Introduction
There are several different camping areas in Maharashtra, some close to nature and others tranquil. It offers a lot of lovely attractions. Maharashtra has more camping sites thanks to its geography and serenity.
As a result, it qualifies as one of the top locations for camping or travelling in West India. There are plenty of camping areas there, and each one is distinctive in its own right.
The Top 5 Places to Camp in Maharashtra are listed below:
1. Matheran
2. Gorakhgad Fort
3. Pawna
4. Karnala
5. Panchgani
1.Matheran Camp:-
Matheran is a car-free hill station and municipal council in the Karjat taluka of Maharashtra’s Raigad district.Matheran is a hill station in India that is part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It is situated in the Western Ghats at an elevation of approximately 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. It is approximately 90 kilometres from Mumbai and 120 kilometres from Pune. Because of its proximity to these urban areas, it is popular as a weekend getaway for many. Matheran, which means “forest on the forehead” (of the mountains) in Marathi, is an eco-sensitive region designated by the Government of India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. Matheran camping Asia’s only car-free hill station.
History
Hugh Poyntz Malet, the Raigad district’s then-district collector, identified Matheran in May 1850. The future hill station was laid out by Lord Elphinstone, the then-Governor of Bombay. The British invented Matheran to provide relief from the region’s summer heat. It is also the birthplace of freedom fighter Veer Bhai Kotwal.
Transportation
Matheran is connected by rail and road to Mumbai (100 km) and Pune (120 km), with the nearest railway station in the foothill town of Neral. The nearest airport is Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
By train:-
In the heart of Matheran is a station for narrow gauge trains. Numerous trains run to Neral each day by the former Matheran Hill Railway.
The Neral Junction is where the toy train is connected to the main rail line. Beginning on October 22, 2022, a miniature train or toy train service ran between Neral and Matheran.
By road:-
Taxi service is provided from the Neral railway station to the Aman Lodge, and both the Neral and Karjat railway stations have bus services. No cars are permitted inside Matheran, with the exception of an ambulance run by the municipality.
Forest area
The Matheran contains forests that are semi-evergreen. Because the trees are evergreen, the plateau woods are quite dense, at times even crowded. The plateau’s unusual, diverse vegetation is a result of the laterite, porous soil, extremely high rainfall, and dense fog. Forests display vegetation on their upper, medium, and lower levels. Numerous herbs, climbers, ferns, and mosses that love the shade are covered by the trees.
Best time for visit
Although Matheran has a good climate all year round, the ideal months to visit are from October to May. Here is a breakdown of the year by season so you can make travel arrangements accordingly. The rain has barely stopped, and the months of October and November are cool and ideal for touring.
2. Gorakhgad Fort
What could be more exciting than camping in a cave?! That sounds like a fantastic getaway! The Gorakhgad fort, which is slightly different from traditional camping methods, has been around for nearly 100 years! The location has attracted visitors from all over the country, making it an ideal vacation destination. The locals hum beautiful hymns and devotional songs, adding to the enchantment of the experience. Travellers can explore the area around the campsite and visit the dam located nearby.
3. Pawna
Pavana is a popular camping destination in Maharashtra. Residing on the banks of the Pavana dam, the location is a visual treat for the eyes. The tranquillity that surrounds the area is a major factor in its growing popularity. Forts such as Lohagad, Tikona, and Tungi are located right next to the campsite, making it a diverse and unique vacation destination.
4. Karnala
Karnala is a scenic retreat and the preferred camping location for Mumbai residents. When camping in Mumbai seems too far away, Karnala saves the day! Visitors can get to know exotic bird species and their native habitat by visiting a bird sanctuary. For explorers eager to trek their way through the experience, the Karnala Fort comes highly recommended. The location offers a wide range of thrilling activities as well as camping alternatives. Travelers in need of a respite will surely come away from Karnala feeling refreshed.
5. Panchgani
Panchgani, near Mahabaleshwar, is packed with exciting activities. One can go jam and jelly shopping, enjoy the scenic views at Tableland, go gallivanting and exploring the local shops, or go trekking. The lovely Krishna River is a popular tourist destination as well as a popular primitive camping spot for locals.
The atmosphere is strange, reminiscent of the days of the British Raj. Tourists looking for a getaway often find this location to be a good place to let go of their worries and anxieties.