Children of Udhavi, staff and volunteers spent a day at water theme park Black Thunder, at the foothills, as part of the school's Annual Picnic. The 43-member group from Coonoor travelled down in two private vans to the park arriving there at around 10 am. Park officials had prepared elaborate arrangements for the Udhavi children including providing for an exclusive guide for the group.
Maria, the tour guide, explained the rules of the park, she then led the team through the various attractions and popular favourites, like the Horror house, the Giant wheel and roller coaster, activities that the adults and volunteers were happy to participate in. The children enjoyed short rides on the mini train, a flight of fantasy (motor-driven mini aircraft) and a boat ride on the lake. The high point of the visit was the Rain forest, with its wet environment, animal sounds and little pathways giving the children a learning experience as well as a cooling effect with the weather at Kallar, near where the sprawling theme park is situated, turning warm towards noon.
Lunch was organised by the hosts, hot vegetarian fare, with self-service.
Post lunch boating with a welcome coconut water break and the team packed up to return home, exhausted but thoroughly delighted. Volunteer Anita Mathias had this to say, 'I think the parent-volunteers had a great time as well, something they will not forget,' while co-volunteer Sonal Chordia observed, 'It's a joy to see the children's eyes brighten up, a very fulfilling experience for me.'
Senior Udhavi members, Mala Ramaswamy and Lathika Rao expressed satisfaction at the arrangements and personally thanked the park officials for their efforts.
A group photo beside the theme pool, marked the culmination to the day picnic. The groups returned to Coonoor by 5 p.m.