Recommended for age group: 10-14 years
Uncovering Pune’s hidden wilderness, one habitat at a time.
Did you know that some of India’s most iconic wildlife is thriving right in our own backyard? You don’t need to travel across the country for a safari—this summer, young explorers can discover the wild side of Pune itself.
Bhigwan Wildlife Explorer Camp is a specially curated 3-day journey for kids aged 10 to 14. Just a short drive from the city, participants will step into a world of diverse habitats—from the shimmering backwaters of Bhigwan to the golden grasslands of Rehekuri and the scrubland of Mayureshwar. This camp is a hands-on adventure where children will spot Chinkaras, Blackbucks, and even the elusive Indian Wolf, all while learning why these local ecosystems are so precious.
It’s the perfect way to spend the summer: exploring, learning, and realising just how much nature there is to protect, right here at home.
Know your Applicable Camp Fees :
| Booking Type | Camp Fee per participant |
|---|---|
| Early Bird + Group : Book 70+ days in advance • Group of 10 or more | ₹15,500* |
| Early Bird (Individual): Book 70+ days in advance • Less than 10 participants | ₹16,500* |
| Large Group only, Less than 70 days • Group of 10 or more | ₹16,500* |
| Regular Booking (Individual): Less than 70 days • Individual booking | ₹17,500* |
*5% GST is applicable.
Know Before You Book: What to Expect
Before you hit that 'Book Now' button, here is a quick rundown to ensure this camp is the right fit for your child:
- This is an educational nature camp focused on learning and hands-on experiences, not a typical sightseeing holiday.
- The program prioritises active exploration and discovery. It is designed for curious minds who want to dive deep into nature.
- Stay is in a home stay setup. While the rooms are Air-Conditioned (AC) for comfort, the arrangement is simple and focused on group bonding.
- Food will be basic, healthy, and local, keeping participants energised for their field activities.
- Facilities are functional and clean, but not on par with those at resort. We embrace a "back-to-basics" approach to stay connected with the outdoors.
- The camp involves early starts for safaris and evening trails, requiring a spirit of adventure and a willingness to follow camp routines.
Highlights of the Trip:
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The Wilderness Next Door: Explore Scrublands (Mayureshwar), Grasslands (Rehekuri) and Wetlands (Bhigwan), just a few hours from Pune.
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Signature Species: Look out for Chinkaras, Blackbucks, Wolves, Foxes, Jackals and rich wetland birdlife.
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Wetland Safaris: Morning and evening boat safaris on the Ujjani backwaters to observe a multitude of migratory and resident birds.
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Grassland Safaris & Night Trail: Evening grassland safari with chances to spot predators like Striped Hyena, Indian Wolf, Fox and Jungle Cat, followed by a guided night walk to experience nocturnal sounds and activity.
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Guided by Naturalists: Led by Foliage Outdoors’ experienced naturalists who make local wildlife and habitats come alive for children.
What Participants Will Learn
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Backyard Biodiversity: How much wildlife and habitat diversity exists close to Pune, and why conservation of these areas matters.
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Habitat Basics: Differences between scrubland, grassland and wetland habitats and the biodiversity each one supports.
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Wildlife Observation: How to use all our senses to patiently observe, identify birds and mammals, and notice animal signs in the field.
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Conservation Awareness: Why grasslands and wetlands are under pressure, and how protected areas help species like the Blackbuck and Indian Wolf.
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Life Skills: Teamwork, following camp routines, managing their own belongings, and building confidence away from home.
Day 1: Pune – Mayureshwar – Bhigwan
Report at the Foliage Outdoors office on Karve Road and depart from Pune in the morning. On this day, participants will learn about Scrubland Ecology, including how flora and fauna adapt to harsh, arid environments. The highlight is observing the Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) and learning about its unique survival strategies. Proceed to Bhigwan for campsite check-in and an ice-breaking session. After checking into our Bhigwan campsite and an ice-breaking session, we transition to Wetland Biology with an evening boat safari on the Ujjani backwaters. Participants will observe the specialised adaptations of wetland birds and the importance of these water bodies for migratory species. Overnight stay at Bhigwan.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks & Dinner)
Day 2: Rehekuri & Grassland Safaris – Bhigwan
We start early with a visit to Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary, a vital grassland ecosystem. Participants will observe the Indian Blackbuck and learn about the delicate interconnections within this “open” landscape, often misunderstood as wasteland, but in fact a biodiversity hotspot. After returning to Bhigwan for lunch and a wildlife film screening, the afternoon features a guided birding walk. Led by our naturalist, participants will visit vantage points to scan for open-country species such as Harriers, Buntings, and Desert Wheatears, and learn about avian migration and habitat preferences. As dusk falls, we head out for a guided night safari to study Nocturnal Adaptations, tracking the sounds and signs of predators such as Wolves, Foxes, and Jackals. Overnight at Bhigwan.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks & Dinner)
Day 3: Morning Boat Safari & Return to Pune
Begin the day with a morning boat safari at Bhigwan. This is the best time to witness birds feeding, nesting, and interacting in their natural habitat. After breakfast, we have a Reflection session in which participants discuss their observations and the conservation challenges facing these local habitats. This session helps solidify their understanding of why protecting our "backyard biodiversity" is crucial. We depart for Pune, arriving back at the Foliage Outdoors office by 4:00 PM with a newfound appreciation for the wild landscapes surrounding our city.
(Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
What is included in the tour
- Travel by private chartered AC coach.
- 2 Nights stay at Stay in a homestay on a multiple-sharing basis.
(Separate accommodation is provided for boys and girls.) - All meals are as per the itinerary.
- Entry fees wherever applicable.
- Boat Safari charges for Bhigwan.
- Grassland Safari Charges.
- Services of Foliage Outdoors trained camp leader(s) equipped with First aid and knowledge of the region.
- Travel Insurance for every participant.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Mineral water / cold drinks during the journey or at the campsite.
(The campsite serves Filtered Water for the entire duration of the stay) - Personal expenditure of any kind.
- Medical Expenses incurred if any.
- Any other charges not mentioned in Charges Include section.
- Camera Charges
- Expenses that are incurred due to reasons beyond the control of the organizers.
- Goods and Services Tax.
