Celestial Nights: Star Gazing & planetary wonders

Enjoy stargazing against the picturesque backdrop of majestic mountains, where the air is crisp and the sky is a deep canvas of darkness, enhanced by minimal light pollution. This celestial event presents an ideal time for observing the stars, constellations, planets in all its glory. A stargazing expert will be present to share extensive knowledge about astronomy, guiding you through the intricate details of celestial bodies, their movements, and the stories behind various constellations. With their expertise, you will not only learn to identify different stars and planets but also understand the significance of their positions and the fascinating phenomena that occur in our universe. This immersive experience will allow you to witness the magic through a telescope, where you can observe distant galaxies, shimmering star clusters, and perhaps even the craters of the moon up close, making for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

Camping in tents at the foothills of Ratangad on open farmland enriches the experience, providing an extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature amidst the scenic Sahyadri landscape. Nestled in the embrace of rolling hills, this location offers not just a place to sleep but a chance to immerse yourself fully in the natural world. As the sun sets and the sky transforms into a tapestry of colors, you can gather around sharing stories and laughter with fellow campers, while the sounds of nature create a soothing soundtrack to your evening. The cool breeze carries the scent of the earth and the surrounding flora, enhancing your connection to the environment.

Highlights:

• Camping in tents

• Star gazing with an expert

• Amrutheswar temple

• Bhandardara Dam

• Samrad kokankada, Sandhan view point*

• Local homemade cuisine

Event facts:

• Grade: Easy

• Endurance: Low

• Type: Camping

• Nearest Village: Samrad

Itinerary from Mumbai

Day 1: 

• Travel by hired vehicle from Mumbai Dadar East TT Cirlce at 10:00AM to the campsite - 6 hours.

• Event Briefing & introduction - 20 min. 

• Tent pitching and Allocation on a sharing basis.  

• Hangout at the campsite or go for a short hike.  

• Dinner break at villagers house/ campsite - 1 hour.  

• Star Gazing experience with telescope by an Astronomy expert

  
  

DAY 2: 

• Wake up call - 06:30 AM. 

• Witness the nature beauty in the sunrise hours

• Fresh up and breakfast - 1 hour 

• Travel to Ratanwadi - 30 min

• Visit the ancient Amruteshwar temple - 30 min

• Travel to Bhandardara - 30 min

• Visit Bhandarada lake - 30 min

• Road journey from Bhandardara to Mumbai by hired vehicle - 6 hours.
  

Price: ₹2900

• Inclusive of transport from Mumbai by hired AC Vehicle.

• Star gazing expertise with telescope

• Veg Dinner on DAY1 & Breakfast, Veg Lunch on DAY2

• Wildlife sanctuary entry fee

• Camping in tents on triple/ quadruple sharing basis

  
  

Group discount available for more than 5 pax.

Excluded: snacks break during travel, anything other than mentioned above, or any personal expenses.

Registration Process:

Step 1: Book Your Seat

• Visit the event website and book your seat by completing the registration process.

• Seats reserved for manual payment will be blocked for one hour and automatically deleted if payment is not received within that time.

Step 2: Fill Mandatory Disclaimer Form

• After payment confirmation, participants will receive a participation disclaimer form.

• Fill up the disclaimer form accurately to provide necessary information.

• Compliance with the disclaimer is mandatory for participation.

Step 3: WhatsApp Group Creation

• A WhatsApp group will be created one day before the event departure.

• All registered participants will be added to the group.

• This group serves as a platform for communication, updates, and coordination among participants.

Checklist:

Clothing and Footwear:

• Comfortable Shoes/ Sandals.

• Comfortable clothes including winter wear.

Things to Carry:

• Water - Minimum 2 liters.

• Sleeping Bag/ Blanket: For a comfortable night's sleep.

• Winter clothing (windcheater/ fleece jacket/ sweater & beanie cap).

• Cap/Hat & Buff/Bandana: Protects your head and neck from sun and wind.

• Food Items: Fruits, Dry Fruits, Energy Bars, Healthy Snacks: Nutritious and easy-to-carry snacks for energy.

• Toiletry Kit: Includes toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.

• Sunscreen Lotion: Protects your skin from UV rays.

• Extra Clothes: Quick-dry Clothes: Lightweight and easy to dry. Extra Pair of Socks: Keep your feet dry and warm.

• Flip Flops: For relaxing and letting your feet breathe during travel, at campsites.

• Head Torch/Torch with Spare Batteries: Essential for visibility in the dark.

• Personal Medicines: Carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.

• Identity Proof: For emergencies and identification purposes.

Event Disclaimer:

• Mandatory Disclaimer Form: Accurate details in the online disclaimer form are mandatory. Inaccurate details will require refilling; no exceptions will be made.

• ID Card Requirement: Participant must bring an ID card for safety purposes.

• Punctuality: Respect the schedule and other participants' time; avoid causing delays.

• Parental Consent for Under 18: Participant under 18 years old must have parental consent to participate.

• Itinerary Modifications/Cancellations: Participant will be informed in advance about any itinerary changes or event cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Weather and Organizer Authority: We have the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unexpected weather changes. Team Ramblers India or the team leader or the local guide at the site may not be held responsible if the entry is closed by local authorities or governing bodies.

• Expense Responsibility: Participant is responsible for expenses not mentioned in the event fees. If extra expense occurs when the location is changed, then every participant had to pay the extra expense incurred that will be notified by our team.

• Misconduct and Prohibited Activities: Misconduct will not be tolerated. Strictly no alcohol consumption, smoking, or any kind of intoxication. Participant must refrain from playing loud music or teasing animals.

• It is essential for everyone to honor the local customs and follow the rules of the place they are visiting.

• Personal Hygiene: Avoid using deodorant or perfume on the event day.

• Strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles; do not litter plastic.

• Equipment Care: Participant must take proper care of provided equipment to prevent wear and tear.

• Damages/Loss of Equipment: Charges will apply for any damage, loss, or theft of equipment.

• Facility Information: Camping will take place in tents accommodating 3 to 4 people each, on an open ground located at least 15 minutes away from the village. A basic toilet is available at a villager's house. If these facilities are not accessible, participants should attend to nature's call outdoors. Caution is advised when hiking through forested areas.

• Group Coordination and Cooperation: Participant should coordinate, maintain discipline, and work together as a team. Appreciate cooperative behavior with fellow participants.

• Safety Disclaimer: While safety is prioritized, Ramblers India and its team leaders, hired local guides are not responsible for severe injuries or fatalities.

• Eligibility & Participation: All participants must meet the physical and mental fitness levels required for the activity. By registering, participant confirm they meet these requirements and understand the risks involved.

• Withdrawal: Participant is liable for any emergency evacuation costs and any legal proceedings arising from accidents or injuries during the camp or travel or travelling. Ramblers India, along with its team leaders and hired local guides, will not be held responsible or accountable for any such incidents.

• Liability & Risk: Please be advised that if a participant decides to withdraw from the activity at any stage, they will be solely responsible for making their own travel arrangements from that point onward. Our team will not be liable for any transportation, lodging, or other related expenses due to the participant’s decision to exit.

• Personal Belongings: We are not responsible for personal losses such as theft or damage to personal belongings. Participant is usually expected to take personal responsibility for their belongings and exercise caution to prevent such incidents.

• Payment and Registration: Participant is responsible for bearing convenience fees charged by payment gateways.

• The participant has thoroughly reviewed and accepted our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. This step is crucial as it ensures that you are fully informed about the terms and conditions under which you are engaging with our services.

• The Disclaimer outlines the limitations of liability and the scope of information provided, clarifying that while we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, we cannot guarantee its completeness or reliability.

• By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and have reviewed all relevant terms, risks, and responsibilities associated with the activity.

• The event needs at least 12 participants to take place. If we receive fewer bookings for transport from Mumbai, we ask participants to switch to transport from Kasara.

  
  

Payment Policy:

• Third-Party Payment Gateways: We utilize third-party payment gateways for a smoother registration process. The total amount at checkout includes both the main event fee and a convenience fee, convenience fee is borne by the customer and displayed before finalizing the payment.

• Manual Payment Option: Participants may opt to manually transfer the payment via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) or NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer). A transaction ID or reference number will be provided for this purpose. The manual payment option is available for only

  one hour from the time the ticket is marked as unpaid. If the payment is not completed within this time frame, the order will be automatically canceled.

• The entire amount must be paid upfront; we do not accept partial payments, such as half in advance and the remainder on the event day.

• Transaction Confirmation for Manual Payments: Participants paying through UPI or NEFT (where the convenience fee is not applicable) must confirm their payment by providing the transaction reference via email or WhatsApp.

• Service Availability: No refunds, discounts, or concessions will be issued if participants choose not to use specific services provided during the event.

• Withdrawal: If a participant withdraws from the event after registration, the amount paid cannot be carried forward to future events. Refunds will be processed according to the refund policy in place at the time of withdrawal without convenience fee.

Refund Policy:

• Refund Medium: Refunds will be processed through the same payment medium used for the original transaction. Payments made via UPI will be refunded to the UPI ID, while bank transfers will be refunded to the designated bank account.

• Processing Time: Refunds will be initiated on the event date or the next business day. Refund processing time may vary between 3 to 10 working days, depending on the payment gateway. In case of delays, the recipient should contact the payment gateway support for assistance.

• Refunds will be initiated on the event date or the next business day and processed within 2 days.

• For UPI payments, refunds will be transferred to the UPI ID.

• For current account payments, we will request either the UPI ID or bank account details for processing.

• Refunds cannot be issued to a payment wallet or phone number—only UPI IDs are valid.

• Refund Issuance: Refunds will not be issued in cash or coupons unless previously agreed upon with the participant. Refunds will not be processed on weekends due to team unavailability.

• Exclusion of Convenience Fee: Refunds exclude the convenience fee. If the payment includes a convenience fee from a third-party gateway, only the event fee will be refunded. For instance, if the event price is ₹1000 and the convenience fee is 5% (making the total paid amount ₹1050), the refund will be based on ₹1000, excluding the convenience fee.

Refund Percentages for Cancellations:

• 50% refund for cancellations made 10 or more days before departure.

• 40% refund for cancellations made 7 days before departure.

• 30% refund for cancellations made 6 days before departure.

• 20% refund for cancellations made 5 days before departure till the day of departure.

• No refund will be provided for no-shows.

• Event Cancellation:

  In the event of a cancellation by the organizer, the full event fee will be refunded, excluding the convenience fee. Any personal transportation costs (e.g., train, bus, flight, cab, hotel) will not be refunded. If the event is forwarded to another Organization, an extra fee needs to be paid by the participant if the other organizer's fee is higher than our event fee.

• If the minimum attendance isn't reached, the event will be canceled. For events starting in the morning, the decision will be made the day before in the evening, while for those beginning at night, the decision will be made in the evening.

• If the event is canceled midway due to unforeseen circumstances, no refund will be given, and no amount will be transferred to other events.