Tashneem Ali
Hindustan Times; 2001

Are you the kind who love the great outdoors and absolutely believe in nature therapy? Well, you have a lot of choice in case you decide to reward yourself with a much deserved break and go off to the hills. Adventure sports, camping under the beautiful summer sky and gorging on delectable food is enough to tempt anyone and for those who wanna go camping. Help is at hand in the form of the Banjara Camps, owned by ex-Army Captain Ajay Sood and partner Rajesh Ojha. They have been in the business for eight years, seen it, done it - but their high standards remain the same. Elaborates Sood "Ours in an experience you won't easily forget because we are the best in the Luxury camp business. We have people who demand the best and we believe in delivering," he claims.

From the journey itself to the camps and then the action-packed schedule, which provides one with renewed vigour and energy, Banjara Camps has 4-14 day packages, depending on your preference. Says Ojha, "We have permanent camps in the Himalayan regions of Sangla, Tabo and Shoja, along with a mobile camp in Lahaul and we can customize tours for one single person also". The mountains are their lifeline which the two men behind Banjara Camps call their passion as well. You could reach the camps on your own or get a pick-up an on your arrival-a whole world of outdoor fun awaits you. Primarily summer camps, the season starts from March continuing up to October or even November. A host of both indoor and outdoor activities like trekking, river crossing with a rope, rope climbing, jungle walks, angling and jeep safari form part of the programme.

Say Ojha, "We also organize summer camps for school children in Shoja and Sangla which are providing to be quite popular". Luxurious accommodation facilities include a Swiss deluxe bedroom tent with plush furnishings, a huge dinning area with an elaborate buffet spread which changes everyday alternating between Chinese, Continental and Indian menus. "Our recreation tent is well equipped with video movies in case you want to relax after an action-packed day but there is absolutely no invasion of the satellite TV cult here!" says Ojha. The ambience, the delicious food and hospitality at the Banjara Camps are the reason you want to go back for more and as Sood says, "our USP is providing maximum comfort and maximum enjoyment."

So the next time you need a break away from the daily grind, and let your hair down, you know where to go!