The reporting and writing for this story were originally done in September 2024.

Last weekend, my husband and I embarked on an exhilarating hike with our 1.5-year-old son. We set off at 5 am to reach the village of Bhutivali, near Karjat. After enjoying breakfast at a local’s home, we began our trek, crossing a serene lake en route to a waterfall. The sight of the picturesque lake was a true feast for the eyes.

As we took turns carrying our son, a light drizzle energised us. After nearly an hour and a half, we reached the waterfall and knew the effort was well worth it. Watching our son delight in the water, chase butterflies, and play with other children reminded us that some experiences are priceless.

After enjoying some hot Maggi and tea near the waterfall, we started our return journey, only to be greeted by a herd of cows and buffaloes. Our son was completely captivated, sitting and watching them for several minutes. We eventually had to coax him away with a promise to bring him back!

We returned home that evening, our hearts full and our pockets brimming with unforgettable memories, realising what we had been missing all along. Our son had made new friends — hens, cows, butterflies, and swans — and those simple moments made the day truly special.

In an increasingly digital world where children are often glued to screens, introducing them to nature has never been more important. Nehal Shah realised this after becoming a mother. As an avid trekker, she sought out places and trips suitable for her infant, but her searches only led to indoor activities. Frustrated by the lack of outdoor options for young children, she decided to create something herself.

At 2.5 years old, she took her son on a camping trip to Kamshet, Maharashtra, dispelling several myths along the way. That first adventure was a game changer, revealing a new side of her child and sparking an idea. Inspired by his excitement, Nehal founded ‘Heart & Soil’ — a Mumbai-based venture that curates nature-based travel experiences. It offers wilderness excursions, farming activities, treks, nature trails, camping, stargazing nights, and rural visits, providing families with enriching outdoor experiences.

Founded in 2016, Heart & Soil has helped over 2,000 families and children reconnect with nature. Nehal’s son, Dev, now 10, has embarked on hikes in Himachal, snorkelled, camped, and enjoyed countless other adventures. Today, he inspires his mother to embrace the outdoors and tackle challenging treks, a testament to the transformative power of nature in their lives.

‘Children are not supposed to live in boxes’

Growing up in Mumbai, Nehal’s childhood was filled with memories of playing in gardens and nurturing plants. Her fondest moments were spent tending to the greenery in their home alongside her father and grandfather. She........

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