PUNE: As more and more people are trying to avoid the chaotic city life while bidding adieu to the year in a peaceful way, it has given a boost to camping and trekking activities around New Year’s Eve. People are now increasingly ditching loud music and partying to usher in the New Year.
Many prefer to spend this day camping with family or friends, shelling out between Rs 2,000-3,500 per head - at par with what one spends on partying. Popular camping sites have already been reserved by Punekars via adventure and outdoor groups.
ACTIVITIES AT CAMP
Camping activities on the outskirts of the city include trekking, star-gazing, bonfires, barbeques and light-hearted music.
These are normally a one-night camp, starting from December 31, i.e. New Year’s Eve, and lasting till January 1.
Additional attractions also include boating and jungle trails.
Nitish Hande, designing professional, is game for this innovative way of spending the day.
“Being a designing professional, I am usually glued to my computer screen. I am planning to go camping, as it will be a new experience of lying under the stars - a perfect end to this year and to start the new one.”
A PERFECT WAY TO UNWIND
Pawana Lake, around 65 km from Pune, is a popular destination. M Asif, Director of adventure group Nature’s Knight, who regularly sets camp near Pawana Lake, said, ”We have been organising camps on New Year’s Eve for past 10 years and the response has been tremendous. People want to get away from the urban routine and prefer to unwind in nature by indulging in some adventure. They prefer outside camping for a peaceful and ruckus-free environment.”
Watching the sunrise on the first day of the new year from Kalsubai, the highest mountain of the State located five hours from Pune, is on the bucket list of many adventure enthusiasts, said Omkar Methawade, Chief Operating Officer of Adventures365.in. He said, “New Year parties are very mainstream and people love to try something different. That is why camping and sports adventure is trending. The event at Kalsubai starts with a trek and is followed by camping, bonfire and star-gazing.”
Ajaysinh Lakhe from Adventure Club Pune, which is organising camps around Rajmachi, about 170 km from Pune, said, “Rajmachi is a definite attraction not just because of the natural scenery but also because of its historical importance. Puneites definitely prefer an all-in-one adventure.”
THE TREND
- Majority of these camps are located near the city and provide an ideal getaway to nature.
- Organisers ensure that the camp and trek is led by certified trekkers and all safety measures are taken care of.
- Popular camping destinations around Pune are Pawana Lake (65 km from Pune), Kashid beach (172 km), Rajmachi (170 km), Kalsubai mountain (179 km), banks of Krishna Valley (100 km) and Panchgani hilltop (125 km).