BLOG BY MS. REHANA ALI
When I decided to move out of my comfort zone after my cancer treatment, I ideally wanted to take a solo trip close to nature—but not too far from home.
What better choice than Vikrant and Deepti’s Karavan Camp in Kishanpur, Dudhwa? I’m really happy I went.
It’s a beautiful campsite spread over more than one and a half acres, with well-equipped tents offering every amenity. There’s a spacious kitchen and dining area built in traditional Tharu tribal architecture, with clay and grass walls that are as strong and sturdy as any concrete structure—and much cooler too.
Within the camp is a lovely, naturally fed water body for harvesting rainwater. It’s home to a variety of fish and bordered with indigenous herbs and bushes that attract birds.
I chose a time when there were no other guests at the camp so I could spend quality time with Deepti. She’s the perfect hostess—we had such fun chatting over tea while watching the sun go down, going for walks along a track as close to the forest as permitted, and enjoying delicious Tharu cuisine, all accompanied by the chorus of crickets and croaking frogs—sounds that have vanished from city life.
The next morning, Lokesh took us on a safari. It turned out to be my lucky day. The weather was pleasantly cool, with a slight nip in the air. We had a sweet and enthusiastic guide, Sandip, and the highlight of the day was spotting a tiger relaxing in the water. Even more magical was a gentle tigress named Beldanda, who walked gracefully towards us, mesmerising us with her dignified gait.
We saw plenty of other wildlife too—nilgai, swamp deer, spotted deer, dancing peacocks, colorful junglefowl, monkeys, and an array of birds. I could hardly contain my excitement!
The forest of Kishanpur is stunning, with a mix of terrains—wetlands, grasslands, and dense forest stretches. Throughout our safari, we were serenaded by a symphony of bird calls, and occasionally, warning calls from alert deer.
My stay passed all too quickly. Deepti, Vikrant, and their team—mostly locals from the Tharu tribe—are doing commendable work. Their aim is to instill a love of nature among young students who have little exposure beyond city life. At the camp, children experience close encounters with nature, learn to rough it out, become independent, and discover how to enjoy life without the distractions of modern technology. It’s the perfect environment to nurture a love for the environment.
The camp also empowers Tharu tribal villagers by giving them a platform to showcase their crafts and herbal oils, which is truly commendable.
I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.