I have always enjoyed being outdoors, going for short trips and hikes. I had never been on a proper camping trip, so during one vacation, I decided to plan one with my friends. Six of us carefully organized the trip and spent three days camping together. Our aim was to enjoy nature, share experiences and spend minimal money. We went cycling to a hillside called Sugar Loaf in Igatpuri.

The journey from Nashik to Igatpuri was challenging but exciting. We carried two tents that were easy to set up and each of us had a sleeping bag. Since the weather was warm, we packed two pairs of cotton trousers, two shirts and a pair of comfortable shorts each. We also had sports caps and a few essential kitchen utensils. Two large water containers, a small axe for chopping firewood and other essentials like rope, torch, matches and a knife were included. We also carried a map, binoculars and a camera. We planned to use water from nearby streams after boiling it.

We chose a campsite on high ground, slightly away from the lake. The area had sandy soil, perfect for pitching our tents. Using dry wood from the surroundings, we dug a small fire pit to boil water and cook meals. Rohan, one of our friends, was the main cook! We made sure to put out the fire whenever it was not needed.

We were careful with food, making sure not to leave it around to attract animals. At night, the fire kept us warm and safe. All our rubbish was collected in one large jute bag to be disposed of responsibly later.

Most of our days were spent walking around the hills. We did some birdwatching and photography. I enjoyed collecting interesting pebbles, slowly building a small collection. One of us would walk to the nearby town, about five kilometres away, to buy bread, milk and vegetables. We prepared tea, cooked our meals and at twilight, lit a campfire. After eating, we relaxed around the fire, singing songs, telling jokes, or sharing riddles. Three of us slept together in one tent.

Those three days were truly enjoyable. We shared a warm camaraderie, surrounded by calm and beautiful nature. The weather was pleasant and time seemed to fly by. When it was time to leave, we felt both happy and a little reluctant. This camping trip is a memory I will always cherish.