“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

—    John Muir

Some days just feel special, and our college trip to Indroda Nature Park in Gandhinagar was definitely one of them. What we expected to be a normal field visit turned into a fun, refreshing experience filled with memories we’ll hold on to for a long time.

We wandered beside huge dinosaur models, saw lions and leopards up close, and spent time sitting under trees, laughing and chatting with friends. The entire day felt like a much needed escape from lectures, deadlines, and the usual routine.

It wasn’t just a trip. It was one of those rare days that reminds you how good it feels to simply enjoy the moment with nature and with the people around you.

We wandered beside huge dinosaur models, but what truly amazed us was realizing how old everything around us actually was. Some of the fossils displayed there are from about 65 to 150 million years ago, from the time when dinosaurs really walked the Earth. We got to see fossilized dinosaur eggs, actual footprints preserved in stone, and even plant fossils from that ancient era.

The park featured remains and models of dinosaurs like Rajasaurus, which is believed to have existed only in India, along with well known species like Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Triceratops, Titanosaurus, and Brachiosaurus. Most of these fossils were found in Gujarat itself, especially in areas like Dahod, Jhalod, and Balasinor, which are considered some of the richest dinosaur fossil sites in India.Just standing near those giant replicas and knowing that their real versions once roamed the same land gave us goosebumps. We were all pointing things out, taking photos, and imagining what it must have looked like back then. It did not feel like a typical museum. It felt like we were walking through the past, with nature quietly telling us stories from millions of years ago.

As we moved on from the fossil zone, we had the chance to meet Kusum Ma’am, one of the caretakers of the park, and honestly, one of the most inspiring people we came across that day. She has been working with nature and wildlife for over thirty years, and her love for the park was visible in every word she spoke.

She told us how she started as a young volunteer, just helping with plants and cleaning around the park. Over time, her connection with nature grew so deep that she made it her life’s work. Today, she is involved in everything from guiding students and maintaining the greenery to helping preserve the fossils and exhibits we saw.

What touched us most was how she spoke about each part of the park like it was her own home. She remembered the names of almost every bird, every tree, and even shared stories from the early days when the park was still coming together. Her journey reminded us that it is not just the place that is special, but the people behind it who keep it alive.

Before we left, she gently reminded all of us not to use plastic inside the park. She explained how plastic waste harms not just the environment but also the soil, the water, and the small birds who unknowingly pick it up. Her message was simple but powerful if we truly care about nature, we need to protect it, not just enjoy it.

Next, we made our way to the snake house, and honestly, it was way more interesting than we expected. The place had a variety of snakes, including the Indian cobra, rat snake, python, and even some rare non-venomous species. Each one was kept in a well maintained enclosure with enough space, shade, and a cool environment that matched their natural habitat.

What made it even better was how clean and calm the space was. The enclosures had clear glass, so we could see the snakes closely but safely. Some of them were curled up peacefully, while others slowly moved across rocks or tree branches. For many of us, this was the first time seeing these creatures up close without fear.

There were also information boards next to each enclosure explaining the snake’s nature, its role in the ecosystem, and common myths people believe. It was not just fascinating, it was educational too — and it actually made us appreciate these creatures instead of fearing them.

One of the most exciting parts of the park was seeing the big cats — the Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, and Indian leopards. Their enclosures were spacious, green, and designed to resemble their natural surroundings as much as possible. It did not feel like a typical zoo cage — the animals had enough space to walk, rest, and stay hidden among trees and rocks, just like they would in the wild.

 Watching a tiger stretch lazily in the shade or a leopard resting on a high rock felt surreal. The Asiatic lion, slightly smaller and rarer than its African cousin, sat calmly in a corner, almost as if it was observing us just as curiously. Everyone fell silent for a moment, just watching, taking it in. There was something powerful about being that close to such majestic creatures.

After exploring the fossil section, we made our way to the botanical garden, and it was like stepping into a peaceful green world. We walked through beautifully maintained paths surrounded by a wide variety of herbs, shrubs, and medicinal plants. Some of them were familiar from our science textbooks, but seeing them in real life  with tiny name boards and natural scents in the air felt refreshing and calming. The garden was not just about plants, it was about connecting with nature in its purest form. For a while, it felt like time had slowed down, and we were simply enjoying the beauty around us.

The excitement actually began the moment we stepped into the bus. As soon as the music started, the entire vibe shifted as everyone was on their feet, dancing and singing along to all time favorite Bollywood songs. It did not matter if someone knew the steps or not, the energy was so contagious that even the quiet ones joined in.

From old classics to the latest party tracks, the playlist had something for everyone. The bus turned into our little dance floor on wheels, filled with laughter, dhol beats, and loud singing. That joyful chaos brought everyone together and set the perfect tone for the day. By the time we reached the park, we were already in full fun mode and that energy stayed with us till the very end.

We would like to sincerely thank GLS University and the Faculty of Business Administration for organizing such a thoughtful and enjoyable orientation trip. It was more than just a day out  it was a meaningful beginning to our journey here, filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories.

A special thank you to all the volunteers whose efforts made the entire experience smooth, engaging, and full of positive energy. From planning to coordination, everything was handled with care, and it truly showed.