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.