Every heart desires for refreshing camping trips to high mountains, blue beaches, sand dunes, or green forests of India; after spending such a long time at home during the lockdown period. In the present Corona-Virus crisis when social distancing is a necessity to remain safe, Caravan is a safer way to travel and perfect for young people/couples, families, and even senior citizens. One can perfectly follow social distancing while traveling by road and exploring new places by Caravan.
You will be wondering what exactly Caravan means?
In simple words, it can be explained as a wheeled vehicle created for traveling and recreational purposes equipped with essential facilities such as bed, lights, cooking equipment, etc. to make your trip comfortable. Perfect for those who love road trips and it can be safely parked in Caravan Parks at different tourist destinations.
So, what are Caravan Parks?
These are places that act as a safe parking space for Caravan and provides all the basic amenities and supplies required for it. There are many Caravan parks located at famous destinations. Here, one can park the caravan and stay in it overnight. Many new Caravan parks are in the planning and building stage at prominent tourist places that will facilitate future Caravan trips in India.
Caravan Tour in India (Benefits of traveling through Caravan)
Caravan tourism is an emerging concept in India and quite popular across the globe owing to the freedom and flexibility it provides.
Ministry of Tourism recognized Caravan Travel Culture as a tourism product in its New Tourism Products Annual Report. Even Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department shared commercials over social media showing their luxurious caravans and inviting travel enthusiasts for tour bookings in Caravan.
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It is very apt for the family-based tour even to the destinations where adequate accommodation facility is not available.
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You can go for a perfect weekend holiday in Caravan with elderly parents and even tag your pets (why to leave them at home?).
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You will feel free and independent when you hit the roads with Caravan. Experience the authentic lifestyle and culture during the journey by interacting with local people.
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When traveling in Caravan, you don’t have to book a hotel or eat in a restaurant (cook your own food in it). Thus, it’s a safer way to travel keeping in mind the present Covid-19 situation as well as a cost-effective medium.
Decide your own route, stop anywhere to enjoy and explore, stay at unexplored places when traveling by Caravan.
Here are some good destinations with Caravan friendly facilities for which you can plan –
1- Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
A town in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand offers spectacular views of hills covered with green forests. Such a peaceful place and a center for yogis, rishis, sages & sanyasis. Every year a week-long Yoga Festival is hosted at this place.
Rishikesh has a confluence of the great river Ganges and Chandrabhaga. It’s a hub for adventure activities like white water rafting, camping, trekking, and bungee jumping. This place has religious importance for Hindus and also known as “Gateway to chaar Dhaam”. Hence, many temples, ghats, ashrams, and yoga/meditation centers are present here, making it a preferred destination for elderly people as well as youngsters. There are many resorts and camping sites in Rishikesh that host and provide parking and other facilities for Caravans.
Check out Aditi’s Monologue to know more about what things can be done when in Rishikesh.
2- Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
Jaisalmer – The Golden City located amidst the picturesque views of the sand dunes. It’s a famous destination among travelers in the world. People visit this exotic desert to enjoy the camp experience in between perfectly sculpted sand dunes of the Great Indian Desert.
Some famous points of Jaisalmer perfect for the camping and to experience sleep under the sky full of stars are –
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Chokhi Dhani – A village theme-based camp resort that offers authentic Rajputana style of life and traditional Rajasthani culture to live in. You can opt from Royal AC cottages, Luxury Tents, or Basic Tents for staying at this place.
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The Mama’s Resort and Camp (located inside Desert National Park)
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Damodara Desert Camp,
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Jogggan Jaisalmer Camp,
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The Serai Desert Camp, etc.
When you are in Jaisalmer; indulge in stargazing at night, enjoy puppet shows, Rajasthani dance with folk music, and famous camel safari rides.
Refer to that backpacker’s blog to know about his travel experience in Jaisalmer.
3- Kutch (Gujarat)
Kutch- a district with a beautiful amalgamation of sea and desert in the western part of India. You can find the beach, mountains and white desert at this place. Diversity of Kutch makes it a great destination for camping, caravanning, and outdoor experiences like Eco-tourism, Desert Safari, ATV Rides, and Tribal Homestays.
The Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world spread across 7500 sq.km and very famous for “Rann Utsav”. Here, you can see a unique breed of camel (Kharai Camel) that can swim. Places in Kutch like Dholavira (an archeological site containing ruins of ancient Harrapan city), Aina Mahal, and Parag Mahal are worth visiting for history lovers.
You can opt for “The Tent City of Rann Utsav” which offers Luxurious AC & Non-AC Tents to stay or If you are looking for an offbeat experience than plan your trip in Caravan and go to “Ekal ka Rann” – it’s an isolated place close to nature and offers a great experience of local culture.
Soul Travel Blog’s has very well listed out things to do in Kutch, Check out their travel guide.
4- Hampi (Karnataka)
Hampi is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This city of history and fantasy preserved the ruins of the medieval time’s great kingdom – Vijayanagar. The Hindu style of architecture comprising monolithic sculptures and monuments in this capital city reflects the splendor of the Vijaynagar empire.
Hampi is located on top of the rugged terrain and watered by the Tungabhadra river. It is famous for the annual Purandara Festival held between January- February. It’s a great place with historical and archeological significance famous for mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views making it perfect for camping, trekking, and leisure/care-free trips. The presence of 15th Century Vijaya Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, and some other religious sites makes it a calm pilgrim location as well.
Book a Caravan and experience Hampi on wheels for a lifetime experience.
Refer Tale of 2 Backpackers blog to know more details about their travel to Hampi.
5- Darjeeling (West Bengal)
Choose this beautiful destination from North-East India because of brilliant roads, vast landscapes with charming views of tea plantation, and vibrant culture. If you want to escape from chaotic city life and wish to relax in the lap of nature then camping in Darjeeling is one of the best ideas. It is the most beautiful hill station in the eastern part of India and also known as “Queen of Himalayas”. There are over 86 tea estates that produce world-famous “Darjeeling Tea”. The Toy Train est. in 1881 declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO still runs in this part. Tiger Hill of Darjeeling is one of the preferred sites for a thrilling camping experience, to enjoy bonfire and barbeque with your gang. This beautiful hilltown with people from Tibet, Nepal, and nearby Indian states is filled with cultural diversity and a great place for all kinds of tourists.
Visiting this place in Caravan and experiencing welcoming smiles of local people is such a delight for tourists.
So, Start exploring without compromising social distancing and safety norms, unlock the safe travel by Caravans. Check out some of the Caravan Experiences available with us. As it’s not only about the destination but “the Journey” also plays an important role in the memories of any travel experience.
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