This story is from July 31, 2014

Popular monsoon camping spots around Mumbai

Want to spend a family weekend away from the madding crowd and enjoy a scrumptious barbecue under the grey clouds?
Popular monsoon camping spots around Mumbai
Want to spend a family weekend away from the madding crowd and enjoy a scrumptious barbecue under the grey clouds?
Or are you the trekking kind, seeking the kind of setting where you can take in some lush greenery in the rains?
Then it's time to pitch your tent at one these camping sites near Mumbai, this monsoon:
KARNALA
CAMPSITE: Near Karnala Bird Sanctuary
DISTANCE FROM MUMBAI: 60km.

HOW TO REACH: On the Mumbai-Pune highway , the drive takes about one-and-a-half hours. You can also head to Panvel by local train and hire a taxi or an autorickshaw from there.
Known for its well-preserved bird sanctuary as well as the fort, this lush green location in Raigad district makes for one of the ideal camping sites. With camping grounds at the base of the sanctuary , you can take a nature trail to see some rare species of birds and animals or even explore the hill fort within its premises.

VASIND
CAMPSITE: Near Bhatsa river DISTANCE FROM MUMBAI: 75km.
HOW TO REACH: Less than two hours on the Nashik highway , you can either drive down or catch a train till Kalyan and then hire public transport.
A good option for nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts, you can either go kayaking in the river or take in the picturesque Mahuli fort while fishing on its banks.
GORAKHGAD FORT
CAMPSITE: In the fort caves
DISTANCE FROM MUMBAI: 93km
HOW TO REACH: Take a train to Kalyan and then head to Dehri village at the base of the fort.
Always wanted to enjoy the wilderness in the caves? Try out the night trek to Gorakhgad, the fort located close to Murbad. With a medium difficulty level, start with a walk in the woods followed by rock cut steps that lead to the cave on the fort. Right on top, is a small temple.
TIKONA FORT
CAMPSITE: Near Pavna Dam
DISTANCE FROM MUMBAI: 120km.
HOW TO REACH: Drive down to Lonavala and then head to Tikonapeth, situated at the base of this fort.
Overlooking the Pavna valley and a beautiful lake, camping at the base of Tikona fort is sure to chase away your monsoon blues. You can indulge in a bonfire, sleep under the stars or even take up adventure activities like ziplining and rappelling.
MALSHEJ GHAT
CAMPSITE: Foothills of Harishchandragad DISTANCE FROM MUMBAI: 126km.
HOW TO REACH: Take a train till Kalyan and then board a public transport to Khireshwar village. Trek to the foothills.
Whether you want to just lie under the stars or soak yourself in the waterfalls, Malshej Ghat is a popular monsoon destination. Camping spots near this ghat offer uninterrupted view of the lush, green Konkan region including the spectacular Harishchandragad and Taramati peak.
KARJAT
CAMPSITE: Base of Rajmachi fort
DISTANCE FROM MUMBAI: 320 km
HOW TO REACH: Two-and-half hours away from the city , take a train to Karjat and then a local transport to the base village Kondivita or trek to the fort from Lonavala (18km away).
A name given to twin hill forts located in this region, go camping to this spot if you enjoy spending time in wilderness. In the evening, walk through the lush greenery and take a dip in a pond located at walkable distance from the village.
SATARA
CAMPSITE: Kaas Plateau
DISTANCE FROM MUMBAI: 300km.
HOW TO REACH: A four-hour drive by car, you can take the Mumbai-Pune highway or the local transport to Pune and rent a car from there.
Though a little farther away from the city, this plateau is rich in flora and fauna, much to a camper's delight.
The best time to visit this plateau is around August because that's when the entire plateau blooms with flowers and exotic and beautiful carnivorous plants such as the Sundew and Pitcher plants and the Venus Fly Trap.
KOLAD
CAMPSITE: Near Kundalika river
DISTANCE FROM MUMBAI: 117km.
HOW TO REACH: Located on the Mumbai-Goa highway , it takes approx three-and-half hours to get there by road.
This popular adventure sports destination in Raigad district offers a year-round white water rafting opportunities. You can either set up a tent independently, or rent a site offered by one of the outdoor camping tours in the city.
CAMPING ACTIVITIES
Here's how to make your camping experience more interesting Barbecue: Many city-based travel agencies offering camping options have facilities of an open barbecue. Carry the veggies of your choice and enjoy watching them sizzle under the night sky.
Fishing: Take a fishing line and bait along, if you're heading to a campsite near a waterfall or a lake. Kayaking: Want to drift into the lake waters on your camping trip? Opt for a spot that has a lake nearby where you can get into a canoe-type small boat and row through the t still waters. However, ensure that your safety gear is in place.
Rapelling: If you're an adrenaline junkie, choose a campsite located at a base of a fort and rappel up a hilltop. It's best to indulge in this activity in a group under expert supervision.
Ziplining: Also known as flying fox, many tours offer ziplining experience on their camping grounds. Enjoy the thrill of zooming across one hilltop to the other, with the beautiful valley view beyond your feet.
Make a bonfire: Heading to a campsite with friends? Light up a bonfire at night and sing, dance or just play boardgames around it.
Carry a few skewers and marshmallows that you can heat in the bonfire and munch on.
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