Maharashtra occupies a special place as the majority of Western Ghats falls under it thus making the chances of revealing the beauty of nature within the state. And camping there in the midst of it is another level that you yourself can experience. So here are some of the best camping sites in Maharashtra that you must check out.
Pawna Lake Camping
Pawna lake camping is one of the most sought-after destinations in Maharashtra. There are two routes to reach Pawna from Pune. One is via Kamshe and the other is via Signe. It takes around 2 hours to reach from Pune to Pawna lake. And it takes around 3-4 hours if you are taking the route from Mumbai. The camping here is budget friendly and is also the best option available for family outings. The lake is so huge that it is connected to both Pune and Lonavala. The road conditions are relatively good, but before 2 kilometers to reach Pawna lake, there is a pothole road with an undulating pathway. However, it is worth coming here as you will get to enjoy many things only to get relief from the busy urban lifestyle. There are many activities here like river rafting, paragliding and many other water sports, in addition to camping. So do visit the place along with your family and this can be a perfect weekend destination.
Bhandardara Camping site
Bhandardara is one of the beautiful sites of Maharashtra located in Igatpuri, which is very near to Nashik. It is a small hill station in Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra. It is very near to Maharashtra’s highest point, which is Kalsubai. Igatpuri is the nearest railway station, from where you can travel. You will get to see Myanmar gate enroute, and this is also called as Vipashna center. The route to Bhandardara has many trekking spots like Kalsubai trekking etc. Within 5 minutes travel to the actual camp, there is a lake called Arthur Lake.
Here you can enjoy the evening sunset. The lake view of Bhandardara is amazing especially when it is sunset. In the evening you can also plan a barbecue and enjoy the lake side views and chilling nights. This gives the complete change over in your daily routine and mundane works, so make sure you visit Bhandardara dam campsite.
Tapola camping
Tapola is famed as Mini Kashmir of India and is located 150 kilometers away from Pune and 250 kilometers from Mumbai. If you go from Mahabaleshwar it is 30 kilometers. This is a kind of agro-tourism resort, which is situated on the banks of Koyna River. It is a beautifully designed resort for weekend trips. There are many activities they provide like Kayaking, boating, zipline, rafting, etc apart from camping. The scenic beauty is revealed just after the monsoons as the just rain provides the necessary life to the planet thereby giving the lush greenery everywhere. Make sure you enjoy these miracles of nature by visiting Tapola along with your family and friends.
Rajmachi camping and trekking
Rajmachi Trek is one of the most sought after treks in Western Ghats and is located in Maharashtra. It is a fort trek and has historical significance, but despite its age it is still intact and was once the stronghold fort of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj. Rajmachi fort is 80 kilometers away from Pune, Maharashtra. The best time to visit Rajmachi is during the post monsoon period because at this time the weather will be calm and the flora becomes colorful with lush green. So considering this the favorable climate can be expected during September to November. The plan of this trek depends on how much time you have.
If you are planning this on weekends and want to rest in nature then you can make it a two day trek and plan a camping trip. The trek to Rajmachi takes 4 hours and apart from this you must also move to Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, which can take another hour. The trekking of Rajmachi Fort is a moderate to difficult level trek. The trek becomes difficult after the Kondana Caves because the trail gradually begins to steep. So along with the trek you will have a nice experience camping in the nearby village and get to know their local culture and cuisine.
Bhatsai River Camping
This place is located in Vasind, Maharashtra. It is based on the banks of Bhatsai River and 65 kilometers away from Mumbai. It also offers some of the best water sports like any other resorts like Kayaking, boating, fishing, etc. And in the evening there is a special barbecue in the midst of nature. This will make you thrilled and happy.