A tryst with nature

A campsite near Bangalore offers an ideal getaway for nature lovers

On the road to Kanakpura (about 70 kilometres from Bangalore), lies the ideal getaway for Bangaloreans harried from jostling with the crowds and traffic during the week. Basic Halli, as it is called, is located at Lakhanigam Farms, next to a tiny village called Kadavekere Doddi. Located at the foot of the Bilkal Rangaswamy Hill, it’s actually an open-air camping site in the hills. If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, this is not for you. But if you’re looking for a proper camp experience, complete with living in a tent, then this is the place to go.

Started by four friends — Lionel Prem Lobo, Srinidhi Raghavendra, Anand Sankar and Sandeep Komarl, Basic Halli runs on the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) philosophy. The camp site is located next to a bamboo forest, which offers excellent trekking trails.

It has eleven bamboo-and-thatch huts which are minimalistic yet offer spacious room for two. There’s no furniture inside the huts; guests are provided with a mat, pillow, bedspread and a blanket. In the middle of the campsite, there is a 500 sq ft hammock where you can lie and gaze at the stars for hours.

Basic Halli offers several activities such as cycling, short treks, bird watching and, for the summer season, there are plans to arrange for bamboo rafting in a nearby lake. “We take people through the 40 km around the site on bicycles,” says Sankar. The aim is to give guests a memorable experience of living in a camp, he adds. So no room service, no television, no air-conditioning or any such modern amenities.

It’s been eight months, since the property was launched and Sankar says that they see about 50 per cent occupancy. The guests at Basic Halli include people looking for a quiet getaway that is close to nature. Sankar says that they have also done corporate outings and school camps.

Cycling around here is a great experience thanks to the cool climate in these parts all year round. There are rolling hills, forest land and open spaces to explore. As for bird-watching, 80 species of birds have been spotted in and around the campsite. At times, elephants, deer and even bears saunter around the campsite.

Trekking trails are customised according to the kind of experience you are looking for. You could opt for an hour-long treks or, if you are up to it, spend an entire day trekking around nearby areas. The costs vary according to the trek of your fancy.

The tariff at Basic Halli depends on the package you choose. Weekends are priced a little higher at Rs 1,500 a night, while during the week, it is Rs 1,200. The price of the treks depends on the number of people going and the distance one walks. Cycles can be hired for an entire day for Rs 50 while other activities such as birdwatching are free of cost. All meals are included in the cost and the food is simple, based on the local cuisine.

So if you want to head away from the city and get a feel of nature while living in a campsite, Basic Halli is an option worth exploring.

(For more details visit www.basic-halli.in or email: goto.basichalli@gmail.com)