Introduction:
The city of Pune has plenty of places to visit, from the Aga Khan Palace and Shaniwar Wada to the many parks and shops on FC Road and Hong Kong Lane. But sometimes it is better to go out of town and away from the urban environment. Thankfully, Puneites have a plethora of destinations to choose from near their city. However, instead of a hotel or resort, you can go camping. Depending on your budget, you can find all kinds of camping options, from basic campsites to luxury tents.
And it’s all super accessible, thanks to the easy availability of tents and, for novices, operators who arrange tents and camping for you. Here, then, are some places where you can go for a hidden campsite near Pune, among the nearby Western Ghats and on the Konkan Coast. Just remember to supply the right amount and keep your campsite clean.
FIVE CAMPING SITES NEAR PUNE
BORDI BEACH
Bordi Beach is a good place to go camping especially if you are completely new about it. Unlike some of the other entries on this list, you don’t have to climb the Western Ghats. All you have to do is go to the beach, about 280 km or five and a half hours from Pune, and set up camp. Best experienced with a group, the serene beach is a great place to relax and watch the stars, or go out and have a blast with your friends. The locals are friendly, and you can explore the market, visit a nearby village, visit the Aswali Dam, and light a seaside bonfire at night. Kalpataru Botanical Garden and Sapodilla Bagh are other places of interest to visit here.
HARISHCHANDRAGAD
Located about 135 km from the city, the hill fort of Harishchandragad is a popular trek in the region. If you are planning to trek up the hill and see the fort, then you should definitely spend a night camping here. Lastly, you will experience bonfires under the night sky in a historic fort, go rock climbing and trekking, and hike deep gorges. From the campsite at the top of Harishchandragad, you get incredible views of the Western Ghats and ample time to try the above mentioned adventure activities before retiring for the night.
PAWNA LAKE
If you prefer to experience camping close to home, Pawna Lake can be a good option. Pawna Lake is an ancient lake located about 60 km from the city, and remains a popular haunt for the people of Mumbai as well. It is well away from the crowds of nearby Lonavala and Khandala, and is a good option for highly commercial hill stations. The best time to visit here is after monsoon because at this time only greenery is seen all around here.You can also take a smooth boat tour here.
Or you can sit in peace and luxuriate in the wonderful views from Powai Lake Garden. The view of the entire city from this lake in Mumbai is breathtaking. Tourists flock here to get lost in the Powai plains. This is a kind of artificial lake, this lake is very quiet despite the noise of Mumbai.Here one gets a chance to spend time in a campsite by the lake, soaking in the beauty of the hills. You can also swim in the water of the lake before warming up near the bonfire. For first-time campers, this campsite makes it the perfect experience to get acquainted with the wonders of adventure.
KAMSHET
The first word that comes to mind when listening to Kamshet is ‘paragliding’. Kamshet, located just 50 kms from Pune, is the place where those who are longing to indulge in adventure activity want to tick their checklist for the longest time! Due to the emergence this place has become synonymous with this special adventure activity. One can enjoy a memorable time by staying here in a tent and at a typical campsite like barbecue, campfire, singing and dancing. Kamshet is not limited to paragliding only, but this place is strategically located so that it is easily accessible from Lonavala and Khandala. Attractions around Kamshet include Karla Caves, Lohagarh Fort, Tikona and Tung Fort. Do you know what the simplest part is? Paragliding activities and grounds are visible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway which are a treat for the eyes. It’s a lovely feeling to watch the glider zoom into the sky and land perfectly.
KOLAD
Known as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, Kolad is a quaint village hidden amidst the waterfalls and valleys of Raigad. Kundalika River, the fastest flowing river in South India passes through the campsites of Kolad. The rugged terrain of the towering Sahyadri Mountains in this village makes it an ideal place for hiking and wildlife watching. The misty peaks have also drawn inspiration for adventure sports and water sports destinations. White water rafting, banana boat ride, trekking, and mountaineering are also popular in the place. Sutarwadi Lake and its playful birds provide a peaceful environment for picnickers. For those who want to escape the urban life, Kolad has tranquil resorts, homestays, and campgrounds around the magnificent forts like Tala Fort and Ghosla Fort