Bush Camp sits in a thriving Savannah grassland ecosystem. This grassland is a sanctuary for mammals and a rich array of avian species, insects, and reptiles. What once was a range of denuded hills caused by rampant deforestation, recurring droughts, the demand for firewood, and grazing by local cattle now serves as a crucial hub for biodiversity conservation.
The transformation is the result of a fabulous Andhra-based collective, committed to ecological restoration, women’s empowerment, alternative education, and natural resource management. It can be traced back to 1992 when the collective recognized the urgent need to rehabilitate village commons. Over time, this restorative model spread to eight villages, fostering a shared commitment to forest regeneration in their surroundings.
The villages, along with the collective, have successfully managed the reforestation of over 8,000 acres across eight villages, with each actively preventing unregulated grazing and contributing to the restoration of native species like Maddi, Neeruddhi, Pacchari, Kanuga, Eetha, Rela, and Modhuga.
As recently as 2010, the region was documented to host 55 species of birds, 28 species of herpetofauna, and 22 species of mammals. Furthermore, the topography functions as a watershed, collecting and supplying water for the people living downstream, helping the community make a living without harming the environment.
The collective’s influence extends through an eco-tourism campsite known as the ‘Bush Camp,’ attracting enthusiasts passionate about ecology, the environment, wildlife, and birdwatching. You will experience firsthand the communal effort that dramatically changed an arid and drought-prone area in around 30 years of concerted effort put in by a committed community.
What sets Bush Camp apart isn’t the lodging but its surrounding grassland ecosystem, a biodiversity reserve and wildlife corridor.
comforts
The campsite provides comfortable, thatched accommodations powered by solar energy. The private hut rooms a sense of being safe and still part of the wilderness around. There are four air-cooled huts (no fans/ACs) that capture the breeze efficiently and are surrounded by lush wilderness.
Three have two double beds and the fourth has one double bed. All rooms are equipped with mosquito nets for a good night’s sleep. The rooms are simple, featuring half-walls and open to fresh air and the sounds of nature.
Bathrooms and loos come unattached just 10m away. In addition to this, there is an open shower set-up, if you’re feeling adventurous! Bush Camp has the convenience of both Indian and Western-style toilets.
This off-the-grid haven lets you relax in comfortable beds, and the spotty network connection ensures a digital detox, making the camp rustic in wildlife-rich surroundings and no Wifi, just the wild.
While the huts are semi-open, you are assured of near-total privacy and seclusion, should you want it.
food
Simple, vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals with a rural Andhra flavour can be enjoyed in the common dining area, with rice as the staple. No meal goes without the traditional pappu, a daal to eat with rice, different varieties of pickles, ‘podis’ (a coarsely ground dry powder of lentils and dried chillies), and seasonal vegetables. The meals are wholesome, home-cooked, and mouth-watering, especially in the open dining area.
Ingredients are sourced from the collective, the nearby villages, and foraged from around the camp itself.
ideal for
Bush Camp is perfect for a broad spectrum of personalities, all united by their appreciation for the natural world. Birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, hikers, and people who care about conservation will all find something interesting on a trip here. It’s perfect for a group of outdoorsy friends and family who’d like to experience camping, but with a higher level of comfort.
It is ideal if you are curious to see how the collective has worked for over 30 years to restore an area damaged by deforestation, overgrazing, forest fires, and climate change into a vibrant savannah grassland. Learn about wildlife, ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. Disconnect from technology and immerse yourselves in nature.
getting there
Bush Camp is a minimum of 3 hours from Bangalore by road. Accurate details will be provided at the time of booking.
The best part of this journey is that you get to drive straight through the heart of this vast grassland ecosystem.
things to do
Bush Camp offers activities such as bird watching, hiking, and casual star gazing for nature enthusiasts and explorers. It’s a great destination for those interested in ecology, environment, wildlife, and grasslands, providing a chance to connect with the wonders of the natural world.
Experience an eco-adventure at our secluded camp, where nature and comfort meet.
price
Prices begin at Rs. 3,200 per night on single occupancy and Rs. 4,900 on double occupancy.
Children between 5-10 yrs are charged Rs. 1,250 per night. Children above 10 yrs are considered adults and charged Rs. 1,600 per night with an extra bed in the same room.
For subsequent night discounts, we offer, 10%, 15% and 20% discounts on the above pricing.
The pricing is inclusive of accommodation, all meals, coffee and snacks, daily guided hikes and applicable service charges.
5% GST is applicable on the final billing amount.
Note – During peak season between Dec 15 and Jan 2, there would be a surcharge of 15% on the above prices and single occupancy rates would not be applicable.
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