VAGABOND’S PYJAMA PARTY IS BACK!

Somehow, 2024 went really slow and really fast at the same time! Either way, we’re ready to start thinking about 2025. We’re gonna keep it simple, let nature do most of the work while we create a relaxed space for you to enjoy it. All you have to do is put on your best pyjamas, and head on over to Lake Arthur, Bhandardara!

We’re gonna bring in the new year just the way we like it—in the great outdoors, surrounded by people we love and some beautiful live music and fun mini-games to help us take a real break.

Even if you have never been camping before or you want to join this scene like Hans (solo), our Experience Managers will always be around to make sure you are comfortable.

Venue: Lake Arthur, Bhandardara (Maharashtra)

Check-in: 3:00 pm | Saturday, 28th December 2024

Check out: 10:00 am | Sunday, 29th December 2024

Itinerary

Day 1 | Saturday, 28th December, 2024

3:00 pm: Arrive at the boating dock at Bhandardara between 3-5 pm. If you are joining us on the private bus, we will be leaving Bombay between 10-11 am, depending on your pickup point (More deets on this below). We board the boats that will bring you to the campsite in groups.

4:00 pm: Once you arrive at the gorgeous campsite, you will be allotted your tent. When you’ve gotten comfortable, and had your chai-naashta, you can spend the rest of the evening swimming or chilling by the lake and catching a breathtaking sunset.

7:00 pm: After your swim, get ready to play a whole bunch of foolish but exciting games with the Vagabond EMs. I mean, you can also just sit and chill, but here’s the thing, every game you play brings you guaranteed prizes, and some of those prizes are straight-up irresistible!

9:00 pm: After all the shenanigans, we’re ready for the best part of the night—the music! We grab our delicious appetisers and gather around the stage for some live music. Trust us, this music WILL make you get up and dance. Soak in the vibes till we’re ready for dinner.

11:00 pm: As a rightful buildup to the new year, and sticking to our theme, we’ll get ready for the ‘Pyjama Party Catwalk’. Don your best pyjama and walk the ramp. Loudest cheers win the biggest prize!

12:00 am: At the stroke of midnight, as is tradition, we will burn the old man and say our final goodbyes to 2024.

Since it’s gonna be freezing by the lakeside, we will continue chilling into the night around a campfire. With some roasted marshmallows, great company, and the sounds of music; this might just be the best way to spend the first few hours of the year.

Day 2 | Sunday, 29th December, 2024

5:30 am: Wake-up call. Haha, gotcha. JK. Please go back to sleep.

9:00 am: Wake up and get yourself some hearty breakfast. Soak in the beauty of the place one last time, and board the boats, one group at a time, back to the dock.

11:00 am: We board our vehicles and go home, ready to take on whatever 2025 has to throw at us (hopefully).

What You Get

Transport

We will be traveling from Bombay to Bhandardara and back in an AC bus (limited seats available)

Pick-ups in Bombay will begin from Chakala Metro (9:15 a.m.) with added pickups from Hiranandani Powai (9:45 a.m.) and Cadbury Thane (10:15 a.m.).

We will check out from our campsite around 11 a.m. the next day and head back to Bombay.

During both journeys, the bus will make lunch (not included) stops en route.

We will reach out to you via WhatsApp to coordinate your pick-ups closer to the event.

Accommodation

Stay will be in portable camping tents on a double-sharing basis

A foam mat, pillow, and blankets will be provided

Meals

High Tea: Pakoda/Bhajiya, Tea, Coffee

Appetizers: Veg and Non-Veg Starters

Dinner: Jeera Rice, Dal Fry, Shahi Paneer, Village-Style Chicken Curry, Chapati, Papad

Breakfast: Tea, Coffee, Poha, Vada Pav, Bhurji Pav

Entertainment

Live Music

Midnight campfire + Smores

Free activity stalls and Vagabond prizes to be won

Group icebreaker games

Burning the old man at midnight

Sunset and sunrise dips in the lake

Amenities

Boat rides across Lake Arthur to our campsite and back

Drinking water at the campsite

Access to life jackets for swimming in the lake

Clean and hygienic Western washrooms

Basic medical and first-aid kit assistance

Experienced local guides

Event hosting by Vagabond EMs

How To Get There

On the bus with us:

Pick-ups in Bombay will begin from Chakala Metro (9:15 a.m.) with added pickups from Hiranandani Powai (9:45 a.m.) and Cadbury Thane (10:15 a.m.).

These are the only 3 pickups that will be made

We will reach out to you via WhatsApp to coordinate your pick-ups closer to the event.

By yourself:

Bhandardara is home to many campsites and is a popular location for New Year camps.

There will be a lot of traffic as you enter Bhandardara post 4 pm.

However, our campsite is isolated and can be accessed only by a boat ride across Arthur Lake.

If you’re opting for PUBLIC TRANSPORT, you can board a central line train from Bombay and get off at Kasara station. From there you will have to take a taxi (that can take up to 8 passengers) to Bhandardara. It is a minimum 2-hour journey from Kasara station to Bhandardara. The taxis will stay overnight and drop you back at Kasara the next day. This would cost approximately Rs. 4,000/- per taxi.

Tell them to drop you at the Bhandardara toll booth: https://goo.gl/maps/7GEQoroFiFUkoPG98 You need to be here between 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

If you’re opting for PRIVATE TRANSPORT, map your way to this location https://goo.gl/maps/7GEQoroFiFUkoPG98 between 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and contact a Vagabond EM (we’ll send you details closer to the date)

Since the campsite is only accessible by boat and the boat service is discontinued post sundown, it is possible that you may not be able to reach the campsite after 5 pm or when it gets dark.

WRT parking, please refer to the FAQ section.

We request all self-drive participants to plan their travel accordingly.

What To Carry

Extra pair of clothes

Toiletries

Towel

Insect repellent

Your best pyjama

Drinking water for the bus journey

Drinks and snacks (BYOB)

Reusable water bottle

Warm clothes (it gets chilly and windy after sundown)

Torch/headlamp

Personal medication

Photo ID card

Optional: Camera, power bank, slippers, musical instruments, playing cards etc

FAQs

1) Does the campsite have a parking facility?

Yes, feel free to drive or ride down to Bhandardara. There is a dedicated area for our guests to park their vehicles near the boat pickup. Our EMs will assist you with the parking. Please bear in mind that parking is at one's own risk.

2) How safe is the campsite?

Our campsite is a private property that has a dedicated staff running the place. No outsiders (non-campers) will be allowed to intrude into the property during the course of the event.

3) Is Jain food available?

-Unfortunately not. We will only be providing veg and non-veg food.

4) Is alcohol permitted?

We at Vagabond do not have an issue if you are of legal age and drink responsibly. However, there are going to be checks at toll booths in Bhandardara by forest officials. They will be confiscating any bottle that looks like alcohol along with any illegal substances you may have on your person. Good luck and Godspeed.

5) Will cold drinks be sold at the venue?

Unfortunately not. Please bring your own mixers and drinks.

6) Will there be any cooling facility at the venue?

No fridge/cooler will be at the disposal of the public. You may carry your ice boxes etc if you please.

7) Is this event safe for children?

Definitely. Persons below 12 years of age have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Persons below 18 years of age should either be accompanied by a parent/guardian or provide us with written permission from their parent/guardian.

8) Is this camp pet-friendly?

You're more than welcome to bring all of your family members to this camp :) (However, no pets on the bus from Bombay)

9) Will there be phone reception at the venue?

All network providers (except Jio) have decent connectivity at this campsite.

10) Is it compulsory to wear pyjamas?

Not reaaaally. But it would be great if you did. After all, it’s a pyjama parday! Also, there is a prize for ‘Best Pyjama’. Practice your catwalk, cattos!

11) Where will the Bombay transport pick up and drop us?

Scroll up and refer to the ‘How To Get There’ section to know where you can be picked from. Or just WhatsApp us and we’ll clear your doubts.

12) Will there be charging points at the campsite?

Unfortunately not. Please carry a power bank.

13) Can I join this camp solo? How will I be accommodated in tents?

Sure, hop in! You will be accommodated with other solo male/female campers.

14) What will the weather be like?

It would be around 30 during the day and 13 at night (please check weather forecasts).

15) Can I bring my own tent and sleeping arrangements?

Since we have a limited camping area, this, unfortunately, won’t be possible.

16) Can I carry my own portable speakers?

Yes. However, you must keep in mind that it does not disturb any of the others or cause any nuisance. This is a peaceful camping experience, not THAT kind of party.

Who is this experience best suited for?

1. There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20 – 35 years old. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.

2. It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while travelling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.

3. Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travellers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more.

4. We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.

5. It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things-to-do and places-to-go. However, if you are that kind of traveller, on almost all trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.

6. At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to stay open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per plan. The essence of traveling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leader to make the most informed decision for the group.

Why choose Vagabond

Years of experience: We’ve been leading trips around the country since 2014. Our time in this field has helped us learn about places and people. This knowledge about the destination contributes to a safe, wholesome, and enriching group experience.

Footfall: Since our inception, we’ve led more than 5,800 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and meaningful experiences. Rest assured, we’ve dealt with all kinds of people.

Safety first: Given the time we’ve spent in the travel field, we know and believe in the importance of safety. All our experience managers are first-aid certified, and carry a well-equipped first-aid kit on every trip.

Solo traveller-friendly: Over the years, we have had a healthy number of solo travellers who have been from diverse backgrounds. Especially those who got tired of waiting on their friends to agree to a plan.

Group size: Taking large groups of people compromises on an intimate interpersonal experience. Thus, we do small groups which makes it easier for people to get to know each other over the course of the trip.

No discrimination: At Vagabond, we believe that your age, social class, caste, gender or sexual orientation doesn’t determine your travel experience. Everyone is welcome to travel with us and explore new places, and new ideas.

Flexible itinerary: On a Vagabond experience, you’re free to stray away from our scheduled itinerary and explore the place on your own. You do you. We’re not your school teachers. We’re here to facilitate a better understanding of the place and help you experience it in your own comfort zone.

Mindfulness to nature: Over the years we’ve seen the places we visit turn filthier by the day. We don’t want to contribute to that any further. At a Vagabond experience, we encourage you to reduce your contribution to waste and follow sustainable tourism practices as much as possible. Check out #LeaveNoTrace

In-depth research: We're not a tour & travel agency. Every experience we offer you has been researched and experienced first hand by our core members. We visit the locations ourselves and curate an experience that we believe to be in sync with our ideologies.

Cancellation Policy

More than 30 days prior to the date of departure, 20% will be deducted.

Between 29 to 15 days prior to the date of departure, 50% will be deducted.

Between 14 to 7 days prior to the date of departure, 75% will be deducted.

6 days to the date of departure, no refund shall be admissible

3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable

Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website

Terms & Conditions

All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.

Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)

By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.