05 January,2017 08:30 AM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra is rewarded with some beautiful camping destinations that promise a serene offbeat getaway at the proximity of the financial capital. Here is the list of top five destinations for camping near Mumbai
Travel: Top 5 destinations for camping near Mumbai
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Does the idea of setting up tents on the woods, jungles, or beaches excite you? Does the solace of lying on your sleeping bag under a starlit sky enliven you? Does the fun of partying and boozing beside a campfire drive you crazy? Does the walk along the sand particles of golden desserts rejuvenate you? Well, if you find a 'yes' to all these questions, then you are in love with camping. You got the answer already, then what makes you wait? Take your camping kit, proceed for a quick break from the mundane life, ditch your weeklong stress, camp under the blue sky, and soak in the sublime beauty of nature. With the stretch of Arabian Sea and Western Ghats running parallel to each other, Maharashtra is rewarded with some beautiful camping destinations that promise a serene offbeat getaway at the proximity of the financial capital. Here is the list of top five destinations for camping near Mumbai:
Bhandardara: This is a lesser known hill station perched at an altitude of nearly 2,500 feet above sea level on the Sahyadri mountain ranges. Wilson dam and Arthur Lake are two popular camping spots in Bhandardara. The sky here is so clear and the air is so clean, that lucky ones can even spot a shooting star apart from the regular sheet of twinkling stars. Laze around at the campsite, watch the panoramic site of Arthur Lake, enjoy nature trails, and as the sun sets in, get ready for an out-of-the-world stargazing experience.
Camps at Bhandardara. Pic/YouTube
Matheran: Jungle camping in Matheran is one of most thrilling ways to plan an adventure getaway. Located couple of hours away from Mumbai, Matheran is a rustic camping destination where you can camp amidst the woods, arrange a barbeque, enjoy the silence of thick green forests, and cherish the site of brown mountains twinkling under the starlit sky.
Camp at Matheran. Pic/YouTube
Kashid: Camping at a beach amidst sun, sand and sea is an amazing experience. Kashid, located at the proximity of Alibaug, is unsoiled, untouched, and unexplored. Set up a tent by the beautiful seashore, bonfire until sunrise, stargaze till your eyes drool and revitalize yourself with some outdoor activities like beach volleyball, tennis and badminton. Kashid is nearly 4 hours drive from Mumbai and hence, is one of the most sought after camping destinations at the vicinity of the crowded commercial capital.
Camps at Kashid. Pic/YouTube
Kolad: Kundalika River in Kolad not only serves as a fantastic river rafting destination, but also as a popular camping spot. Kolad is a beautiful blend of nature and adventure that opens door to rafting, boating and kayakaing on the mighty Kundalika River and camping beside the serene countryside. Local food, humble villagers, temporary tents, meandering river, and an all-pervading silence of Kolad wipe off your weeklong toil for sure.
Uttan: Located off the Gorai beach near Virar, Uttan is an offbeat camping destination at the vicinity of Mumbai. The sight of twinkling stars and bonfire accompanied by grilled food and legendary music aside the colourful temporary tents portray the picture of an ideal camping holiday. The campside is located atop a hill that offers uninterrupted views of the ocean. Lie down on your sleeping bags, let the fresh air pass through, gaze at the moonlit sky and have an unforgettable camping holiday. Take a sunset walk in the evening, walk up to the highest point of the hill, return to the tents during sunset, and let your day summarize on a thrilling yet refreshing note.
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While going for a camping holiday, keep a torch, mosquito repellent, first aid kit, toiletries, wet wipes and extra pair of shoes inside your camping kit. Winter happens to be the perfect time for camping. So, make a plan for one or all of these top 5 places for camping near Mumbai for a short and sweet getaway.