Camping planners Sumit Solanki and Bhushan More of Nomads says those are things completely taken care of by organisers.

While planning a short trip out of town, most of us would, predictably, choose a beach or a hill station. Very few would even consider camping an option. Even less so women-only groups, who are looking for a fun outing. But, Mumbai has some beautiful, little-explored campsites that are slowly picking up pace. And, when better than to head to the great outdoors than at the height of summer!

Camping trip organisers are now focusing on girl gang campers who may never have considered the outdoors over worries about safety and clean loos.

Camping planners Sumit Solanki and Bhushan More of Nomads says those are things completely taken care of by organisers. “What most people don’t know is that all campsites have excellent mobile toilets and the campsites are organically treated for insect trouble.”

Keenjal Patel, marketing manager at Big Red Tent, agrees, “Our camps are organised at privately owned spots where the loos are clean and hygienic.”

Maviya Khan, from Trek and Trips, who organises special camping trips for women, says, “Camping is all about adventure and we have women volunteers who are experts on the lay of the land and help make women campers feel safe.” Sumit agrees, saying, “Women volunteers at women-only campsites make a huge difference.”

Having organised camps for the past nine years, Keenjal says women-only trips help build confidence and camaraderie. “It teaches us to cope with the elements outdoors away from our comfort zone. We discover ourselves here.” She adds, “While a hotel is about comfort, camping is about adventure.”

While camp organisers assure that they will give campers a time to remember, they also have a word of caution. “Safety cannot only be the responsibility of the organisers. Campers, too, need to be aware that they cannot leave the camps unattended at night or go off anywhere on their own,” Sumit signs off.