Location:
This place is located at about 1.5 hrs drive from Mumbai. Its just 4 Km away from Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Panvel. Its preferred if you go by your car, but incase if you don’t want to then you can also commute by Train. All you have to do is to travel to Panvel by a local train (Harbour Line). Once you step out from the station you will find lot of auto rickshaws who will drop you at location. You have ask for Kalhe Gaon and set “The Big Red Tent, Karnala” on GPS or ask “Zaki farms” for guidance once you reach Kalhe Gaon. They charge approx. Rs. 250. On your way to the site you can take the number of the driver and convince him to pick you next day.
Cost: Approx. Rs. 4500/- for two Persons. You can use our reference for getting 10% discount.
About the Place:
Big Red teant, Karnala is a lush greener and manicured location flanked by palm trees. The lush green lawn surrounded by Palm trees is just perfect for kids. Kids along with family can have a good time playing cricket, football, etc. They do have activities like trekking, star gazing, bonfire, boating, kayaking lined up for the campers. This camping site turns out to be a silent camping site in the night so that you can spend good time with your family and friends.
According to season their food menu changes, for Summer they have come up with fresh fruit season where in they serve fresh fruits, mocktails and fruit infused water to restore energy levels.
Our Experience:
We reached around 4.30 pm. We were greeted by Mr. Zaid who hosts the camping experience at Big red tent, Karnala. We were quickly offered mocktails and guided us towards our tent. We were soon engrossed sitting there on the greenlawn, relaxing & enjoying the beauty of the place. Refreshments like tea, coffee, biscuits, fresh fruits ( muskmelon, watermelon, oranges & grapes) , fresh fruit infused water was served. We took a walk around the camping area for quite sometime and figured out that they are coming up with bamboo machan, tree house machans which were under construction. We just can’t wait to visit that place again to experience the luxurious camping experience with the new houses.
Later along with fellow camping people we played football, frisbees, jenga etc.It was fun to play along with small kids. We literally forgot about all the stress we had. We also went for night trek post which we had dinner. It was amazing experience to do a night trek. It was for around 20-30mins. Stars shining brightly in the dark sky was a sight to look for. We recommend you to download SKY NIGHT APP through which you can see the galaxy. We saw hunters sign in sky & planet mars through that app. The time we went back dinner was almost ready. We started with barbeque. They also made Jain food. So all those who are Jain you need not worry. They had potato, onion, babycorn, bell pepper, Cottage cheese, tomatoes & mushrooms for barbeque. It was truly delicious with no food colors added to the barbeque & served along with delicious chutney. After that we had Simple, basic daal rice which was just delicious. Their food was worth visiting for. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. (Alcohol is not served there, but you can carry for yourself). After that there was a bonfire. We wished we had a guitarist amongst us to enjoy the bonfire. Then you retire to bed in your tent. Usually two people are there in each tent.The best part about the camping was that there was not a single mosquito to trouble you, which came as a surprise to us.
Next day morning we woke up by 7.30 am. The lawn was totally wet due to dew drops. It was so relaxing to walk on the green lawn. Breakfast was served at 8.30 which consist of bread butter, bread jam, poha (also in Jain), Marie & Parle g biscuits, tea & coffee. We took maggi from our home & requested them to make for us which they did. Overall the breakfast was really good. After that one can go for kayaking & boating which is just 10mins away from the camping ground. ( You have to pay for it as it is not included in the package). You can also visit Karnala bird sanctuary early in the morning. (Do not go after 10pm).We left our camping around 11pm with lovely memories to cherish forever.
Pros-1. Lovely place for camping on green lawn.2. Food served is really good.3. Amazing hospitality.4. No mosquitoes.
Cons-1. Camping besides a lake, that feeling was missing, but you do get a wonderful green lush lawn to enjoy. 2. No Guitarist & live music.3. Should include more activity.
His and Her Cravings 