s all you need!

If you love travelling and doing it on your own terms, then renting a car is the best option for you. All you need is a driver’s license, a little cash and enough confidence and you are set! With only a few days left for the next semester to begin, a road trip could be just what you need to refresh your mind and face it head on.

Why take a road trip?

There are many reasons to go on such a trip at least once. Leaving the sheer fun of it aside,

  1. There is the advantage of getting to know your friends better. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them and therefore will get to learn things about them which otherwise remain unobserved. You will have to respond to many different situations and the type of responses might be interesting and helping you know each other better.
  2. You can stop wherever you want and take your own time to enjoy the road as you would like, without having to worry about missing your train/ bus. You’ll need to keep track of the hours, though, you do not want to end up paying too much for the rented car. Moreover if you are the one driving, it teaches you to be a better driver.
  3. Besides, there is just no limit on how many new experiences one can come across. Taking risks and managing a trip within budget is a fun thing to do altogether. A completely independent trip gives you the chance to explore off- beat places (stay safe though!) and leaves you as a much more responsible person.

Where can one take a road trip to?

There are many beautiful places you can visit that are not too far from Delhi. There is Jaipur, Manali, Mcleodganj or Mussoorie among others. Jaipur takes a minimum of five hours to travel. It is a short and easy route and ideal for beginners who do not have the experience of travelling on their own. For Manali you will have to travel for around 11 to 13 hours. You can even stop at Shimla and Chandigarh, which fall along the way. One of the most beautiful places to travel to is Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh. The green expanse and chilly heights and rustic atmosphere will make you fall in love with the place. Anywhere you go, it is always best if you start early morning at around 4 am.

Where does one rent a car from?

There are many agencies in Delhi which provide cars on rent like Volercars, Carzonrent and Ecorentacar all of which have websites with abundant information. One thing to look for is whether the agency charges by the hour or by the day. It is better to opt for by-the-hour since it helps you reduce unnecessary extra costs. For this reason, I prefer Volercars. They drop the car where you want with a full tank and pick it up from there as well. You will have to return the car with a full tank, of course. They also have a very good helpline service, which is another thing to look at. In case of any problem along the road, it is better to check with the agency as to what steps can be taken and whether they have help stations along the road. Other terms and conditions are pretty much the same everywhere. The car should also be checked before the trip. If some damage is pre-done then the agency must be informed.

These are just a few tips one needs to keep in mind for a trip. If you have the required skill set and the desire to get out of the city before the new year, then this is without a doubt the best option available!

Arindam Goswami
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One of the many perks of being in a society is travelling for outstation festivals much different from that of regular Delhi University fests. Most common being the festivals of Indian Institute of Technology`s (IIT), Birla Institute of Technology (BITS) and Indian Institute of Management (IIMS). These trips are definitely lifetime experiences filled with fun and memories.

However, there are a set of emotions and thoughts that every participant goes through on these outstation trips. So here is a list that follows it.

Travelling in sleeper class

You may have passed judgments on people you meet in college who confess of never having taken an auto or a metro in their life but traveling in a sleeper class of the Indian railways is some serious public transport case.  Most trips are budget restricted so AC three tier is usually not an option and flights almost never. It’s a definitely a first time experience for many, eased by the comfort of company and fun.

That feeling of adulthood

As you are laughing and having a good time, a terrorizing thought comes across your mind. ‘I think I forgot my costume’, ‘I think I forgot my instrument’, and almost always, ‘I think I forgot my college ID card’. That nagging feeling of having forgotten something gets you worked up, making you imagine of alternatives in case it turns out to be true. Most often than not, everything is in place but no matter how prepared you are, these questions always pop up. Travelling with a college society forces you to take care of yourself and your belongings.

Accommodation

After travelling in a sleeper class you seem prepared to challenge any hardships in life but you start doubting that when you come across the accommodation arrangements. A Servant quarter, dorm, hostel rooms, just anything and everything becomes accommodation with lined up mattresses. In case you are lucky you may get a comfortable place otherwise it is a constant struggle for using the bathroom and charging ports, not to forget sleeping on vintage mattress.

Late nights

Soon you realize that the campus never sleeps. At many places competitions run through the night with events at odd hours such as 2:30 am and 4:00 am. People are on the roads chatting, singing, dancing having a gala time, its 24×7 party out on the streets and sleep is for the weak

Competition and Exposure

In festivals of above-mentioned institutes, participants come from all over India bringing in eclectic forms and variations. It makes you realize the kind of competition out there and exposes you to innovative ideas and methods. It’s a learning experience and an opportunity to recognize your standing in the league.

Exploring the city

Going for competitions to places such as Goa, Mumbai or Bengaluru, the fun extends beyond the campus to the sights of the city. Indulging in local food, clicking photographs and trinket shopping make it all worthwhile. This is also the time when you bond with the members of the group and get to know each other that is otherwise missed out on regular college days.

Outstation trips naturally match you up with your kind in the group, on the basis of sleeping, eating and partying patterns. Its purpose becomes more than the competition you came for. It becomes the memories you create, the first-times and the last-times, the games of ‘Never Ever Have I’ and ‘Truth or Dare’.

College trips are times that bring excitement and glee every time you recall them and going to one with a purpose just makes it better!

 Image credits: http://yourstoryclub.com/