Showing posts with label exploring india. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exploring india. Show all posts

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Camping in India – Sleep under the canvas


If embarking on a journey to India, gather up all your adventurous spirit as the country is going to throw an array of experiences at you! Be it the cultural milieu, diverse festivals and cultures, the palate tingling food, the variety of wildlife or some serene places amidst valleys and clouds. Get prepared to be consumed by the multiplicity of experiences.

Camping in India
Camping in India
Apart from the cultural perspective which fascinated most travellers in India, the country offers a wide range of adventure activities as well. The different kinds of topographies in the country present vistas of a unique kind. For the adventure lovers, this gives them an opportunity to explore destinations by foot and find shelter under the canvas. Here are some fabulous options to camp out and feel the wind in the open expanses of India.

Camping in Rishikesh

One of the first few destinations which popularised rafting as an accessible adventure activity in India also made way for camping by the River. Ganga and Tons are the two rivers that flow in the region and make for a great companion after pitching a tent at night. Many camp sites have come up in the last decade, which offer basic to luxury camping facilities. This is a great way to get the kids outdoors in a safe and well equipped facility. Also enjoy the gurgling waters of the river for a thrilling rafting expedition.
Camping by the river Ganges
Camping by the river Ganges

Camping in Spiti

The lush green hills of Himachal Pradesh are an extremely inviting option for trekkers and outdoors enthusiasts. Most small villages make great base camps for off-beat hiking trails. Spiti is one of the more unexplored regions of Himachal, owing to its pleasant isolation from air connections. This dissuades many travellers so only the interested ones make an effort to get here. The raw beauty of Himachal lies in the high passes, mighty mountains and extremely untouched villages. Camping here is a delightful but not an easy option.
Spiti - perfect Camping site
Spiti - perfect Camping site

Camping in Binsar

Based in Uttaranchal, Binsar and other villages of Garhwal and Kumaon, are the first steps who are inspired to venture close to the Himalayas. Lying in the foothills of these glorious mountains, Binsar and adjoining villages are also not too easy to traverse. It has lately become a bikers’ paradise who want to rough it out and pitch their stays enroute to mountain tops and remote villages.
Camping on Mountain top , Binsar
Camping on Mountain top , Binsar

Camping in Wayanad

The south of India is usually wrongly represented by only temples or sunny sandy beaches, whereas, parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are replete with undulating mountains and lush green expanses of vegetation. One such delight is Wayanad, based in the North East of Kerala. Wayanad is known for its abundant wildlife and forest cover, thus naturally becoming a good choice for hikers and campers.
Camping in North East Kerala
Camping in North East Kerala

Camping in Nilgiris

Like Wayanad, the Nilgiris range of mountains in the South West of India is a haven for tea and coffee plantations. Recently, places like Sakleshpur, Coonoor, Ooty and Masinagudi have gained an adventure status for weekend goers from Bangalore. These are great places to pitch yourself a comfortable stay.
Camping in South West India - Nilgiris
Camping in South West India - Nilgiris

Camping in Rajasthan

Another destination with an unexpected camping tag, Rajasthan has infact, provided luxury camping options for ages. These camp sites are mostly in the middle of the desert but are well equipped with food and water along with attached bathrooms. Cultural shows are organised by these camp sites.
Swiss Tent Camping in Rajasthan
Swiss Tent Camping in Rajasthan 

Camping in Ladakh

This region offer some of the most scenic landscapes to its visitors. There are numerous trekking trails and plenty of places to camp out and experience the wonder of the natural landscape. The region is bound by mountains and popular camping spots include alongside the river banks, fed by the mountain glaciers. Camping is only advisable during the summer months.
Camping by mountain and glaciers
Camping by mountain and glaciers

How to arrange your camping trip

Many homestays will be able to assist with camping arrangements and may be able to help with tent and equipment hire and arrange a guide or porter if required. They can send you on your way with a delicious packed lunch and look after your luggage while you spent a night in the wild, before welcoming you back with a hot bath and hot dinner!
Camping Homestays
Camping Homestays

Some homestays, such as Citrus County in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, offer luxury tents as part of their accommodation.

Exploring India on two wheels


There is no better way to enjoy a destination other than on foot, or on a bicycle! It gives you the luxury of slowly discovering a place and seeing things you might have missed otherwise, all the while with the wind in your hair.

INDIA DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE BY BIKE

Although Indian can be quite overwhelming where the traffic conditions are concerned, there are some small quaint destinations that are best explored on two wheels. Pick up some safety gear like a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and if venturing out at night equip a head light and reflective clothing and you are all set. If you are staying at a homestay your host family may have a couple of bikes they will be happy to lend you.
Cycling in Pondicherry - India
Cycling in Pondicherry - India

Pondicherry 

The slow and easy pace of the city makes it perfect for exploring on bike. Small cobble stoned streets flanked by French architecture are great to ride your bicycle along. Take a few stops at the roadside cafes, freshen up, have a chat with the locals and you are set again. Cycles are available for hire in the coastal town of Pondicherry on a per day or longer basis.

Fort Kochi 

Like Pondicherry, another coastal delight beckons you to explore it at an easy pace. The Kerala town has an enriching history with plenty of museums, monuments and historic structures to explore. The centre of the town is cobble-stoned and has wide roads to accommodate walkers and cyclists. These places are not crowded with other traffic. However, if you heading towards the local areas ensure that you use the bell or just walk with your cycle when the traffic is heavy. The centre of Fort Kochi is quite compact and easily lends itself to exploring on bike.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS IN INDIA

For the more hard core riders, there are a some destinations with exciting terrains and breathtaking views. There are many tour operators who can help with the logistics with planning a mountain cycle trek through some of India’s most spectacular locations.
Mountain Bike Trail in Ladakh
Mountain Bike Trail in Ladakh

Ladakh 

The Manali-Ladakh road is a topographical wonder which is a biker’s haven. You will find plenty of cyclists on this route, but you have to be in top health and need time to get acclimatised to the altitude. Another route to explore is the Khardungla to Nubra Valley which is downhill. You can take a bus back when climbing up. Ensure that you sign up with a group so a back up vehicle and medical facilities are in tow.

Garhwal 

The lush hills of Garhwal can be quite a thrilling challenge for those who prefer two wheels than one. Some of the routes that are familiar with cyclists are Tehri, Rishikesh, Dharasu and Uttarkashi. Ride along gurgling rivers and majestic mountains!

Sikkim 

Another destination which is fast catching up on the cycling trails is Sikkim. As you cycle along Martam Village, it’s also a great opportunity to see the Rumtek monastery and the wonderful tea gardens along the way. As you go higher, you can explore places like Yuksam, Pemayantse and other villages.

HOMESTAYS FOR KEEN CYCLISTS

Homestay for cyclist
Homestay for cyclist
  • Many homestays will be happy to offer the loan of a bike for exploring the local area.
  • The Homestead in Corbett is set on a sprawling farm bordering the Corbett National Park. Bikes are available for cycling round the 150 acre farm.
  • Fort Rampura is a 700 year old fort. You can spend hours just exploring the wonders of this majestic Fort and walking around its perimeter. Cycles can be rented for 250 Rs/day.