Nehal Shah, an avid trekker and mother, founded ‘Heart & Soil’ in 2016 to offer nature-based travel experiences for families. She realised her son needed more outdoor adventures, something she cherished growing up.

When she became a mother nearly a decade ago, Nehal wanted to introduce her son, Dev, to the outdoors. Living in a concrete jungle, she realised that children today are missing out on the beauty of nature. “We aren’t meant to live in boxes,” she says.

When Dev was 2.5 years old, Nehal took him on a camping trip to Kamshet, Maharashtra — breaking stereotypes around travelling with young children. That first adventure not only revealed a new side of her son but also sparked an inspiring idea.

Nehal and Dev have embarked on many adventures, including a backpacking trip to Dharamshala, where they stayed with locals, and living in a hostel in Hampi. They have also completed a 10-day Scuba diving course and trekked to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest.

In 2016, Nehal shared her idea for a camping trip to Kamshet, near Mumbai, on Facebook, inviting other parents. To her surprise, the response was overwhelming. A motivated Nehal went on to establish ‘Heart & Soil’, a Mumbai-based venture aimed at connecting families with nature.

Heart & Soil offers nature-based travel experiences like treks, camping, farming activities, and stargazing, providing families with enriching outdoor adventures.

She believes children should explore the world beyond screens. “You will bond as a family and understand each other better. Your children will remember these experiences,” she advises parents.

Through Heart & Soil, Nehal helps parents connect their children with nature, building life skills through diverse experiences. While working full-time, she organised two trips a month around Mumbai, offering activities like strawberry picking, rappelling, kayaking, and hiking.

Nehal’s passion for nature has inspired other parents, like Rhituparna Mitra, who has become a regular participant in Heart & Soil’s many getaways.

“My children are fascinated by nature. Being on these trails or hikes promotes a connection with your children, yourself, and nature,” Rhituparna shares.

In this increasingly competitive world, Nehal has some advice for parents: “Don’t take parenting as a pressure. Slow down. Let your children enjoy their childhood. There’s a world beyond gadgets and video games.”

After over a decade of balancing the business with her full-time job, she dedicated herself fully to Heart & Soil in 2024. What sets her trips apart is that children of all ages are welcome, making it easier for parents with toddlers to travel and enjoy nature together.