Pune sees a 60 per cent rise in bookings for outdoor camping during the festive season

As the number of fully vaccinated persons rise in the state, the desire to travel again has gone up too. Puenites are making the most of the pleasant weather and festive season offs by taking mini-vacations in nearby camping destinations. According to travel organisations based in the city, camping has seen a rise of 60 per cent this season, as families and youngsters are increasingly opting for an adventurous outdoor activity, thanks to diverse places and attractive discounts.
Short, adventurous and fun trips

With more than 30 scenic spots around the city, camping is attracting Puneites for its no-hassle nature and a lot more. Sudhanshu Goyal, one of the camp organisers explains the phenomenon, “Camping is getting popular and bigger among Punekars because it is hassle-free and it offers a bouquet of adventure to people. It has outdoor activities, tent boarding experience, musical nights, adventure sports, bonfires and so much more. And the biggest advantage of all is the affordability. People don’t have to worry about travelling interstate or booking a hotel. Everything is available in travel packages and most of the destinations are within an hour or two drive from the city.”

Ashutosh Joshi, founder of Escape The City, Curated Getaways shares, "Camping is becoming more popular, as a total outdoor experience is something city folks really enjoying more post the lockdowns. Now during monsoon, very few destinations are available or active. The most popular spots around Pune are Kamshet, Panshet, Bhor and Pawna- these are also lakeside destinations making the experience enchanting. Under our outfit Escape the City this exactly the experience we offer and post monsoons our weekend getaway events will be announced."
Discounts for fully vaccinated folks

Meanwhile, camps are organised keeping in mind of all the COVID-19 safety measures. Dhananjay Raut, a camp organiser says, “All the tents are properly sanitised and we check the temperature of the staff and people who join us. We encourage wearing a mask all the time. For fully vaccinated patrons, we are offering a 10 per cent discount on bookings. The overwhelming response from vaccinated people has been a support for us as we were out of business in the lockdown.”
Perfect weekend getaway

With festival season upon us and weather giving the perfect reason to roast marshmallows in the bonfire, citizens rush to spend weekends at these camping destinations. IT professional Pallavi Mathur says, “Travelling was always on top of my agenda for 2021 after the lockdown. However, I don’t necessarily have to go abroad or travel to other states. Hence, I'm taking advantage of the nearby camping destinations that are pristine and full of adventure. I love sky gazing and bonfire bit at camps.”
Another travelling enthusiast Sagar Motwani has chosen to go camping for his honeymoon. “We got married in the lockdown and going for a honeymoon wasn’t a possibility then. Recently, we saw a couple of posts on social media about lakeside camping and came across Pawna Lake. We decided to make it our honeymoon destination. It was such an extraordinary experience - the music, adventure, food and being by the enchanting lakeside in this weather was just perfect.”
From WFH to work from a tent

Making the most of WFH, people are also staying longer in the camping sites post-vacation to work from there and immerse in the staycation experience. “While I hate opening laptops and taking work calls after weekend vacation, I usually stay back longer at camps to enjoy working from the tent, beside a scenic lake. Moreover, there’s good food and the thrill of spending the evening here. Work becomes less stressful and I get to chill outdoors which doesn’t happen usually in the city,” says Sakshi Khetan, a content creator.
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Trending camping destinations of this season
Pawna Lake – for a lakeside getaway
Bhor – for the fun of island camping
Lonavala – for unwinding in the hills
Camping near Lavasa Road – for the breathtaking views
Velhe – for a quiet hamlet experience
Kamshet and Panshet – for outdoor activities
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Camping checklist
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While these camps provide everything from tents to food and accommodation, do carry these with yourself...
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Sleeping mat or camp bed if tent camping
Table and camping chairs
Gloves, rain gear, warm clothes
Spare batteries, portable charger and cables
Torch and head torch
Hand-sanitiser, mask, water bottle