Known for its health benefits, the concept of nature walk, especially during weekends, has caught up the imagination of city's fitness enthusiasts. With many natural hotspots in the city's outskirts like the Nal Sarovar, Thol Lake and the Punit Van in Gandhinagar giving enough room for a natural and green trail, there seems to be more curiosity to breathe in the nascent oxygen available at these natural hotpots that are replete with greenery and amazing flora.

Says creative professional Kishore Vyas, who has been an avid nature lover, nature walk is all about exploring nature at its purest. Says he, Once in a week or a fortnight taking a trip to the city outskirts not only freshens you up, but also makes your realise what kind of barrier we have created between the city and nature. Nature walk makes us respect the diversity of nature. So, when I go for a nature walk, I make sure I am all by myself without carrying even a camera so that the animals are not disturbed by my activity.

Monsoon nature walk tips

- Follow the weather prediction

- Stick to a day when there is no downpour and avoid making a trip if rains are heavy

- Carry some hot beverage in a thermos

- Keep raincoats and bags to protect your phones

- Keep a map of the park or the destination with you handy

- Keep track of nearby restaurants or hotels in case you need a shelter in emergency

- Keep a spare tyre, spare clothes, charger, batteries, mosquito repellants

- Keep dry snack packs for tummy fillers in case of contingencies

Echoing the same sentiment, theatre actress Lipi Goyal says, Following a fitness regimen surrounded by pure oxygen supply is the best way to stay in shape. Moreover, you can choose your pace and walk in a relaxed manner. When I was first introduced to nature walk, I was overwhelmed to see a flock of peacocks around and birds chirping. During a nature walk, you tend to notice all the beautiful spectacles, sounds and music of nature that you often tend to ignore otherwise.

For some nature walk exponents, exploring some diverse set of plants around us fascinates a lot. Says IT professional Vasant Joshi, The first time when I went for a nature walk with my botanist friend I realised what an amazing experience a nature walk can be. When my friend showed me mimosa, I was fascinated to see such a lovely thing lying next to you and breathing life. Nature walk is more than just fitness, it is about getting to know nature's wonders.

Seconds actor Janak Thakkar, who says, With the gigantic trees behind and with the green canopy giving you shelter, you don't need to look for any props in life. The green pastures are enough incentive to tempt you to walk some more miles. This is why I put on my track pants and go for a walk around Gandhinagar whenever I get some free time.

While Thol and Nal Sarovar have been the most frequented locations around Ahmedabad for nature walk exploits, some extra miles can also give a nature enthusiast more scope to rejuvenate and get acquainted with nature. The vast green belts in Polo, Saputara and near Jambughoda too leave a nature lover enough scope for exploring nature at its purest.