If you want to escape from your routine and take a breather from city life, camping in Karjat is the best option. With Maharashtra on its mind and only a few hours’ drive from Mumbai and Pune, Karjat remains an unexplored jewel, with numerous sites for that ideal opportunity for adventure, scenic beauty, and tranquillity. Located at the foot of the Western Ghats, this picturesque town is surrounded by hills, winding rivers, waterfalls, and spectacular views of mountains, which are perfect for making your camping in Karjat memorable.
Factors That Affect Camping In Karjat
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Factors can affect your camping experience in Karjat and will help you to be prepared to have the most enjoyable moments during your time:
- Weather Conditions: The best time to visit is post-monsoon and winter. Yet, just be prepared for sudden rain, especially during the monsoon season. Carry raincoats if you are going camping at this time.
- Camp Facilities: Depending on the type of camping you want, your comfort level will vary. Some campsites include sleeping tents, sleeping bags, showers, and toilets, while others go for glamping, where all that luxury includes attached restrooms and soft bedding; ensure that you read what is included when booking.
- Accessibility: Some camps would take more hiking to reach. Suppose you are going higher up to camp, you have to take care of these considerations when getting your supplies.
How To Reach
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By Road: Karjat is about 60 km from Mumbai and 100 km from Pune. You could drive or book a taxi; the roads are good, so your journey will be smooth and you can enjoy with your family until you reach your destination.
By Train: The railway station at Karjat is connected to all major cities, including Mumbai, Pune, and Lonavala. There is frequent train service from CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport) in Mumbai and Pune. You can take local transport from the railway station to your campsite.
By Air: The closest airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. It is about 70 km from Karjat. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Karjat from the airport.
Popular Camping Places In Karjat
1. Ulhas River
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
Riverside camping on the banks of the Ulhas River provides a tranquil environment. The sounds of flowing water and chirping birds will delight those looking to relax in nature. You can fish, take a swim, or just sit beside the riverbank. The evening bonfires and the cool breezes off the river make for an impeccable setting for a very quiet night under starlit skies. This will make your camping in Karjat memorable with your loved ones around.
Cost/Person: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500
Duration: 2 days
How To Reach: This river is easy to access, you can drive or book a taxi from Karjat town. It is a 20-minute drive.
2. Kondana Caves
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
For history and adventure lovers, camping next to the ancient Kondana Caves offers an unbeatable blend of exploration and tranquillity. These Buddhist caves, dating back to the 1st century, are snuggled in thick forest cover, providing the right backdrop for camping. A mild trek leads to the caves, where you can set base a short distance away and enjoy a peaceful surrounding. The trek is a bit of an adventure but is suited for beginners. The views from the top are magnificent.
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000
Duration: 2 days
How To Reach: From Karjat main town the caves are just 15 km, you can drive to reach the spot.
3. Bhivpuri Waterfalls
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Bhivpuri is one of the primary attractions for its astonishing waterfalls, especially during the monsoon season. Camping near Bhivpuri Falls is a thrilling experience for devoted adventure enthusiasts. You may trek to the waterfalls and have fun rappelling, swimming, and exploring the area around you. The echoes of the waterfalls offer a soothing backdrop for unforgettable camping experiences. This place gives you the best experience compared to the other sites in Karjat and makes it unforgettable.
Cost/Person: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500
Duration: 2 days
How To Reach: It is accessible by road and just 7 km from Karjat town.
4. Peth Fort (Kothaligad)
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Peth Fort, popularly known as Kothaligad, is located in Karjat and offers a range of trekking and camping options. The trek to the fort is moderately difficult, making it popular among adventurers. Once you climb it, you get breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Spend the night here camping; a fusion of adventure and all those old gory stories that the ruins of this fort keep alive from the time of Maratha.
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500
Duration: 2 days
How To Reach: The Kothaligad or Peth Fort is 22 km from Karjat, you can drive to reach there.
5. Kalote Lake
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Kalote Lake, a lesser-known beauty near Karjat, is perfect for solitude seekers to commune with nature. This serene lake, surrounded by hills, is an ideal camping site away from the usual tourist havens. You can go fishing, swimming, kayaking, or just unwinding in the calm is what makes this place an amazing visit. Kalote Lake is one of the finest places for photography, birding, and sunsets. It is one of the most suitable places for camping in Karjat, and you can spend your quality time relaxing.
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000
Duration: 2 days
How To Reach: It is just 15 km from Karjat and can be accessed by road.
Best Time To Visit
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The post-monsoon and winter seasons, or the months from October to February, are the best for camping in Karjat. The weather will be cool and pleasant, ranging from 15°C to 28°C. After Monsoon, the greenery of nature will offer a calm setting for camping. Monsoon (June to September) camping can be difficult, but it turns Karjat into a paradise with waterfalls and mist-covered mountains. Adventurists can still have monsoon camping, but be ready for muddy roads and humidity. The summer (March to May) can burn hot here, with temperatures over 35°C, practically unfit for camping.
Camping in Karjat, with such an amazing combination of adventure, calm, and natural beauty, is unmatched. Karjat has something for everyone, with traces of ancient caves to climb, a series of historical forts to conquer, or enjoying the cooling shade of a river. With pleasant weather in Karjat, the experience of camping beckons nature lovers and adventure seekers to visit. Plan a trip with TripXL for an unforgettable camping experience!
Cover Photo: Scott Goodwill / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only