CAMPSITE CALLS

Just point the compass at Mokashi Farm at Kavdas village,a two-hour (85 km) drive from the maximum city. Even the drive through the winding roads of the scenic Mahuli mountain range can be exhilarating. The two-acre campsite along the Bhatsa River at Shahpur is the brainchild of former management consultant Rahil Mehta,who has set it up with some likeminded friends.

Mehta,31,who has experimented with the camping culture of the west in his own way,is now importing the concept of drive-in camping for India’s urban population. His idea,Big Red Tent’s “camping made easy”,seems to have clicked.

The campsite is part of a 40-acre horticulture nursery,which might look like a base camp for a trekking expedition. It offers kitchens,barbeque grills,games,hammocks and swings to promote the idea of camping and cooking. Rahil oversees the operations part. Co-founder Janki Shah,30,a graphics designer,has been instrumental in shaping the aesthetics and colors for the site.

“It’s been quite exciting with the excellent response we received after starting the venture in November last year,” says Rahil. “This is a place for people who don’t find outdoors for camping,since most of them are looking at hiking or trekking,especially newcomers,” says Avinash,part of the initiative.

Rahil says the idea is not something exhaustive like climbing mountains. BRT’s intention is to provide an opportunity to relax and enjoy nature and get a sundown barbeque experience along with other activities around a campfire. For those eager for a quick adventure,there are treks and waterfalls in the proximity of the farm.

The punchline is ‘experience the outdoors and do it yourself’. BRT encourages you to bring your own food and cook it yourself though there is an arrangement with a nearby hotel for food.

Rahil feels the concept comes at the right time for the growing urban population. “Five years back such a thing would probably not have worked,” admits Rahil,who is scouting the mountains in the north for potential opportunities to expand operations.

BRT is particular about making campers understand what exactly is in store for them. “Otherwise,it may create negative vibes,which we would like to avoid,” Rahil says. “We try and educate people and talk to them over phone and send them preparatory kits on how to camp,” Rahil says.

BRT also values some of their guidelines like no consumption of too much alcohol,no rowdy behaviour and no keeping the volume high after 10.30 pm,which they softly enforce. “We’ve been setting that tone and it’s effective,” Rahil says.

BRT charges Rs 1,200 per adult for one night of camping. The customers’ age ranges from early 20s to late 30s. There are families as well. Rahil says November to March saw a great response. The popularity of the drive-in campsite is increasing,going by its facebook.