CAMPING

The most popular tourist attraction in Ladakh, Pangong lake is an endorheic (landlocked) lake situated at 4350 meters. Also known as Pangong Tso it is 12 kilometres long and extends from India to Tibet. Almost 60% of Pangong Lake lies in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. A unique feature of the lake is that it does not remain blue throughout the year or even the day, rather it changes colours from azure to light blue to green and grey too! It is famous amongst tourists as Ladakh lake, the spot where the Bollywood movie "3 Idiots" was shot.

Since the enthralling Pangong Lake falls on the Sino-Indian Actual Line of Control, an inner line permit is required to visit it. The Indian Nationals can easily obtain individual permits while other foreign nationals need to obtain a group permit, with at least 3 persons in the group, accompanied by an accredited guide.

The permit can be obtained at the tourist office in Leh, for a small fee. Owing to its altitude, the Pangong Lake temperature ranges from -5°C to 10°C as a result of which it freezes completely during winters in spite of its salinity.

Tsomoriri Lake is the highest lake in the world and located in Ladakh. Camping here is the experience of a lifetime. The lake is completely frozen during the winters and is an excitingly unique thing to witness. The best time to camp here is during May to September and it is simply wonderful to spend time in the decorated tents. You can trek in the nearby Ladakh region and witness the mesmerizing sunset at the lake. The best part is that the tents are comfortable with electricity supply.

The Camp Exotica is a perfect weekend getaway option located in Kullu in the Manali district of Himachal Pradesh. The accommodation provided is world class and the tents simply leave you connecting with nature like never before. The location of these tents is such that it gives a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The food provided is of fine quality and the incredible view will simply leave you in awe of this adventure. Make sure to take out time for this pleasure full camping trip.

A more than perfect camp for the adventure enthusiasts, the Camp Room on the Roof is situated 25 km from Chakrata, a quaint town near Dehradun. This camp is located on the step farms giving it a mind-blowing view. From the campsite, you can enjoy the view of the Virratkhai Valley. Setting up base here, you can head off to pursue activities like mountaineering, mountain biking, or rafting in the pristine Yamuna River. The surrounding view will calm the vistas of your mind.

When it comes to camping, Rishikesh Camping experience has to be on the list! This amazing Rishikesh Valley camp is not only close to nature but also has a more spiritual connection. The tents here are styled in a hermit fashion and are designed to give you total aloof time. This camp is your go-to place if you are looking for a chance to introspect your inner self. The food served here is entirely organic. Apart from detoxifying, you can undertake rafting, trekking, ayurvedic spas and the grand elephant rides. Camping in Rishikesh is one of the best in India!

If you are planning to go on a trekking trip to Ladakh, you can make it even more adventurous by camping at the West Ladakh Camp. This beautiful campsite is sprawled across 20 acres of ranch and is ideally situated close to the Indus River. The tents are so placed that these are surrounded by apricot and willow trees which nest the migratory birds. You can set your base here and go trekking in the nearby region and visit the Buddhist Monasteries. The food served here is authentic Tibetan and Ladakhi food making it a unique culinary experience.

Going by the name one thing must be clear that it is a 100% eco-friendly camp. This camp has become one of the most sought after because of its superb location and the environmental protection efforts. It is located in the district of Sonetpur which is the 3rd National Park of Assam. This camp is not only known for its splendid location but also its various adventure activities. You can go on a hike in the nearby woods or for an exciting rafting session in the Bhoroli River. The best part of this place is the chance of spotting over 300 species of birds. This does sound like a bird lover’s paradise.

Sangla valley is an alluring valley in the Trans-Himalayan region and is a hotspot for tourists. It is a sought after place during the summers when the valley comes alive with tourists visiting from all parts of the world. Hidden away in the Himalayan region this is one picturesque valley which is untouched by the pollution of the big cities. There is a place called Kaza nearby which is the adventure hub of this place. Blending the culture and adventure, this camping site is perfect for travel enthusiasts.

The Sarchu campsite is around 220 km from Manali and is ideally located on the Manali-Leh highway. It makes for a perfect overnight stay en-route the road to Manali. The travellers who undertake the arduous trek in the nearby Zanskar region, often start their journey from this point. The camp is quite comfortable with a separate dining tent and a complete electricity facility. It is also one of the off-beat places to celebrate your birthday in an unconventional style as they offer birthday cakes on request!

Banjara Camps & Retreat is one of the oldest operating and most famous camps in the country. It is situated in the mesmerising Kaza, which is the capital of the Spiti Valley. Spiti Valley is one place which has often been described as a museum come alive. Situated in the Himachal region, this campsite stands at an elevation 3600 feet providing for an excellent panoramic view. Apart from camping you can treat your taste buds with the local Himachali food and have a fun time in the local fairs.

The Chardham Camp has been aptly named as it is located on the outskirts of Guptakashi, on the way to Kedarnath. This place is especially suited for those who go for trekking to Kedarnath. Its location makes it a beautiful camp with the view of the snow-peaked hills which look even more mesmerising during the sunrise and sunset. It is like a dream to wake up surrounded by the rich green valley filled with the most beautiful flowers. The camp is quite comfortable with all the essential amenities.

Being an Indian, we all know about the famous Pushkar fair. For those of us who don’t know, Pushkar fair is the largest cattle fair in India which attracts not only the local but also the global tourists on a large scale. The Camp Desert is a place which is picked by the people because of its proximity to Pushkar. Covering an area of 6 acres, it is designed in the complete Rajasthani style. The best time to visit this place is during the Pushkar fair which gives you a chance to experience the colourful culture and lifestyle of Rajasthan.

For those of you looking for a stay in the deserts of Rajasthan, Mehar is the perfect place to plan your stay. Located near the dunes, the Mehar camp lets you experience the arid deserts of Jaisalmer from up close. It has been defined by tourists as a place to eat, drink and be merry! The camps have all the facilities to make it a comfortable stay and have your day packed with fun-filled activities. The main advantage of this place is its proximity to touristy places like Kuldhara, Damodara, Lodhruva and the other abandoned villages.

The Rann Riders is a family owned, eco-resort which is known for providing an excellent experience to its guests. These cottages are inspired by the surrounding villages and lets you come in close contact with rural life. It is a place to understand and enjoy the Kutch culture. If you are looking for a chance to get away from urban life and learn about the rural life of the people, the Rann Riders are the place for you. They also offer adventures like Jeep Safari, Horse Safari, and Camel Safari.

Tribal Camp is located at the Pench National Park which falls on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. It is a place which offers excellent food, great service, and an even greater accommodation. The most attractive thing about this camp is the personal touch provided by the owner. The owner of this place is your guide and becomes your adviser from the time you set your foot into this place. This place lets you realise the importance of personal interactions.

All you elephant lovers out there, you have the chance to watch an elephant from up close at the Dubare Camp. Located in the Madikeri region in Karnataka, this place is famous as an elephant training camp. Over time the logging operations have stopped and the elephants have slowly retired, yet you have the opportunity to watch an elephant being scrubbed and bathed! The camps are designed to provide you a comfortable stay with all the facilities. It is surrounded by deciduous forests and is an ideal place to unwind after a hectic work schedule.

Coorg is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and is thronged by people during the holiday seasons. However, very few of these tourists think of staying in the unconventional camp sites to make their stay ever more enjoyable. The Coorg Planter’s Camp is an eco camp built right in the middle of the forests. It provides you with an opportunity to visit the famous coffee and cardamom plantations of Coorg. Just take a walk through these plantations or relax near a waterfall and you will experience the healing touch of nature.

Wayanad is a beautiful place in Kerala which is a favourite among travel enthusiasts. The Seagot Camp is built on the largest Earth dam in India, the Banasura Dam. This alone makes it a unique place to visit. Surrounded by the tropical rainforest, camping in the splendid Wayanad region is an experience of a lifetime. It is a perfect place for the adventure lovers with a host of activities like trekking, angling, swimming, team building, and open-air barbecue.

For those of you who have not heard of Thekkady, it is a beautiful place located in God’s Own Country (Kerala). It is a place which you will definitely fall in love with. The Hornbill Camp gives you a unique experience as you are greeted by the sounds of a variety of birds from the moment you set foot in this place. It is a camp which redefines simplicity as it is locally managed, made from local materials and yet leave no scope in making your stay comfortable. When staying here, you can also go for Kayaking and Canoeing in the nearby Periyar River.

Camp Potter’s Hill is a place which lets you drown in the sounds of nature and forget your noisy life. Located near Shimla, it is a quaint place tucked away in the midst of nature and greenery. The Camp Potter’s Hill has efficiently set up fully equipped tents and cottages making the stay more than comfortable at this place. The feeling of unwinding in the middle of the jungle is like none other. You have to experience it to understand it.

Manvar Camp is located a few kilometres from the Jodhpur/Jaisalmer highway and is a place which will take you back in the time of Jehangir. He was the king who redefined living in deserts. Being a luxury-loving person, he changed the concept of living in deserts into a royal experience. Visiting Manvar lets you experience lavishness with 30 tents furnished with teak furniture, rich jute rugs and extravagant meals. Every part of this camp is decorated with a view to remind you of the regal days of the royal kings.

Osian is a popular trading centre in Rajasthan and is known for its impressive temple architecture which dates back to the 6th century. The Osian Camp Resort has used this site to build a grand camping experience. The camps are designed like fortresses in the Osian dunes. Camel and Jeep safaris are available for the tourists who are a great adventure. The other major attraction here is the evening bonfire along with the traditional Rajasthani music and folk-dance.

The Damodara Desert Camp is the complete Rajasthani desert experience, located approximately 30 km outside of Jaisalmer on the way to the Sam dunes. It is a very charming campsite in the middle of the blazing Thar Desert. It has ten deluxe Swiss cottages with the world class amenities like the double bed and attached bathroom. This place combines comfort, convenience, and facilities with traditional Indian culture and hospitality. The major attractions here are sitting around a campfire in the evening, relishing the deliciously prepared Rajasthani cuisine and enjoying the local folk music.

Located in the Ranthambore, Rajasthan, the Sher Bargh is best described as an intimate camping experience. There are 12 tented suites which have been hand stitched and decorated with vintage furniture. It recreates the era of British safari camps with air conditioning, attached bathrooms, and private veranda. As if this wasn’t enough, the suites also have a private Jacuzzi! Apart from these amenities, there is a spa, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and an organic garden. This does take camping to a whole new level.

The JAWAI Leopard Camp has been named so because you can see a leopard here from up close. No, we are not talking about safaris. Jawai is a place where leopards roam around freely, visiting the villages and sleeping at random places. Camping here is the real and raw experience. The camp itself is more than comfortable with an unhindered view of the wilderness. There are a swimming pool and an organic garden making sure your food is completely healthy. You can go hiking, cycling, or a stroll around the local village. This place brings home a large number of flamingos and sarus cranes making it a bird lover’s paradise.

Tucked away in the little village of Mulshi taluk is Camp Temgarh, 30km from Pune along the winding roads. It is a place to have a memorable time with your family as there are trees to plant, dogs to play ball with, streams to dip in and mountain to climb on. It is the best weekend getaway from the crowded city, leaving you rejuvenated in the midst of greenery. There are cottages, tents and a gazebo sitting on a hill cozily surrounded by nature. It has been described as the kind of place childhood is made of!

Camp Rapidfire is located along the mighty Ganga in Rishikesh, which is an adventure lover’s haven. It is a river beach camp which means that it is situated on a large tract of white sand along the river banks. This sure is as exciting and peaceful as it sounds with ample opportunity to laze out in the sun and hear the Ganga flowing by. Being the most popular rafting destination, there is no dearth of adventure activities in Rishikesh. There is no electricity at this camp which is lighted by kerosene lamps after sunset, giving it a completely ethereal feel. It is a complete bliss to observe the stars at night and pass your time away from the noise of the crowded cities.

The Lion Safari Camp is a luxury wildlife camp located in the Gir national Park in Gujarat. It is built on a private mango orchard overlooking the nearby Hiran River and is surrounded by a thick green cover. This Eco-friendly camp has 21 luxury tents with air conditioning and attached bathrooms. It is completely furnished with the necessary furniture to make your stay convenient. Being so closely situated to Gir National Park, the best thing you can do here is to take a safari and try to spot the Asiatic Lion. This park also has the highest population of leopards and other wildlife includes Chital, Nilgai, Wild Board, Jackal, and Hyenas. This campsite is sure to leave you exhilarated.

The Anaerangal Camp beckons those who look for solitude in the mountains of Munnar. It is a cottage-tented camp overlooking the spectacular Anaerangal Lake. Spending time in the midst of such lush green atmosphere is sure to leave you exhilarated. The aroma of tea from the nearby Kolukumalai estate blows through the air, along with the smell of cardamom and pepper. The camp is ideal for cyclists, trekkers, birders and even for people who are searching for detoxification from the tension-filled routine life.

Kolukkumalai is a small village in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu, on the border of Idukki District, Kerala. At 7,000 ft above sea level, it is home to the highest tea plantations in the world. The natural beauty here is intoxicating, promising a beautiful sunrise overlooking the Palani hills. The aromatic breeze in this hill-station is unique and fresh, causing the tea in the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate to be special, and guests to feel special.

Located in the Idukki district Vattavada lies in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. Experiencing a pleasant climate in the region around and in Vattavada varies in height from 4760 ft to 8842 ft above sea level. All these factors, coupled together, give Vattavada the perfect required conditions for the growth of various vegetables and fruits. With a wide variety of crops grown here, Vattavada is a unique tourist destination surrounded in lavish greenery and nature.

Situated in the Western Ghats, the rolling topography of the hills and valleys of Vattavada are only about 45km away from Munnar. Interestingly, the village of Vattavada also has a Tamil connection. The residents of this village are mainly from Tamil Nadu who fled into the area after the invasion by Tipu Sultan around two hundred years ago. Their cultural nuances are still felt in their dialect and practice of caste system which varies slightly from those of the Kerala plains.

Located just 40 kilometers away from Munnar is a scenic locale by the name of Marayoor, which is famous for its naturally growing sandalwood forest and dolmens from the Stone Age Civilisation. Wrapped in a wispy blanket of glorious clouds, Marayoor has hamlets, sugarcane fields, waterfalls, and bamboo forests making it an enchanting landscape of exquisite green beauty. Add to it, the natural blessing of a sea of fragrant sandalwood trees; this place is a sensory experience like no other.

Vagamon, also known as Wagamon, is a tranquil hill station nestled near the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts in Kerala. Offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, Vagamon boasts meandering rivulets, verdant hills, tea gardens, pine forests, and captivating waterfalls, creating a picturesque setting for travelers seeking solace amidst nature's splendor. With its pleasant climate year-round, Vagamon attracts tourists throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility amidst pristine surroundings.

Located about 100 kilometers from Kochi, Vagamon is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, characterized by rolling hills, verdant meadows, cascading waterfalls, and dense pine forests. Visitors to Vagamon can indulge in a variety of activities such as trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, and nature walks, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaikanal means 'the gift of the forests'.

Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is real. Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the vast forests surrounding the town.

Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway.

Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone. Popular among couples and honeymooners, Ooty allures its visitors with the panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains.

The Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia. Remember the hit song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' where Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora matching steps on top of a train? Remember the breathtaking locales as the train chugged its way across lush greenery? Yes, that was the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and the Nilgiri Mountains all along.

Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations and great weather.

Yercaud lake is the main point of attraction of the region.One of the many highlights is the summer festival that takes place in May. It is dedicated to Lord Servarayan, the supreme god of the ranges and gives visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of this region.