Chikmagalur, an idyllic hill station in Karnataka, is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway for the residents of the southern states. It boasts spectacular views, lush forests and soothing temperatures. When my school proposed a trip to the summer retreat, students and teachers alike were overjoyed. However, in a matter of a month, everyone was cursing themselves. The trip began with a short journey from Hyderabad to Bangalore via overnight train. Spirits were high, as most of us were embarking on our first trip without our families. After reaching Bangalore, we transferred to a bus which would take us to our destination. Over the next few hours, the bus traversed treacherous ghat roads while passing scenic photo spots and humble tea stalls. We reached our destination - a picturesque coffee estate situated on the outskirts of Chikmagalur - around eight at night. Exhausted by the strenuous journey, everyone seemed desperate to get much-needed rest. After choosing spots in the central bungalow in the estate, we settled in for the night. The following day, we were woken up by our host, a close friend of our school’s principal. She guided everyone to a table outside, laden with steaming cups of Bournvita and stacks of biscuits. After everyone had their fill, we were introduced to the estate’s groundskeeper, who described their work on the estate and the process behind coffee production. He took us on a guided walk through the rows of coffee bushes, talking about the various stages of coffee cultivation. Soon after, we reached a clearing, where the estate workers were waiting with baskets. All of us looked around in confusion, until our teachers informed us that we would be collecting coffee berries for the rest of the day. There are no words to describe the emotion we collectively felt in that moment. Distress? Anger? Bewilderment? Or a combination of them? Lacking any options, we proceeded to take a basket and start our assignment for the day. The cool and crisp weather started to turn dry and hot under the midday sun, as we picked berries and organized them under the supervision of the estate workers. We groaned and grumbled and muttered, but we stayed focused on our work. The combined efforts of a hundred-odd adolescents helped us clear the coffee plants in that section of the estate within two hours. Heaving a sigh of relief, we returned to the bungalow with lunch on our mind. However, we were disappointed to learn that our compensation was only a big bowl of sweet kesari. Soon after completing our small lunch, we were asked by our teachers to board the buses waiting outside. I personally hoped that they would take us to a quiet spot nearby for a photo opportunity, but I was dismayed when we arrived at our destination - the starting point of a trekking trail. In all their wisdom, the school had organized a trek at 3 in the afternoon. We proceeded to walk a distance of 3 kilometres under the hot noon sun. We took a short break and trekked back to our buses, hoping for some respite after the incredibly long day we had so far. Upon returning to the estate, everyone slowly shuffled back to the bungalow, hoping for a short meal and a full night’s rest. However, before we could do so, our teachers asked us to come outside. There was a collective groan as we mas- saged our aching limbs on our way out. As we waited in the courtyard outside, someone shut down the power supply. We were completely lost as to what was going on, until the groundskeeper laughed and asked us to look above us. I tilted my head upwards, and saw a sky full of stars. The glittering carpet seemed to cover the entire sky, and extended as far as the eye could see. It was the single most beautiful sight I have ever seen, and I will forever be grateful for that eventful day.
20 Apr 2022
Pranith Yasa
