Ananya Dhote
Camp Redstone, Zice Holidays seems to be taking the new-found social LGBT movement to the next level. And for once, their placard says “Rainbow Fun” instead of clichéd “Down with section 377” (which, by the way, is now quite obsolete!) And, Darpan Bhagat along with his team members, aren’t any politically correct group of straight people who “support homosexuality”. They are driven at core by zeal to make themselves and others aware, sensitive and understanding towards the much closeted lesbian and gay community in India. And the backdrop of this initiative neither includes sallow, shadowy walls of an NGO, nor that posse of people walking the city streets splashed with rainbow flags; rather, picture the serene mountains, open skies, chortling river meandering alongside and some L-G-B-T-S ( ‘S’ refers to ‘straight’, for the record!) bonding among fellas!
Camp Redstone, Zice Holidays
These are not visuals of some futuristic movie, though one could says these are the brewing beginnings of LGBT hospitality industry in India. As, Darpan Bhagat, one of the firsts in this field said, “I have lots of gay friends. Of course, I might be making a rough estimate but I’m telling you, nearly half of the people aren’t even comfortable with being open about their sexuality. My aim is to create a safe, hassle free environment for gay people, their partners, and even their families who would want to come holidaying in the camping trips that we organize” He tells me about their first trip, it was a two day, three night camp in Dehradun, complete with a natural backdrop and adrenaline stirring adventure sports like rock climbing, river crossing, bungee jumping and even a loud music dance party wasn’t left behind. About fifty people from the rainbow spectrum were part of the event (which was also posted on facebook) and there was another set of people to make them feel completely at ease! The social enlightenment and fun apart, he says, there is immense business potential to be tapped from this field. There are two operational camps at Dehradun and Rishikesh; camps at Manali and Ladakh are in the pipeline. He plans to organize these LGBT outings once a month, if he does get a fair share of people coming in.
Camp Redstone, Zice Holidays
The average cost goes around Rs 2500/- per person, for one night and two days and it includes everything, starting from meals, adventure sports, to even proper and clean toilets! “Quality is the first and foremost thing we concentrate on”, Darpan says. “Our charges take care of everything excluding transportation”; though once you get to the camp, it’s rainbow heaven! So, go on, pack your bags and get your homosexuality as close to nature as it can be!
Darpan Bhagat
Mob no: +91971 8349423
Email: darpan@ziceholidays.com
awesome…. this is a cool stuff by zice holidays ….. rock on …
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How long do you usually go rockclimbing for? I usually make a day long affair of it.
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