Tucked away in the wilderness of Mulshi on the edge of the Western Ghats, Gaia Ekole is a unique immersive forest campsite designed to reconnect you with nature. Offering comfort with spacious tents and beautiful bathrooms, Gaia Ekole remains rooted in values of sustainability, community, and spirituality. Powered by renewable energy, Gaia employs only local villagers for hospitality, farming, and afforestation.The grounds provide a nurturing space for conscious minds to ideate, collaborate, and co-create. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature, the campsite fosters introspection and dialogue, creating an ideal environment for shared wisdom and innovative practices. Spread over 52 acres, Gaia Ekole offers multiple venues for group activities and soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahyadri Mountains. Flanked by the mighty Ghangad Fort, the campsite is surrounded by historical monuments, including forts and Buddhist caves.With activities like forest bathing, mindfulness sessions, and nature treks, Gaia Ekole inspires deeper connections to the earth while supporting transformative experiences. It is open and welcoming to all individuals and communities that share its global values. The Setup: • 20 Tents (beds, floor rug, table, lamp, standing fan, plug points) • 10 Bathrooms (combined toilet and bathroom units, 24/7 solar-powered hot water) • Semi-covered dining space seating 40 people, with barbecue setup • Sleeping Buddha – 750 ft² sheltered terrace space (no walls) • Fig Grove – 2,500 ft² stone and mud plinth (finished with cow dung spread), punctuated by wild fig trees providing shade throughout the day Treks: • Ghangad Fort (2 hours) • Forest Throne (forest immersion) and Temple Run (30 minutes) • Fields of Gold and Kundalika Canyon (3 hours) During winter nights from November to March, we set up a single large bonfire on request.

Nestled near the serene Bhambarde village in Mulshi Taluka, just 35 km west of Pune, the neighbourhood around Gaia Ekole campsite captivates guests with its unspoiled wilderness and harmonious blend of adventure, history, and rustic charm. This pocket of the Sahyadri Mountains (also known as Western Ghats) feels like a living postcard—rolling emerald hills, misty valleys, and the gentle murmur of the Mula River weaving through it all. Guests rave about the profound sense of escape from urban chaos; one reviewer called it "a breath of fresh Sahyadri air, where the stars feel close enough to touch." The air is crisp, infused with wildflowers and earth, especially during monsoon (June-September), when everything bursts into vibrant green, or post-monsoon (October-December), perfect for clear-sky explorations. What truly wins hearts is the authentic rural vibe of Bhambarde and nearby hamlets—small, welcoming communities where locals share stories over chai, embodying the slow, soulful rhythm of village life. It's not just a stay; it's an immersion that leaves you recharged, with many returning for the "quiet magic" that fosters deep connections with nature and self. A top highlight? The easy access to Mulshi Lake and Dam, a mere 10-15 km drive away. This iconic landmark, built in 1924 on the Mula River, isn't just a engineering marvel (50m high, powering Mumbai's lights via hydroelectricity)—it's a playground for serenity. Guests adore picnicking on its shores, where the reservoir mirrors the sky like glass, or renting rowboats for lazy drifts amid blooming lotuses. Birdwatchers flock here for over 100 species, from kingfishers to egrets, while families love the grassy banks for impromptu games. "The dam's views at sunset are pure poetry," shares a frequent visitor. For thrill-seekers, the adjacent Tamhini Ghat (20 km) delivers jaw-dropping drives: a 33 km serpentine road flanked by thundering waterfalls (like Andharban's cascades in rains) and dense forests. It's a mo