We are slowly venturing out of homes, and in some months, may also start taking baby steps towards venturing around our cities. Given the social distancing requirement, and the fact that many of us may not want to go back to the hotels and resorts, just yet, road trips and camping would be the go-to solution for that overnighter weekend trip or that brief couple of days exploring the countryside. With the monsoons behind us, the weather will become more pleasant and apt to spend that time under the skies.
Below listed are some of the most scenic campsites, across India. All the locations vary in the facilities, permissions for setting up tents etc. Hence it is always advisable to book with a camping company that will arrange not only for the camping spot, but also for the tents, food and the overall experience. If however, you want to pitch a tent like a nomad, read well about the place, and also check with locals or local dhabas / eateries, before pitching that tent!
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
At the foothills of the Himalayas, is one of the most spiritual towns of India, Rishikesh, nestled by the mighty Ganges. This place is a haven for seekers of spiritual peace and for adventure junkies alike. White water rafting on the rapids is usually accompanied by camping for the night by the holiest of all rivers, hence making it an experience of a lifetime.
Sonmarg, J&K
The lush green pastures of Sonmarg, are among the most beautiful and pristine places in Kashmir, and lives upto to the name of the “meadows of gold”. Camping on these meadows with the snow-capped Himalayas in the background, just adds another dimension to your visit there, a veritable Switzerland in India.
Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
This is one of the best camping sites in India, being on the trekking route and with lots of explore for hikers and adventure enthusiasts alike. With rolling green meadows in the summers, the sheltered camps under the sky is a great way to experience the beauty of Solang.
Chandrataal and Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Chandrataal, the Moon Lake located in the pristine Spiti Valley is one of the most scenic camping sites in India. Summers is the best time to pitch the tent and spend the night watching the stars and also trying your hand at astro photography!
Ladakh
Virtually on every travellers bucket list (if not already completed), Ladakh is one of the harshest, yet prettiest places on Earth. And this land that infuses a sense of timelessness and tranquillity in any visitor, also offers some of the prettiest camping sites in India – The Tso Moriri Lake, The Sangla Valley and the banks of the Zanskar river are great spots to camp with a view.
Located on the Manali Leh Highway, Sarchu is a stopover for travellers between Baralacha La and Lachulung La. In summers, this becomes a popular campsite for anyone looking for adventure, peace, tranquillity, and a way to take that break from worldly trappings
Laka Glacier, Himachal Pradesh
Some 8 kms from Bhagsu Nath in Mcleodganj is this glacier enroute the Triund Trek. There are campsites here where you can stay back for the night, under the bright stars with the Dhauladhar mountains for company, an some amazing views of snow tipped peaks and the Kangra Valley below.
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
With the Parvati river flowing through this backpacker’s haven, camping by the river amidst the mountains and conifers, is among the most scenic camping experiences that you can get. Camping in Kasol is ideal for adventure seekers while being pocket friendly at the same time.
Har Ki Doon, Uttarakhand
This “Stairway to Heaven” is one of the best treks in the country, and by that virtue is one of the best adventure camping locations in India. Traversing the Garhwal Himalayas, every vista that this trek offers is spectacular, and hence the camping experience here is second to none
On the Chopta – Chandrashila – Tungnath trek, this campsite by the small lake is a gem nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. The reflection of the Chaukhamba peak on the still lake water, makes for an apt refresher after the hike.
Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
A relatively lesser known jewel in the Kumaon Himalayas is Munsiyari, commonly called Little Kashmir. Camping in this virtual heaven, with the view of Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot, is bound to satiate the soul and refuel the body.
Overlooking the Shivalik range of the lower Himalayas, Mussoorie attracts tourists around the year. The best time for camping is in the spring and summer, in the midst of the meadows, surrounded by the hills.
The golden sands dunes of Sam, the vibrant dance and music of the Manganiyaars, witnessing the setting sun on the desert while taking a camel ride is quite an experience. A trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without this “Glamping” (Glamour Camping) experience.
Another glamping experience worth it, is the one at Rann Utsav, when a complete tent city comes up amid the vast white sands of Kutch. The best time to be there is on a full moon night, to experience the ethereal beauty of the white sands
Pawna Lake, Lonavala, Maharashtra
One of the most popular camping locations in Maharashtra, located by the Pawna Lake, and surrounded by the hills and plateaus of Western Ghats, this place is easily accessible from both Mumbai and Pune and is a popular weekend getaway for city weary folks
Popularly known as the Scotland of the East, this biodiversity hotspot nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, surrounded by lush greenery and aromatic coffee plantations, is one of the most picturesque locales of Southern India. Camping here is an experience that should not be missed.
This is the most popular hillstation in Kerala, known for its tea plantations as well as pepper and cardamom groves. Setting up camp in the flat lands amidst the hilly terrain is a popular way to take a break from hectic city life.
Chembra - Wayanad, Kerala
The Chembra peak, in Wayanad is another popular trekking and camping spot in the Western Ghats amidst the lush green Nilgiri Hills
Evergreen forests rich in flora and fauna, makes Thekkady one of the best locations in South India for camping. Offering several trails to explore, including the Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a nature lover’s paradise. Camping here is akin to getting lost in nature, with surprises around every corner.
So, the next time you want to venture out, and feel unsure of checking into a hotel, remember that there are several breathtaking spots across the country where you can pitch the tent for the night, and yet feel secure without too many people around you.
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