Make the right pitch

There has been a growing demand among the city dwellers bitten by travel bug to enjoy camping, but they want more than just a tent by the bonfire. So as a ripple effect, several travel organisers have been arranging camps at lesser explored camping sites and clubbing it with various elements, for a wholesome experience. With summer here, you can enjoy the cooler nights. Here are few of the most interesting places to go.

Small Steps Adventures

If you are a nature lover and like camping, but don't have the time to travel faraway, then Dahanu is the perfect location. Small Steps Adventures hosts 'farm camping' in the sleepy town. Their site is surrounded by chickoo plants and is around 10 kms away from the beach. It's a good break from the city, without travelling too far from it. These camps are scheduled over the weekends up till May. To know more, visit www.smallstepsadventures.com

White Collar Hippie

White Collar Hippie's BandCamp evenings are known for bringing music, movie and travel together—all under the open sky. BandCamp's season 4 at their camping site near Gorai, is where all the magic with the music happens. These camps are periodically scheduled and you can expect tents, walk by the sea, visit to the Koli village and more. Camps are scheduled for weekends till April. Check the website: www.whitecollarhippie.com

The Land of Wanderlust

For city dwellers yearning to soak in the view of a million stars, away from the bustle of the urban jungle. Bhandardara, is one of the few sites in Maharashtra that are considered best for stargazing. The Land of Wanderlust's Bhandardara campsite is the place to be, where the campers swear of spotting shooting stars every time. If this isn't enough, the stunning sunrise and sunset views will enamour you. Tents are pitched by the popular Arthur lake, give great views in the mornings and evenings. These camps are scheduled every weekend and to know more, check out
www.thelandofwanderlust.com

Blue Bulb

A less explored destination and probably also a lesser known camping site is Vaitarna Lake, just two hours from Mumbai. A gem of a location, on the Igatpuri-Nashik route, this is a good place to pitch tents and enjoy the quiet. Blue Bulb arranges stargazing activity with experts, who share information about how it's done and astronomy! These sessions by the lake extend late in the night, clubbed with hot food. The next camp is scheduled in April and details can be read at www.bluebulb.in.