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Just the place to do
nothing!!! |
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About Camp BodhiSatva
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Towered by a thick Deodar and pine
forest and engulfed in a maze of fruit trees of apple, peach, apricot and
plums, Camp BodhiSatva is one for the calling. The surroundings will make
you reminisce, the place will make you nostalgic and the weather will turn
you in to an incorrigible romantic. It is a place which can give you food
for thought, a time for adventure and to top it all it will help you blend
with nature in the best possible way. For this is the place where you can
easily loose yourself without fear to all that is around you in bargain
for whatever inside of you.
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Located near the small and quaint hill town
of Rajgarh in district Sirmour of Himachal Pradesh Camp BodhiSatva happens
to be about 40 Km from Solan off the National Highway 35. The nearest railhead
Kalka being only 3 Hrs away makes it another interesting weekend getaway
option.
Till now missing from the tourism maps Rajgarh has more to offer
than what meets the eye on a macro view. Lush Green Valleys, Dense Forest,
healthy bird life, clean and Fresh Mountain air and to top it all the ever
imposing serenity of the place will take you by surprise. Rajgarh is more
like a place where the yesterday had met today in perfect harmony. Fully
integrated communication networks, regular supply of electricity, good
transport network proximity of supply centers can make life as urbane as
you like. On the other hand the laid back village lifestyle, scarcity and
spread of population allow for a quiet and relaxed time to yourself. The
two perennial streams around the camp are a boon to the natural beauty
of the place. The bigger of the streams even has fish, which is under constant
competition by the local community.
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The camp is set up in a terraced
fruit orchard facing a mountain. The narrow valley around the camp results
in cold breeze around the camp at all times. And the thicket of Deodar
trees around the camp helps maintain the temperature around the camp at
an acceptable high at the hottest of all times. Its place that can let
you be, make you see, let you indulge and be high on life at all times.
The perfect destination for your BodhiSatva.
Lately Camp BodhiSatva has started to get
attentions from our corporate clients and more and more this camp is being used
for corporate offsites and training programs. Coca Cola India, Unitech Software,
Progression Infonet are some of the companies that have utilised this place for
their corporate programs.
Camp BodhiSatva
– Logistics and other relevant Details
Camp
BodhiSatva is set up in a fruit orchard at Haloni Pul (5500 feet),
Rajgarh some 45 km from the town of Solan, which is about 300 km from Delhi. A small patch of orchard
land is used for the camp thus leaving much of the flora in its undisturbed
state. Here you can challenge the Churadhar peak (12000-ft) which is about
two days of Hike two ways or you can just choose to relax at the camp swinging
on a Hammock. Or if you may please bask in the sun by the small river near
the camp, going in for that very occasional dip every now and then. There
is just no end to what you can do at the camp so come and explore it for
yourself.
Weather conditions:
Nov ,Dec, Jan, Feb - Grade *
Apr, Mar, Sep, Oct -
Grade **
May, June, July - Grade ***
Aug, Sep - Grade ****
Grade details:
* : Fairly Cold specially early
mornings and nights
** : Pleasantly cold; comfortable
during day
*** : Cool mornings and evenings;
pleasant sunny days.
****
:
Might rain and humid if it does not rain
Clothing guidelines:
Grade * - **: Heavy woolens for
mornings, evenings and nights. Light woolens for day.
Grade *** : Very Light woolens for mornings,
evenings and nights. Comfortable sportswear for day.
Grade **** : Rain Coat or Umbrella Suggested, Rain friendly outfits
Note :
Camp atmosphere
is completely informal and therefore functional and comfortable clothing
is always preferred. Books on wildlife, plants and birds are helpful for
the nature and wildlife enthusiasts. You may also consider the under mentioned points, at the same time stress on traveling light.
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Carry a wind/rain proof jacket at all
times due to possible sudden weather changes and rain.
-
Swimwear will be needed to enjoy water
based activities.
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Basic comfortable clothing like shorts,
T-shirts, Track-pants, Sweat-shirts, etc. are recommended.
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Comfortable walking/trekking shoes and
slippers for lounging at camp and near water areas.
-
Accessories like Torches (mandatory),
caps, binoculars, etc. are recommended.
If you prefer to carry your own sleeping
bag, you may, although we provide the same at the camps.
If you are traveling by train
(non AC):
During Grade A and B seasons carry
a warm blanket/quilt/cover for the train journey. During Grade C and D
seasons just a light cover is enough. An effective mosquito repellent cream
is highly recommended for the train journey during this period. Mineral
water can also be carried.
If you are driving down
follow
the graphic map given to you and remember to fill up your tank at Solan.
Getting There
By train – Kalka the nearest railhead
is about 90 Km from Rajgarh and is well connected by a host of trains from
Delhi.
The Howrah Kalka Mail departs
daily at 2250 Hrs and arrives Kalka at 0500 Hrs. On the way back leaves
Kalka at 2345 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 0625 Hrs.
The Kalka Shatabdi leaves
Delhi at 1715 Hrs to reach Kalka at 2115 Hrs. On the way back leaves Kalka
at 0600 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 1000 Hrs.
The New Delhi Kalka Himalayan
Queen Express leaves Delhi at 0600 Hrs and arrives Kalka at 1120 Hrs.
(The Best option to use fits best in to any itinerary) On the way back
leaves Kalka at 1650 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 2210 Hrs. From Kalka the
camp is 3 hours by road.
The Chandigarh Shatabdi Leaves Delhi
at 0740 Hrs to Reach Chandigarh at 1050 Hrs from here the camp is 4 Hrs
by road.
The nearest Airport Chandigarh is
well connected on the domestic circuit.
By Road the camp is approximately
345 km from the zero milestone in Delhi. It is an ideal 9 Hours Drive with
a half an hour of midway break included. Most of the way up to Kalka one
is on a pretty fast highway and one makes good time as well. The drive
in the hills starts from Kalka to Solan (42 KM) and thereon to Rajgarh
(35 KM).
Camping
Infrastructure - We have occupancy for 30 people on double share in
fifteen 10 feet by 10 feet area, 8 feet center height and 6 feet wall height,
customised design tents, with front zipped entrance, which have two beds with mattresses and sleeping bags.
Toilets
at the camp are in
a central compound. There are five WC Toilets with bathing space with running
water. Hot water is made available through Hamams on request.
Drinking water
at the camp
is sourced from a natural water spring with in the camp area. The spring
is a perennial one (as good as mineral water) and remains flowing even
in the most dry of all months. Adequate supply of bottled drinking water
is also maintained at the camp.
The camp kitchen
takes care
of the meals in a buffet arrangement with a large spread. The kitchen can
comfortably handle up to 50 pax for any meal even at two hours notice.
All non perishables are stocked at the camp and the market area being only
five-km away things can be arranged even at short notices. Chinese and
continental food is also served at the camp with prior information and
request apart from the Indian Food, which is much favoured by people.
Food and drinks:
The camps
provide you with clean, basic, wholesome and delicious food. If you require
any special or rare foodstuffs, kindly carry the same with you from Delhi.
We do not provide alcoholic beverages on our trips but you are welcome
to bring your own. At any given point of time alcohol consumption is not
the focus of our trips. Anyhow alcohol is both far more expensive and limited
in variety in these areas.
Activities and the staff
conducting
them – All activity instructors are professionally equipped with the knowledge
they impart to the guests. Rock climbers are from Climbing Schools in Nainital
and some of our freelance instructors are also NIM graduates and have also
scaled a peak or two. Most of our staff belongs to the mountains and knows
the mountains well. Local staff is always hired at any campsite to become
a part of the local economy somehow.
Bonfires
are held everyday.
Medical Emergency
– A doctor
stays 300 feet away from the camp area. And any other doctor is available
on call from Rajgarh, which is only 5 km away. Rajgarh also has a small
government hospital if the need may arise. The camp always has complete
first aid available.
Communication
– The camp has
a STD-ISD enabled phone to help us remain to the world (Number Available
on request but only for emergency use).
Camp Transportation
– A camp
Vehicle is generally available at the camp for small time transportation
needs around the area.
We believe camping is a wonderful
concept to enjoy nature and tourism with minimal impact on the environment.
As such we outright promote the idea of camping in innovative designs to
most of our clients. And yes we ask everyone to follow the greatest rule
of the outdoors "take nothing but photographs leave nothing but footprints".
Environment :
Our camps are
situated in untouched and picturesque surroundings with an abundance of
plant and wildlife. Our itineraries and activities are aimed at giving
you a fun filled experience while being in close contact with nature. Hence
we seek your help at maintaining the beauty and ecological balance of the
place and therefore keep the following in mind before leaving.
Carry minimum or no non-degradable
material (plastic bags.. etc.) to be discarded at the campsites. If the
same are carried kindly bring them back with you.
Music systems are not allowed at
the campsites. Walkmans are welcome.
The local hill people are simple
and sensitive to tourist activities. We request you to treat them with
respect and without any discrimination.
Activities
at Camp BodhiSatva
Hiking – The area presents
endless avenues for the hiking enthusiasts. From a two-hour hike in the
surrounding area to a full day Hike to the imposing Churadhar peak (12000-ft)
the options are enough to keep you occupied for a month.
Rock
Climbing & Rappelling – Learn the basics of rock climbing on the
flat rock face near the camp. Things you can learn include three point
climbing techniques, holds and grips and energy reservoir maintenance and
preservation. On the subtle end you will also realise the importance of
planning, co-ordination, patience, listening and motivational values for
your team-mates. You will also learn the act of rappelling i.e. descending
on the rock face you just climbed but no hold or grips just the rope and
you and your knees and feet (for a group of Min 8 pax Charges Rs. 150.00
per person)
River Crossing
– You also
learn the act of river crossing over the base tied across the stream near
the camp.
Splash Swimming
– The presence
of two perennial stream around the camp present good opportunities for
day picnics around small pools up in the valley hidden from the whatsoever
little population that exists in the area.
Fishing and Angling
– A small trip to Giri Pul on the Giri River a famous spot for fishing
can be very rewarding. Of course your own gear is essential.
Bird Watching
– The residents
of this area agree that the bird population in the area is a very healthy
one. From the Himalayan Magpies to Mainas or even the woodpeckers for the
avid bird watcher we suggest you pack your lunch before you move away from
the camp for indulging in your favourite past time
Visit to the Waterfall
– Hidden
in to the valley is a beautiful waterfall that can give you a good massage
if you just stand under it for a few minutes. A good spot to party around
and have fun lazing around in the water.
Kite Flying
– The location
of the camp makes it a near perfect place to walk over to any mountain
top and get in the act of flying kites. So go ahead let it go.
Recreation
– We have a small
make shift badminton court, carom, dart, badminton, chess, daily bonfires,
to keep you occupied at any time. In Planning are things like Machaans,
Monkey swings, Rope swings, Rope ladders, Tarzan Swings etc..
The Sunrise (Set) Trek
- Early
morning one can set out to the nearest mountain top area to watch the sunrise
on the distant graded Himalayan Mountains. Watching the sunset, which can
be seen from many locations, from Rajgarh Mountain tops is a treat to the
eyes. Make sure you have your camera ready before you dissolve in the plethora
of colors all around you.
But the best of it all if we may
suggest is to do nothing.
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