If you want to take a break from your regular life and spend a few days in the lap of Mother Nature away from the hustle bustle of the city, then the campsites of Maharashtra are the best escapes for you. The camps are set away from the cities amidst the undisturbed nature. The giant Western Ghats, its yawning valleys and bottomless lakes make the province a great location for setting camps. Maharashtra also has a wide wildlife heritage which can be best sighted from the camps. Be it the roughest crests or the deep woods, the explorer at the camps have every tang to satisfy. Below listed are five best campsites from Maharashtra that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
1) Bhandardara Lake Camping
Bhandardara Dam camping or Bhandardara Lake camping at the banks of Bhandardara Lake is one among the best place to watch a night sky. Located in the district of Igatpuri, it is one of the opaquest campsites to spectacle the star kingdoms and the Milky Way. While camping here, one can also go for treks like Sandhan Valley, Ratangad Fort and Mt. Kalsubai. The place becomes more serene in monsoons when the secluded waterfalls gush with all their valor. Randha and Umbrella are two of such waterfalls in Bhandardara to visit during its wet months. Apart from these, other places of interest include Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake and Ghatghar viewpoint.
2) Pawna Lake Camping
Yet another campsite at the banks of Pawna River is Pawna camp site. Pawna Lake is located at a distance of almost twenty kilometers from Lonavala railway station. No better confluence of nature and history can be found than at Pawna. The cool river beds while glancing at the hoary mountains of Western Ghats are well guarded by historical forts like Lohgard and Tikona. Apart from the nature musings, outdoor activities like river rafting, trekking, bull cart and other sport activities can be enjoyed at the lake side. You can indulge yourself while gazing the changing colors of the sky at dusk or warm up yourself along the bonfire that lights up the star lit evening.
3) Camping in Lonavala Forest
A few hour drive from Pune stands the most popular and flawless base for camping and adventures. Yes, you guessed it right! The lush green forests of Lonavala surrounded by deep valleys offer a camping gateway that is paradise to the nomads. Sleep under the blanket of stars as the fogs swirl over your body rendering you the softest touch of nature. The adventure lovers also have a wide range of activities to choose from including rappelling, paint ball and valley crossing. The valleys and the greens flourish more with the onset of monsoons making the hill station more heavenly and blissful. Some other points of interest include Rajmachi Point, Valvan dam, Lonavala Lake, Duke’s nose and Tiger’s point.
4) Alibaug Beach Camping
Alibaug is a coastal town in Raigad district of Maharashtra. At a distance of 156 kilometers from Pune, stands the Revdanda beach, an unexplored and virgin shoreline that attracts numerous travelers around the globe. Alibaug beach camp sites are located near the sun kissed beaches of Revdanda and offers the perfect ambience for relaxation. Just lay down at the beaches while having a perfect sun bath or indulge yourself in the water activities and beach volleyball. Parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing and banana boat are some of the water sports that a nomad can enjoy while in camp sites.
5) Kundalika Rafting Camp
Rafting in Maharashtra cannot be more thrilling and rousing than at this beautiful river Kundalika. The river originates from the small town of Bhira (from the Sahyadris) and ends up in Arabian Sea. The thirteen kilometer stretch of river rafting is divided into various levels depending upon its turbidity and waves. The rafting trail provides the nomad with some breathtaking scenes of the valleys and greens which cannot be seen elsewhere in the realm. Apart from river rafting, the camps provide other outdoor activities like kayaking, flying fox, volleyball and trek to the nearby mountains. The banks of Kundalika are home to few old and historical forts like Surgad Fort, Revdanda Fort and Korlai Fort which can also be explored while in the camp sites.
Few useful points:
The camps are absolutely safe for women and small children. Many luxury camps provide special child care as well.
The camp bookings come in packages which include food and accommodation. Few camps include sports activities, forest walks and small boat tours in their package as well.
Basic medicines and antiseptics must be there in the bag. Also, do carry some dry food packets and water.
Carry your sunscreen, caps and wet tissues to keep your skin hydrated enough.
It is safer to wear full pants and jackets while you out from the camps. Carrying mosquito repellent creams is also advised.
Wearing gumboots and waterproof jackets is advisable during monsoons. Carrying an extra raincoat during monsoons is also recommended.