Students work in groups, pen articles, and shoot photographs. Then our team of publishing professionals weaves their work into the EdTerra Student Travel Chronicle. Choose Travel Journalists Program to show your students’ analytical and intellectual maturity to the world. This project activity delivers 21st Century Skills.

1. GEMS International School,
palam vihar, Gurugram
Rajasthan
The Land of Rajputs
EXPLORE
HAPPY
MOMENTS!
Plus
Our journey
Chokhi
Dhani
Jantar Mantar
JOURNEY
Block Printing
& Blue Pottery
Amber
Fort

2. TM

3. Hello
PRINCIPAL’S LETTER
Principal
Dr. Vohra
GEMS International
School, Palam Vihar,
Gurugram
School trips are an incredible opportunity for young minds that
are constantly seeking information, experiences, and acquiring
knowledge. In our experience, when these young minds go
beyond the classroom, they cement and build upon curricular
subjects and lessons. Outdoor learning helps the students
develop a more holistic understanding of themselves, their
skills, their curriculum, and how all this ultimately relates to the
development of the world.
GEMS International School, Palam Vihar, Gurugram, is committed
to create a vital link between learning in the classroom, the
students’ inner lives, and the world at large. The pages that follow
are representative of the aim of our institution, which is to take
teaching beyond the walls of the classroom into the freedom of
outward exploration and creativity.
We chose this particular program to Jaipur for its unique
approach to understand the chief historical and cultural aspects.
We visited several places in Jaipur, including Amber Fort, Jantar
Mantar, and Chokhi Dhani and exposed our students to hands-on
workshops on blue pottery and block printing.
Helpingustoorganiseandimplementthisjourneywasacompany
that specialises in student education travel. EdTerra Edventures
brings over ten years of experience of having helped over 30,000
students learn from the diversity of our planet. We are happy
to state the success of this collaboration stemmed from a deep
alignment of EdTerra Edventures’ vision with our own. We seek
to make our students global citizens who actively understand
and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals. Further, from EdTerra’s travel curriculum and to develop
21st Century Skills amongst millennial students, we opted for
Student Media Projects, especially EdTerra’s Travel Journalists
Program. This magazine — Student Travel Chronicle (Jaipur) is a
product of our students’ concerted teamwork to write and collect
their journey experiences and impressions in a comprehensive
manner. We hope you will enjoy reading this Chronicle and have
valuable points to take away from students’ experiences.
Finally, we, at GEMS International School, Palam Vihar, Gurugram,
would like to acknowledge our teachers. The success of this
journey is only possible with their responsible and informed
efforts. I would also like to recognise the support and assistance
provided by EdTerra Edventures Pvt. Ltd. in successfully
conducting this program. We also thank our parents, who remain
our most fervent partners and collaborators for the education of
all the students who study and work together.

4. Contents
02JANTAR MANTAR
08-09
We got an opportunity to visit Jantar
Mantar in Jaipur, which is one of the five
astronomical observatories built by Sawai Jai
Singh II
The blue pottery workshop was really
engaging — we created our own artistic
tiles
10-11
03BLOCK
PRINTING &
BLUE POTTERY
06-07
OUR JOURNEY
We were excited to visit the
historical monuments of Jaipur
and learn about its glorious past

5. Photographs & Articles
Students of GEMS International School,
Palam Vihar, Gurugram
Journey Mentor(s)
Vibhav Goyal
Publisher
EdTerra Edventures Pvt.Ltd.
Chief Editor
Amita Bajaj
THE
EDTERRA
EDITORIAL
TEAM
12-13
04AMBER FORT
Exploring different parts of Amber Fort —
one of the six hill forts of Rajasthan
05 14-15
CHOKHI DHANI
Watching a puppet show helped us to
learn about a traditional Rajasthani
art-form

6. OUR JOURNEY
01.
Team Members
Our educational trip to Jaipur was a really awesome experience. We visited a number of historical monuments to learn
about the history of Rajasthan. More importantly, we attended a couple of creative workshops based on traditional art-
forms. We also got a chance to experience the local culture and cuisine in the course of our journey.
We were stunned to see the magnificent Amber Fort. Built primarily out of yellow sandstone and white marble, the fort-
complex has numerous palaces, courtyards, and gateways. Inside the main fort, we walked to explore its magnificent
buildings.
Next, we visited a factory for a hands-on workshop on block printing. In the factory, the craftspersons taught us to print
different designs on cloth using wooden blocks. We made some really beautiful handkerchiefs, which we could carry
home. Our next destination was a paper-making factory. We learnt to make handmade paper and different objects,
including bags, boxes, folders, and so on. Some of us bought a few things from there. We attended another workshop on
blue pottery. It required us to make designs on tiles and then paint those with bright colours. On the same day, we also
went to Albert Hall to see a variety of exquisite artefacts. After returning to the hotel, we watched an amazing puppet
show. After the show was over, we learnt how to make our own puppets.
We also visited Jantar Mantar and City Palace. Overall, our trip to Jaipur was a wholesome experience.
Ahaan, Ayaan, Lavanya, & Om

7. OUR JOURNEY
07
The talented artists taught us to make
our own puppets using wood, thread, and
colourful fabrics
Before entering an art gallery to observe
the beautiful Pichwai paintings
Excited to see the world’s largest stone
sundial at Jantar Mantar
Studying fine aspects of Rajasthani
architecture at City Palace

8. JANTAR MANTAR
02.
Team Members
Aarav, Bhavik, Sudwit, & Vidit
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh II in the mid-18th century.
The other four observatories are situated in Banaras, Ujjain, Mathura, and New Delhi. It took about six years to construct
the Jaipur observatory. This historical monument is home to a collection of 20 fixed astronomical instruments. Some of
these instruments are used for observing celestial bodies, even in the present times.
At Jantar Mantar, we saw the world’s largest stone sundial. We saw how instruments can be used to calculate time and
determine zodiac signs. The most interesting part of our journey was taking part as teams in an activity titled ‘Make
Your Own Sundial’. Within our respective teams, we made our own sundials using a compass, scale, and other such
instruments.
Our tour guide shared valuable information about how Sawai Jai Singh II planned and executed the building of the
astronomical observatories. A number of trial instruments were made for achieving precision in the final instruments. We
also learnt that the great ruler of Amber (and later, Jaipur) was a scholar interested in studying science and astronomy.
Our visit to Jantar Mantar was a fabulous experience. We will always remember it throughout our lives.

9. JANTAR MANTAR
09
Standing near Laghu Samrat Yantra, which
can determine local time with an accuracy
of about 20 seconds
We were amazed to see Samrat Yantra
— an equinoctial sundial of enormous
proportion
We learnt that astronomical instruments
were built using stone instead of brass
for more accuracy and permanency
Thrilled to see the world’s tallest sundial
situated at the centre of Jantar Mantar

10. BLOCK PRINTING &BLUE POTTERY
03.
Team Members
Ansh K., Saiansh, & Udayan
As a part of our educational trip to Jaipur, we attended a few workshops and learnt about the traditional arts and crafts
of Rajasthan. For the first workshop on blue pottery, we painted tiles with attractive designs and motifs. The mould used
to blue pottery consists of a grind made using 90% quartz and 10% of mixture made of clay, tree gum, rock salt, green
glass, water, and Plaster of Paris.
After having lunch, we went to a factory where handmade paper is made. The process of making handmade paper is
quite tedious. Cotton scraps are fist ground into a paste which is put in water. After passing it through nets, paper is then
dried using a machine. It is then cut into different sizes. We saw a number of items such as shopping bags, diaries, and
wrapping sheets made out of paper.
Another workshop that we attended in Jaipur was based on block printing. This traditional art-form does not require use
of any machines. This art has been continuing from centuries using wooden blocks and natural dyes to print beautiful
designs on cloth. When we printed our own handkerchiefs using wooden blocks, it was quite a satisfying experience. We
clicked many photographs while creating our own crafts.
All in all, our experience was wonderful. We will always cherish the memories of our trip to Jaipur.

11. 11
BLOCK PRINTING &BLUE POTTERY
We observed and understood how handmade
paper is commercially manufactured
The craftsperson at a local factory
informed us about the process of making
handmade paper
Painting tiles for creating decorative wares
using the beautiful art of blue pottery
Isn’t it amazing — it was an accomplishment
to create our own handmade paper bags

12. Team Members
Atharv, Namit, Siddhant, & Sparsh
Amber Fort is situated on the outskirts of Pink City. To reach the fort, we took a jeep because it is situated on a hillock.
We saw some tourists climbing uphill on elephant backs too. It looked adventurous. During our visit, we learnt that the
construction of the fort was started by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and his successors made additions to the original
structure.
At Amber Fort, we participated in a very interesting activity called ‘Amber at Full Speed’. We were divided into three
separate teams. Each team was given six task cards to complete the activity. Our team’s name was ‘Unique Explorers’.
After receiving our task cards, we went on an exploration tour of the huge fort-complex. The activity helped us to find
different locations and learn how each of those was built. We saw Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas,
and many other structures. All of us clicked several photographs while exploring the fort.
The most spectacular feature of Amber Fort is the Sheesh Mahal. The mirrors are beautifully set in geometric designs,
which look so mesmerising. Another fascinating aspect was the Persian wheel and the complex water lifting system,
which was used for water supply in the past centuries. The Maota Lake was the chief source of water from where water
was supplied through using pots, ropes and wooden shafts.
Our visit to Amber Fort was extremely insightful. We would like to thank EdTerra Edventures for organising such an
enjoyable trip.
AMBER FORT
04.

13. 13
AMBER FORT
While exploring the majestic fort-complex,
we took some time off to click photographs
Made out of sandstone and marble, the
architecture of Amber Fort is unfailingly
impressive
Before climbing uphill to see the fort-complex,
we walked around the gardens inspired by
Mughal architectural style
Stunned by the elaborately-frescoed,
three-storeyed Ganesh Pol, which
provides entry into the royal quarters

14. Team Members
Ansh G., Priyansh, Shreyas, & Shyamak
Chokhi Dhani is a popular tourist destination where one can experience the traditional culture of Rajasthan. From
shopping handicrafts to enjoying a hearty Rajasthani meal, the place has a lot to offer.
Chokhi Dhani is divided into numerous sections. We enjoyed riding on camel and elephant backs. Watching the local
performers dancing on folk songs and showing some acrobatic moves was a very delightful experience. A magician
showed some wonderful tricks and a puppet-show was being performed.
The queues for the rides were very long, but the wait was worth it. We enjoyed riding the traditional giant wheel. The best
part of our visit to Chokhi Dhani was eating a traditional Rajasthani meal. Some of the dishes like dum aloo, gatta curry,
and churma were so delicious. Later, we went to small shops selling handicraft items. There were wooden toys, bangles,
jute bags, leather products, clocks, and wall paintings on display.
Another engaging experience in Chokhi Dhani was the re-enactment of the Battle of Haldighati fought between the
Rajput king, Maharana Pratap and Mughal ruler, Akbar. The battle scenes were recreated in the form of sculptures
powerfully narrating varied legends associated with Maharana Pratap’s life as a ruler and military general.
We strongly recommend that everyone who travels to Jaipur must visit Chokhi Dhani for an authentic experience. Visiting
this place along with our friends and teachers, Payal Ma’am and Manisha Ma’am was fascinating. We would also like to
thank our Journey Mentor for supporting us throughout the journey.
CHOKHI DHANI
05.

15. 15
CHOKHI DHANI
An ultimate dining experience — we learnt
about the cultural milieu of Rajasthan
while devouring mouth-watering food
A typical Rajasthani meal — trying a
new cuisine was altogether a satisfying
experience
A Rajasthani thali is not only about dal-
bati-churma — it consists of so many
other delicacies like gatta curry, kadhi,
kair-sangri, and laapsi
Eagerly waiting for our meal — we saw
servers waiting to fill our plates with a
number of dishes

16. 01 Our very own artists’ retreat
— we let our creative juices
flow while making Pichwai
paintings
02 It was interesting to see cloth
being printed using wooden
blocks dipped in natural dyes
03 Enjoying a quick meal
before we leave for our next
destination
01
03
02
Moments
06.Say Cheese

17. 04 Outside Sheesh Mahal at
Amber Fort — it is exemplary
of fine art and architecture
that Rajasthan is
widely renowned for
05 It was surprsing to see
that some instruments at
Jantar Mantar are still used
for astronomical observations
06 Surrounded by water, the
Jal Mahal, which is a low-rise
symmetrical palace, looks
exquisite
04
17
06
05

20. 505 - 507, Vikrant Tower, 4 Rajendra Place, New Delhi - 110008, India
tRAVEL MEETs
EDUCATION
WHERE
+91-11-48885800 www.edterra.com info@edterra.com