Getaway Jungle Camp – It’s a bliss, what else
General Info : Located in Uttrakhand , 7 tal is a group of seven lakes which is close to Nainital, the mother of all tals (lakes). It’s usually a picnic spot where folks come to have kadi-chawal and a round of boating. Beyond the lake is the jungle and once you cross the lake over boat, you move towards this lovely camp called ‘Getaway Jungle Camp’. You climb a few notches and as you stroll down towards the valley, the camp gradually unfolds, a step at a time.
Getaway Jungle Camp is in a small valley which is not accessible via motorable road, in fact any road. The only way to get in is by trekking. Set amid poplar trees, this bunch of tents overlooks hills and a large flat playground. There is a dining area, a big designated for an outdoor bon-fire, lots of forest warmth and clean fresh air. What else you will ever need. There is no electricity, no cell signals (except BSNL which sort of reaches almost every where), no DJ-powered music systems and no disco lights, so if you are looking for a vacation which you only want to share with your family and friends, getaway jungle camp is the place to be in. In fact you will hardly notice any locals there since it’s a little away from the populace.
I have been there many times, at least more than 10 and every time has been equally memorable. And probably that’s the motivation behind dedicating a blog to 7tal.
How to Reach
Train : Nearest railhead is Kathgodam. More info at http://indianrailways.gov.in/ and you can book tickets at http://www.irctc.co.in
Kolkata Connection : Train No – 3019. Daily. Takes a long time to reach. Via Asansol, Barauni, Chhapra, Gonda.
Delhi Connection: Train No – 5013. Ranikhet Express. Daily. Overnight. Via Moradabad.
Delhi Connection: Train No – 5035. Sampark Kranti. Daily. Starts at 1605 and reaches at 2235 hrs. Fastest. They can arrange for pick-up service, it’s a 45-60 minute hilly drive from Kathgodam.
Pantnagar which is about 70 KMs away is nearest airport. Jagson airlines flies and I think Air Deccan is coming soon.
Road – Most common way to reach.
From Delhi – Get on to NH24 – Ghaziabad, Hapur, Moradabad, Rampur, Haldwani, Bhimtal, Saat Taal. From anywhere else, the trick is to reach Rampur or Moradabad and then get on to road which goes towards Nainital. I have driven numerous times from Delhi so I will add a special section in the end specifically on ‘Delhi to 7tal on wheels’, later.
You can do many activities at the camp like
– Put a harness in the waist-loop, get a rope going through the harness to a hook/anchor on top of hill and you climb down by controlling the release of rope. This link has a fairly explained text on this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rappelling
River crossing – There is a small stream which is usually dry but has water during rainy season. This small stream is flanked by rocks so you put up two anchors on the both sides, stretch a rope and then using a harness you can slide down. It’s not very difficult to pull yourself as long as you master the art of remaining flat, which means at 180 degrees.
Obstacle Course – Run, slide through a drench, jump over hurdles, Tarzan swing etc.
Trekking – There is a good trek which goes up to a village and then to a hilly terrace. It’s not very rough or a long one and any one can do that. Once you reach top you get to have an aerial view of the camp.
Games – Volleyball, Badminton, Cricket, Football and then anything.
Swimming – 7tal with life jackets. Those who really want to do it well should go to Garur tal.
Cycling – Camp can organize a cycle tour. You go up in jeeps and then peddle down the slope.
Tents – It’s a large area and it’s not too much of work to put up a new tent. But typically the camp can accommodate 60-80 people on twin sharing basis. If it’s a school group then it can be 100+ easily.
Food – Wholesome, well cooked, homely food – mostly north Indian with some Kumaoni dishes as well. Barbeques etc on request.
Close-by places for a day trip can be Naukuchiyatal, Nainital
Contacts : Manav Joseph at 98104 40150 or manav_joseph@hotmail.com
If you are planning a visit then, Things to Bring list will look like this
Good walking shoes – sneakers (one pair) or flat soled shoes with a good grip. Flat sandals for ladies. Slippers/floaters.
Clothing – casual cotton clothes and woolens are required.
Raincoats, umbrellas or any sort of rain gear with appropriate footwear.(for rainy season)
Cap/head-gear.
TORCHES are mandatory (the camp does not have electricity) with spare batteries.
Personal medication – please carry prescribed medicines. People suffering from any cardiac/breathing problems should inform the camp in charge on arrival/ Delhi office at the time of booking.
Shoulder bags or easy to carry bags are to be used to carry the stuff. NO SUITCASES.
Sun screen lotion if one is allergic to sun.( for summers)
Personal toilet articles and towels.
Cameras with batteries and film rolls.
Articles of personal nature like cigarettes etc.
Swimming trunks and shorts.