Being blessed with the surrounding landscape of the Sahyadris, there are plenty of opportunities for adventures near Mumbai. You get to explore the many lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and even some beaches, and with camping trips, you get to stay there for the night too. It is a great experience for nature lovers, bird watchers, adventure enthusiasts and trekkers alike.
It is one of the most easy and fun ways to go on a short adventure to any of the many locations for camping near Mumbai and a perfect way to take a break from the city crowds. Go for camping and you get to leave the city and its noise behind, and escape into the hills of the Western Ghats.
Camping near Mumbai
Although there are no options for camping within Mumbai, the hills and valleys around Mumbai have many campsites perfect for a casual getaway with friends or family. Some of the top destinations for camping near Mumbai include Lonavala, Bhandardara, Kolad, Kashid and Sandhan Valley, offering you opportunities to camp either in the middle of a forest, on the banks of a lake or a river, or inside a deep valley of Sahyadris. All you need is proper camping gear and great company, and you're good to go!
Itinerary for camping near Mumbai
Most packages for camping near Mumbai have an afternoon or evening check-in time, followed by an easy day of fun in the midst of nature. Some campsites even offer bonfire and BBQ sessions before dinner. At night, you retire into your tents and wake up the next morning to misty mornings and the gorgeous view of the sun rising over the Western Ghats. The dawn is followed by hot tea and breakfast, after which you check-out of the campsite. The trip ends here.
Camping near Mumbai: Lonavala top
This campsite is located half-way to the Rajmachi fort and it is overlooking the gorgeous valley on one side and towering hills of Sahyadris on the other. This campsite is located 8 km from Lonavala town and the best time to visit this campsite is during the monsoon as the landscape turns into a lush paradise, with the forests brewing with waterfalls, streams, natural ponds and the splendid views of massive clouds caught between the green mountains of the Western Ghats.
There are also various adventure activities in Lonavala that you can pair with your camping trip.
Camping near Mumbai: Kolad
Another great camping destination near Mumbai is Kolad, a small fishing village located on the banks of the Kundalika River. Recently, this village has become a major adventure hub. A typical package for Kolad camping near Mumbai includes a rafting session on the second day, where you get to battle Grade II and III rapids on the Kundalika River. There are also other adventure activities at Kolad like bungee jumping, kayaking, ziplining, etc. The best season to go camping in Kolad is during monsoons as during this season, the Kundalika is wild and great for rafting, and the landscape of Kolad is flourishing with lush greenery. Kolad also offers a variety of accommodation options from alpine tents, swiss tents, cottages to tree houses and villas, along with dormitories for larger groups.
Camping near Mumbai: Pawna Lake
The banks of the gorgeous Pawna Lake are another option for camping near Mumbai. Pawna Lake is located near Lonavala and offers gorgeous views of the lake and the surrounding hills of the Western Ghats. Here, you get to relax at the lakeside and wake up to the misty mornings. You can go camping at the campsite throughout the year. This campsite is the perfect choice if you want to go camping near Mumbai in summer, as it offers a relaxing and cool escape from the city heat.
Another similar campsite offering lakeside camping is Lake Arthur in Bhandardara.
Camping near Mumbai: Sandhan Valley
If you're looking for a more off-beat camping destination near Mumbai, then camping and trekking in Sandhan Valley is perfect for you. This takes you deep within the Western Ghats to a river carved valley of Sandhan. The valley is 200 feet deep and 1.5 km long, and the route to the valley takes you over cliffs, through narrow passageways and over huge boulders. This camping trip is especially perfect for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts as it involves rappelling, trekking and camping out under the stars away from civilisation.
Fireflies camping near Mumbai
Every year, just before the monsoon season, the Western Ghats get swarmed with thousands of fireflies. The narrow time-frame is the mating season for fireflies, when they rush to the folds of Sahyadris and illuminate the dark forests with their yellow glow.
During this period, many adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts and photographers head to the Western Ghats to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon. There are many locations where you can go to experience this event. There are many locations around Mumbai for fireflies camping trips, e.g. Rajmachi Fort, Bhandardara, Kondana Caves, Purushwadi and Kothaligad.
The day begins with checking-in at the campsite, followed by a short trek in the evening where you get to walk around in the woods and watch as numerous fireflies buzz all around you. Followed by a night in tents and return back to the city in the morning.
Do note that fireflies camping in Mumbai only takes place for a short duration of a few weeks during the onset of monsoon as this is the only time fireflies can be spotted in the Western Ghats.
Best season for camping near Mumbai
Camping near Mumbai is a great experience throughout the year, especially in the months of monsoon and winter. During the monsoon season, the landscape of the Western Ghats transforms into a green paradise with many ponds, streams, waterfalls, etc. This season is perfect for those wanting to explore the flora and fauna of the Sahyadris in full glory.
In winter, the experience is gorgeous with misty mornings and cold nights. It is a great escape from the city and into the cool breeze of the Western Ghats. Summer is a great season too but it is recommended that you go camping near a water-body, as the climate there is relatively cool.
What to carry
During your camping trip near Mumbai, the tour operator will provide all the camping equipment like tents, mattresses, blankets, etc. However, you should check the inclusions of the package that you're booking as some budget operators do not provide blankets or sleeping bags.
Apart from this, you need to only carry your personal essentials like a backpack, shoes, sandals, personal toiletries and med kit, sunglasses, sun-cap, etc. As for clothes, you should carry comfortable clothes including full-sleeved t-shirts and full length pants for the night to avoid mosquito bites. It is also a good idea to carry an insect repellent cream.
Treks to do near Mumbai
While camping in Mumbai, you can pair your itinerary with treks to the nearby hills, forts or forests. Mumbai, being so close to the Western Ghats, is blessed with easy accessibility to some of the best treks in Maharashtra. Here are some of the treks that you can embark on while camping in Mumbai:
Kalsubai Peak
Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra at 5,400 ft. It is often called the Everest of Maharashtra, and rightfully so. The peak can be climbed by a fit beginner. The summit showcases breathtaking scenery from the top which consists of surrounding hills and valleys of the Western Ghats.
Lohagad
Lohagad trek is one of the most popular treks near Mumbai and is easy enough that it can be done by beginners. It is a great way to explore the landscape of the Western Ghats along with the historic iron fort, which once was a battle station used by Shivaji.
Harishchandragad
If you are an experienced trekker, looking for a challenge, then Harishchandragad is the right trek for you. It provides grand views of the Western Ghats. On your way to the historic fort, you trek through a challenging trail consisting of rocky patches, steep includes with some scary drops on the sides.
Waterfall rappelling near Mumbai
If you’re camping near Mumbai and want to spice up your trip but don’t want to go trekking, then you can go for rappelling near Mumbai. There are many rappelling sites near Mumbai like Dudhiware waterfall in Lonavala, Panshet near Lavasa, and Bekre waterfall at Bhivpuri.
This activity is perfect for beginners who want to experience the thrill of rappelling but it should be noted that the only good season for rappelling in Mumbai is during the monsoon season.
Camping near Mumbai Trip Summary
- State: Maharashtra
- Nearest city: Mumbai
- Total days: 2 days
- Grade: Easy
- Season: Year round
- Avg temperature: 15 to 35 degrees Celsius
Camping near Mumbai Trip Gallery
Camping near Mumbai: Lonavala
Sketch itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in at the campsite and enjoy
- Check-in at the campsite in the afternoon or evening
- Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the campsite
- Sit around a bonfire at night
- Spend the night in tents
Day 2: Check-out of the campsite
- Wake up to a gorgeous sunrise
- Relax at the campsite or try out some adventure activities
- Check-out of the campsite by afternoon
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in at the campsite and enjoy
Arrive at the campsite at the given time where your tent will be allotted to you. Post that, you can spend the rest of the day either relaxing at the campsite or exploring the surrounding region. At night, you'll sleep in tents pitched at scenic locations.
Day 2:
You'll wake up to a gorgeous sunrise over the Sahyadris after which you can head out to do some adventure activities. You'll return to the campsite, freshen up and then check-out at the given time. The trip ends here.
Inclusions
Accommodation for 1 night in tents on twin-sharing basis along with In-tent amenities such as mattress, light etc. will be provided as a part of the package costs. There will be access to common, dry washroom tents that will be arranged by the operator.
Meals will be provided for dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2 along with tea. Many campsites will include outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing etc. Do check the details of the camping itinerary and the operator for details. All equipment required for outdoor activities will be provided such as life jackets, fishing rods etc.
Campfire or bonfire arrangements will be made by the operator but kindly note that this will be subject to weather conditions. Services of experienced campsite staff will be included to ensure you have a safe and fun camping experience with your friends and family. All applicable taxes will be included in the costs.
Exclusions
Travel arrangements between your home city to the campsite and back are not included. Do check the details with the operator as some may provide pick up from certain locations. BBQ snacks (veg/non-veg) are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost of roughly INR 400 per plate.
Personal expenses like apparel, gear, alcohol or additional meals etc. are not included. Costs arising due to unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, natural calamities etc. will be additional. Anything not mentioned in inclusions will be additional.
Camping near Mumbai: Khopoli
Camping near Mumbai: Fort camping
Camping near Mumbai: Kolad camping plus rafting
Sketch itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in at the campsite
- Check-in time: 15:00 hrs
- Spend the day at leisure
- Meals provided: Dinner
- Overnight stay: Cottage
Day 2: Go rafting and check-out of the campsite
- Rafting distance: 12 km
- Rafting duration 3 hours
- Meals provided: Breakfast and lunch
- Check-out time: 15:00 hrs
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1:
Today, you'll check in at the campsite in the afternoon and then enjoy the day relaxing at the campsite. In the evening, there will also be a bonfire session with BBQ, followed by dinner before you retire in your cottage for the night.Day 2:
Today, you'll wake up early and head to the rafting start point for your rafting session on the Kundalika river. After battling Grade II and III rapids, you'll return to the campsite, freshen up and check-out of the campsite.
Inclusions
Accommodation will be in non-AC cottages for 1 night on twin or triple-sharing basis, included as part of the package. All buffet, veg/non-veg meals from evening snacks on day 1 to lunch on day 2 will be provided as part of the package.
One 12-km session of rafting along with all rafting equipment required such as life jackets, helmets, paddles, inflatable rafts etc. will be provided by the operator. Services of experienced rafting instructors and campsite staff will be included to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping and rafting experience. All applicable taxes are included.
Exclusions
Travel arrangements between your home city and the campsite are not included. Travel arrangements between the campsite and the rafting start/end point are provided by the operator. However, the costs will be additional and shared among 8-10 people for a tum-tum which will be around INR 800-1,000 for the round-trip. Use of AC in the cottage is not included and can be provided at an additional cost of INR 500 per night.
Adventure activities packages for kayaking, river crossing, zip lining etc. are not included but can be arranged for an additional cost of INR 500 per person. Adventure activities package such as jet ski, banana boat ride, bumper ride will also be provided at an additional cost of INR 500 per person. Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks etc. are not included. Personal expenses such as apparel or gear, extra meals or beverages etc. are not included. Anything not mentioned in inclusions will be additional.
Camping in Bhandardara
Sketch itinerary:
Day 1:
Pick-up point: Kasara/MumbaiTransfer to campsite in Bhandardara Spend the day at leisureMeals provided: Evening tea, dinnerOvernight stay: TentsDay 2: Start time: 07:00 hrs
Pick up point: Bhandardara campsiteEnd point: Kasara/MumbaiMeals provided: BreakfastDetailed itinerary:
Day 1:
You will begin your trip by reaching the pick-up point at Dadar or Kasara. The pick-up point depends on the package you choose. The operator will transfer you to the campsite in Bhandardara, where you will enjoy a hot cup of tea, and then can settle into your campsite for the evening.
The campsite provides stunning views of the sun setting over the water, and you’ll get some lovely sunset photographs. Once it grows dark, a bonfire is lit, and you can relax under starry skies. The crackling bonfire is the perfect setting for a fun evening of singing, stories, and games. You’ll be served a hot dinner, and then can enjoy the lakeside breeze, play games, read a book or retire into your tents to call it a night.
Day 2:
Wake up to breathtaking views of the Sahyadris. The cool breeze washes over you and you can take a delightful dip in the water if you like. Enjoy a hot cup of tea and a filling breakfast under the golden rays of the morning sun. You'll wrap up from the campsite by 09:30 hrs and will be transferred back to Kasara or Mumbai, depending on your package. Your Bhandardara camping trip ends here.
Inclusions
Some packages for camping in Bhandardara include transport from Mumbai to the campsite and back, whereas the budget packages will pick you up at Kasara station. You’ll stay in alpine tents on twin/triple sharing basis for a night. At the campsite, there is also a basic toilet tent. The meals provided for this package are dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2, along with BBQ snacks. The meals are offered in both veg and non-veg. The cost also includes a bonfire session, subject to weather conditions.
Services of an expert astronomer, camp leader and support staff are also included in this package. All permits, toll, and first aid kit is also provided while camping. Additionally, the price includes all applicable taxes.
Exclusions
For an additional cost of INR 200 per person, you can upgrade your accommodation on twin-sharing basis. The camping trip cost does not include lunch on both days. The price does not include any insurance. Neither does it include any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances or personal expenses like extra meals, packaged water, soft drinks, etc. Lastly, anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions is not included in the package.
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Best time to go/Weather
There are a variety of camping trips available around Mumbai. If you're going in summer, then you can go camping in Kashid or other beach/lake side camping where the weather isn't that hot. If you're planning a monsoon camping trip, then Kolad is the best option as you can even go rafting in the gushing Kundalika river. For winter, you can go to Lonavala or Pawna Lake where the atmosphere is cool and misty, offering perfect camping experience.
Camping near Mumbai Trip Videos
Getting there
All the campsites around Mumbai are easily accessible either by road or rail. Thanks to a well-developed rail and road network around Mumbai, there are regular trains and state buses running around Mumbai. You can even hire a cab to most of the campsites around Mumbai or drive your own car too.
What to wear
Clothing is important when you're going camping and you need to choose your clothing according to the weather. If you're going in summer, then basic clothes will be enough along with sunglasses and a cap. If you're going during monsoons, then you need close shoes, full pants, full-sleeve shirts along with rainwear. In winters, you need thermals along with your clothes.
What to carry
The tour operator will provide all the equipment required for the camping near Mumbai. However, some budget operators expect you to carry your own blankets/sleeping bags, so do check the inclusions of the package you're booking carefully. Other than this, you don't need to carry any specialised equipment, but do carry all the personal essentials including a backpack and sturdy shoes. Remember to also carry mosquito repellents as they can be quite a nuisance in the Western Ghats.
Preparation/Fitness
There are no fitness requirements for camping near Mumbai. Do note that some campsites are located at a short walk's distance from the parking site, so do check the campsite location before booking the trip if you have someone in your group who might find it difficult to cover the distance on foot.
And remember to carry your personal medicines as medical shops can be hard to find near the campsites.
FAQs about Camping near Mumbai
What else can I do during my camping trip near Mumbai?
Depending on where you go for camping, there are many adventure activities that you can pair with your trip. e.g., if you're going to Kolad, then you can go river rafting in the Kundalika river, or if you're camping in Lonavala, then you can head for a day-trek to the surrounding forts.
What is the best season for camping near Mumbai?
There are a variety of campsites around Mumbai, from beach campsites, forest campsites to lake campsites - offering year round camping options. If you're going for your trip in summer, you can choose a water-side location like Kashid or Pawna Lake. If you're going during winter, then you can go to Lonavala as the weather there is pleasant and cool during this season.
What should I carry for camping near Mumbai?
The tour operator will provide all the camping equipment for the trip, however, some budget operators might not provide sleeping bags and blankets. Other than this, you need to carry all your personal essentials like toiletries, backpack, shoes, etc.
How do I reach my campsite?
Mumbai and the surrounding regions have a rich network of rail and road that connects to most of the campsite locations. You can either take a train, state run bus, or a taxi to reach your destination.Driving to the campsite is also a great option as you won't need to rely on local transport to get to the campsite from the station or bus stop, since they can sometimes be located in remote locations.
What is the minimum/maximum age restrictions for camping near Mumbai?
For camping in Mumbai, there are no age restrictions. Camping here is enjoyed by many families with children and senior citizens. Do note that some campsites are located at a short distance from the parking lot, so do check your package before booking the camping trip if you have a member in your group who might find it difficult to cover the distance.
Top Camping trips near Mumbai
IMPORTANT: You can drive up to this campsite, if you have an SUV or a car without high ground clearance. Sedans will not be able to make it up. You can also combine this trip with a 7 km trek from Lonavala, if your group is up to it.
- Overnight stay in tents with foam mattresses and light
- Use of dry toilet tents
- All meals from evening tea and snacks, veg/non-veg barbeque and dinner on Day 1 to morning tea and breakfast on Day 2
- Bonfire
- Mineral bottled water
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Parking charges
- Any pick-up and drop from Lonavala (can be arranged for INR 800 per Tata Sumo, covers 7 pax)
- Any meals other than those mentioned in inclusions
- Beverages, soft drinks, snacks
- Other adventure activities (can be arranged for groups of over 10, waterfall rappelling at INR 500 per person, Flying Fox at INR 400 per person)
- Sleeping bags or bed linen
You can also choose to pay for and participate in activities like Burma Bridge, rock climbing, rappelling, archery and rifle shooting. In the night, when it grows cold, bundle up in warm clothes and sit on your private sit-out and admire the views, or get together around a campfire.
Please note: alcohol is not allowed at this campsite.
- Accommodation in Swiss tents on 7 sharing basis
- Cots, mattresses, blankets and bed linen
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 2
- One session each of kayaking, river swim, river crossing
- Filtered and UV-treated water for drinking
- Non-vegetarian food (can be arranged for an additional INR 200 per person per meal, payable on location)
- Extra meals for drivers, attendants, additional guests
- Cold drinks, dry snacks etc.
- Any meals or services not mentioned in inclusions
- Any transport to and from the campsite
- Personal or medical insurance
- Accommodation for 1 night in tents on twin-sharing basis
- In-tent amenities: mattress, light
- Access to common, dry washroom tents
- All meals including dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2
- Outdoor activities: swimming, fishing
- All equipment required for outdoor activities: life jacket, fishing rod etc.
- Campfire (subject to weather conditions)
- Services of experienced campsite staff
- All applicable taxes
- Travel arrangements between your home city-the campsite
- BBQ snacks (veg/non-veg; arranged at an additional INR 400 per plate)
- Sleeping bags or linen
- Personal expenses like apparel, gear, alcohol or additional meals etc.
- Costs arising due to unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, natural calamities etc.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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