Pack your bags and head out to the lap of nature with these delightful retreats
Take a break from the monotony of life and to experience nature and adventure from deserts, valleys and jungles offering wide range of camping sites. Toehold Travel and photography and Travelyaari suggest a few trending places that can de-stress and rejuvenate you!
Sattal, Uttarakhand
Located in the hills of Kumaon, it is an ideal camping destination. Cocooned in lush greens and mighty mountains at a height of 1370m above sea level, Sattal extends a peaceful ambiance just right for camping. Hike through the forest, enjoy bird watching. Trotting through the woods you would come across locations dotted with tents with campers enjoying activities like kayaking, rappelling, trekking, angling, etc. The right times to visit Sattal are March- June and September- December.
Bhandardara, Maharashtra
Bhandardara sits by the Pravara River, and the natural environment, waterfalls, mountains, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, and Randha falls are tourist attractions. The place is increasingly gaining popularity for the Fireflies camp in the Purushwadi area. Millions of fireflies come out in the open and create a fascinating view. Over 2,000 species of fireflies can be spotted in the woods of Purushwadi. This is a must visit during the month of June.
Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad in Kerala promises you adventure and excitement, and it is worth spending all your time and money for a weekend getaway. Wayanad is like a rustic hamlet and a gem of a place for nature lovers. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like camping, river-crossing, jumping, commando walking, ziplining, and mountain biking. Indulge in bamboo rafting in Kuruva Island; explore the wilderness of Wayanad at Tholpetty and Muthanga; explore the river trail through the Kabini River or trek to Edakkal Caves with their intriguing rock carvings; shop in spice markets for cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger and vanilla. During the rafting experience, you can even try your hands on steering the bamboo oars with the help of the boatman.
Dandeli, Karnataka
Dandeli, located in northern Karnataka, offers an incomparable mix of scenic beauty and adventure. The modern town blessed by River Kali is surrounded by deciduous forests and a renowned wildlife habitat where rare animals and birds roam free in deep valleys and its rugged terrains. Dandeli offers adventurous activities like river rafting, night camping, nature walks, boating, bird watching, tiger and crocodile spotting, and angling, along with picnics, eco-tourism, and trips to nearby caves and temples.
Anjuna, Goa
Well-known for its beautiful and serene beaches, Anjuna is one of the best camping locations in Goa. It is a nice little place in where people tend to camp to enjoy the scenes and lifestyle of Goa’s hippy culture. Beaches, chapels, and flea markets can be explored at will while camping on the Goan landscape. The happening nightlife of Goa is something you must check out.
Karnala, Maharastra
Karnala is situated a short drive away from Mumbai and has been Mumbaikars’ much-loved destination for a quick getaway. It hosts a bird sanctuary where you can spend some time sighting exotic bird species in their natural habitat. With lush lawns and palm trees, the ambiance is beautiful, and you will naturally take off on a jaunt towards one of the pathways leading out of the camp to explore all the natural beauty around. For those seeking adventure, a trek to the Karnala Fort is highly recommended. You can enjoy watching the gorgeous waterfalls during the monsoon season. There are plenty of options/sites to camp in Karnala, where you can spend some quiet time in nature’s lap and indulge in some fun camping activities.
This article appeared in FWD Online on 23 June 2018
