Stargazing Camping at Bhandardara with Boating

Day 1: Saturday – Mumbai to Bhandardara

AC Bus Pickup Points & Timings

Our journey to Bhandardara begins from Mumbai with multiple convenient pickup points.

• 10:00 AM – SGNP, Borivali
• 10:10 AM – Samta Nagar, Kandivali
• 10:20 AM – Oberoi Mall, Goregaon
• 10:25 AM – Gundavali, Andheri
• 10:30 AM – Andheri Hanuman Road Bus Stop
• 10:45 AM – Kalanagar, Bandra
• 11:10 AM – Amar Mahal, Chembur
• 11:20 AM – Nalanda, Ghatkopar
• 11:40 AM – Bhandup Pumping Station
• 12:00 PM – Teen Hath Naka, Thane
• 12:40 PM – Kalyan–Bhiwandi Bypass

Afternoon | Lunch Break During the Journey

Enjoy a lunch break at a roadside dhaba. Lunch is self-sponsored and not included in the package.

• 05:00 PM | Arrival at the Campsite

Reach the Bhandardara campsite, settle into your tents and freshen up. Enjoy evening snacks while taking in the peaceful natural surroundings.

• 06:00 PM | Sunset Views & Boating on Arthur Lake

Relax by the beautiful lakeside and enjoy a boating experience on Arthur Lake, surrounded by the scenic Sahyadri mountains. Capture the sunset and enjoy the calm atmosphere away from the busy city.

• 07:00 PM | Music, Games & Group Activities

Spend quality time with fellow travellers through music, games and fun group activities at the campsite.

• 10:00 PM | Dinner at the Campsite

Enjoy a hearty dinner with vegetarian, non-vegetarian and Jain meal options.

• 11:00 PM | Relax Under the Night Sky

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and get ready for the highlight of the trip — the guided stargazing session with an expert astronomer.

• 12:00 AM | Stargazing & Telescope Observation

Explore the night sky with telescope viewing and learn about constellations from an expert astronomer. Discover celestial objects visible during the session, depending on cloud cover, moonlight and weather conditions.

Day 2: Sunday – Sandhan Valley Trek

• 07:00 AM – Wake-Up Call, Breakfast & Tea

Wake up to the refreshing surroundings of Bhandardara and enjoy a delicious breakfast of kanda poha and tea at the campsite.

• 08:00 AM – Trek to Sandhan Valley (Valley of Shadows)

Get ready for a short trekking adventure to the spectacular Sandhan Valley, popularly known as the Valley of Shadows. Explore its dramatic rocky landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sahyadri mountains.

• 12:00 PM – Return to the Base Village

Return from the trek, freshen up and get ready for the journey back to Mumbai.

• 12:30 PM – Departure for Mumbai

Board the AC bus and begin your return journey.

• 2:30 PM – Lunch Break

Stop at a Igatpuri Food court for lunch. Meals during the return journey are self-sponsored.

• Around 8:00 PM – Arrival in Mumbai

Reach Mumbai with wonderful memories of a weekend filled with stargazing, lakeside camping, boating and trekking.

Note: All timings are tentative and may change depending on weather, traffic and local conditions. Stargazing visibility depends on the weather and sky conditions.

What's Included in the Package?

• Private AC bus transportation from Mumbai to Mumbai (transport package only)
• Overnight tent accommodation on a twin/triple-sharing basis
• Guided stargazing session with an expert astronomer
• Telescope viewing and constellation identification
• Boating experience on Arthur Lake, Bhandardara
• Evening snacks at the campsite
• Dinner with vegetarian, non-vegetarian and Jain meal options
• Breakfast consisting of kanda poha and tea
• Short trek to Sandhan Valley (Valley of Shadows)

What's Not Included?

• Lunch during the onward and return journeys
• Personal expenses
• Transportation for the direct-reporting package
• Personal travel insurance
• Any expenses not specifically mentioned in the inclusions

Important Booking Information

• Prices are per person.
• Tent accommodation is provided on a twin/triple-sharing basis.
• Participants travelling in odd-numbered groups may be accommodated in a triple-sharing tent.
• Stargazing visibility depends on weather and sky conditions.
• Boating and trekking activities are subject to weather, safety requirements.
• Please confirm seat availability and final departure details with Sahyadri Rangers before making payment.

How to Register:

Step -1: - Send your money to the following account ---

√ Payment details:

NOTE:

1. While online transfer, please provide your name in the notes section.
2. Once payment is done, please send an email to [email protected] with transaction id, name, and Mobile No.

You can make payments using any of the following modes

• UPI – 7666606704@UPI
• Google Pay – 7666606704
• PhonePay - 7666606704

NEFT – Deposit the Amount into the Following Account:

• Name: SAHYADRI RANGERS TREKS AND TOURS
• A/c type: Current account
• Bank: Yes Bank
• Branch: Goregaon
• A/C no.: 100263400000762
• IFSC: YESB 000 1002

Step-2: After payment, you will be requested to fill up the Mandatory disclaimer form online where you have to fill in relevant details including full address.

Step -3: Now your participation is confirmed & Organizer will create a WhatsApp group on the day of the event for coordination, We will coordinate through SMS/ Call if the participant is not available in WhatsApp.

For Details/Bookings Drop Whatsapp: +91 7666606704 / 7021945522

Things to Carry :

• Extra pair of clothes
• Towel and personal toiletries
• Personal medication, if required
• Refillable water bottle
• Warm clothing such as a sweater or jacket
• Comfortable trekking shoes or sports shoes
• Camera or musical instrument (optional)

Fitness & Health:

Though trekking is a fun-filled activity, it demands a good amount of physical fitness. If you are under medication, please carry your medicines. During the trek, leaders will have over the counter medication for temporary treatment, so do give a heads up to them if you need any medical assistance.

Cancellation Policy:

• 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
• 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
• No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
• Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
• Event Tickets can be transferred to another person against cancellation.

SAHYADRI RANGERS POLICIES :

• Seats will be reserved only after full payment.
• A detailed schedule of the trek will be given later to registered participants on the WhatsApp group.
• Organizers have all the right to modify or change the schedule if required.
• Organizers hold the right to cancel any event and refund with prior notice.

FAQ :

1. Where can I go stargazing near Mumbai?

• Bhandardara is a scenic option for a stargazing weekend near Mumbai. This package combines a guided telescope session with lakeside camping, boating and a short trek.

2. Is this a stargazing camping trip from Mumbai?

• Yes. The ₹2,699 package includes AC bus transportation from Mumbai to Bhandardara and back, along with the activities and meals specified in the inclusions.

3. Will we get to see stars through a telescope?

• The session includes telescope viewing and guidance from an expert astronomer. Visibility depends on weather, cloud cover, moonlight and atmospheric conditions, so particular celestial objects cannot be guaranteed.

4. Is a professional astronomer included?

• Yes. The package includes a guided stargazing session with an expert astronomer who introduces participants to constellations and telescope observations.

5. Is boating included in the package?

• Yes. Boating on Arthur Lake is included, subject to weather conditions and local operating permissions.

6. Is accommodation included?

• Yes. Tent accommodation is included on a twin/triple-sharing basis. Participants in odd-numbered groups may need to share a triple-sharing tent.

7. Are washrooms available at the campsite?

• The event brochure lists four Western-style washrooms with shower facilities at the campsite.

8. What meals are included?

• Evening snacks, dinner and breakfast are included. Dinner options include vegetarian, non-vegetarian and Jain meals. Lunch during the road journey is self-sponsored.

9. Is the Sandhan Valley trek included?

• Yes. A short trek to Sandhan Valley, also called the Valley of Shadows, is included in the itinerary. The activity and route may be adjusted for safety or local conditions.

10. Can I join without the Mumbai bus?

• Yes. You can choose the direct-reporting package at ₹1,700 per person. Transportation to and from the campsite is your responsibility.

11. What should I wear for stargazing camping?

• Carry comfortable outdoor clothing, a warm jacket, trekking shoes and a torch. Nights can feel cooler than daytime, so warm layers are recommended.

12. How do I book my Bhandardara stargazing trip?

• Contact Sahyadri Rangers to confirm seat availability and the applicable departure details. Follow the booking instructions provided by the team and share your payment confirmation as requested.

Book your spot and experience a different kind of weekend getaway near Mumbai.

*** We recommend you to please take care while walking / climbing / Rafting / Trekking. Wearing any valuables, ornaments, jewelry, etc. is prohibited. Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events, you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner. We should strictly follow the code of conduct, to avoid troubling our fellow friends or other people from our group or outside.****