Camping beneath the stars

She had a wonderful, cushy job with a PR agency. And then, one fine day, just like that, she gave it all up and started Camp Expeditions, to put up tents, row a boat, barbecue yummy food, light a campfire and play camp games, all to keep urban-tired people inspired by Nature.

So, what does Prabha Vikram actually do? She runs a campsite on a quiet river bank, nestled in the ghats of Maharashtra, near Lonavala. “I have always loved Nature,” starts Prabha, as she walks me through the scenic view of the mountains and the gurgling river. “Travelling, mountaineering, camping, rappelling and trekking were my passion. I would always take breaks from my hectic work to immerse myself in these things, and would also help a friend in camping and treks. One Sunday, I was waddling on a small raft on this very river, dreaming of a life beneath the blue skies, when the shrill of the phone jolted me awake! It was a client, asking me for a PR plan. Not just that, I spent the rest of the afternoon, on that very raft, switching from one call to another to put a PR plan in place for a newly launched product,” she recollects.

Prabha was aghast that she wasn’t doing what she loved most — being in the lap of Nature! “There and then, I asked my friend, Rahool Samel, if he is game to start a campsite venture with me. He agreed. Next, I phoned my husband to ask if I can quit my corporate job and do something that will keep me enthusiastic. He said yes instantly,” she beams.

The duo soon began scouting for a perfect campsite and things fell into place gradually. The site that now attracts all genre of people, was a shoddy patch of rocks by the river, badly maintained and made dirty by random picnickers and villagers. Prabha and her partner, Rahool, spoke to the owner, took the land on lease, cleaned up the site all on their own and levelled up the place to put up comfortable tents. Today, Camp Expeditions boasts of world class tent with mobile charging points, fabulous terrain, and clean and neat toilets. Being pet lovers, Prabha and Rahool invite pets with open arms and pour their loving care on them while their masters enjoy a swim!

“Being a woman, I understand what’s good and safe for a family.  In fact, I get my own son here,” explains Prabha, as she talks about the safety, cosy tents, and of course, the yum food that Rahool rustles up for their guests. The camps are normally as per requests. Yes, all you need to do is call them or send them an FB message and say when you want to visit — everything will be ready for the mind-blowing camp by the river.

As with any such venture, there are obstacles galore. “We have no manpower, that’s always a challenge,” says Prabha, adding, “Also, people want to have fun, but are never ready to pay. So we keep our rates very low. When I watch a family enjoy themselves, I feel extremely satisfied. That’s compensation enough,” she smiles.

It isn’t often that we come across someone who throws away luxuries to rough it out amidst nature. Prabha’s enthusiasm is infectious, even as she doles out a very important advice to youngsters, “Follow your passion. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t make enough money — you’ll survive well, if you grab the opportunity to follow your calling!”