Best Camping Sites in India

If the idea of spending the night under the moon and starry skies, rejoicing around a bonfire with your friends and just enjoying the beauty of nature excites you, then camping is the ideal way to spend your holiday. While camping one can indulge in other outdoor activities including bird watching, going for safaris, exploring the nearby surroundings or simply relaxing in the lap of nature. India with its beautiful locations, diverse forests, plains, mountains and valleys offers a large variety of choices of exciting campgrounds.

Ladakh
Best time to visit: May to September
Vast arid desert, unhampered views of mighty Himalayas, camping in Ladakh is a lifetime experience that one must have if one loves camping. Whether you are camping at the Mystic Sangla Valley, Tsomoriri Lake or at the West Ladakh Camp, the experience is always exciting here. Marvel at the spectacular sunset, or take in the natural beauty and watch migratory birds as they go about their business, go rock climbing or go apricot picking while camping in Ladakh. The camping grounds in Ladakh receive camping groups from all over the world and are considered to be the best for relishing adventure at remote locations.

Uttarakhand
Best time to visit: April to July
Tons Valley is an excellent camping site in the Jaunsar Bawar region of Garhwal in Uttarakhand. Located at a height of 3600 feet above sea level, the Tons Valley base is an ideal getaway for families and children alike. Camping on the banks of the mighty Ganges at Rishikesh and Kaudiyala is also a very popular choice. Some of the activities you may enjoy here while camping include angling, white-water rafting and hiking. You may also like to explore the historical side of Tons Valley as the villagers there claim to be descenders of Pandavas and Kauravas clan. Or indulge in some adventurous activities including paragliding, and skiing while in Uttarakhand.


Himachal Pradesh
Best time to visit: March to October
Kareri Lake, Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur and Sarchu in Lahaul are some of the best campsites in Himachal Pradesh. Kareri Lake is a fresh water lake in Himachal Pradesh, approximately 9 kms away from Dharamshala. This lake is not connected by road and one needs to trek to this lake. A beautiful campsite can be arranged at the lake side, amidst a variety of dense conifers and several kinds of perennial flowers.
Chail – a small hamlet, situated in northern Himachal and built on three hills offers other picturesque camping sites in Himachal Pradesh. You may also indulge in trekking, rock climbing or hiking through the village or rappelling while camping in Chail. Dharamshala in Kangra is another important attraction not to miss if you are camping in the region. The major camping zones in Himachal Pradesh lie between Dhauladhar and Pir Panjar ranges.

Rajasthan
Best time to visit: October to March
The Sand Dunes surrounding Jaisalmer have become the most popular way of experiencing the golden deserts of Rajasthan, by celebrities, honeymooners and thrill-seekers alike. Sleep under the stars-laden desert sky in the nights and take in the sand dune mysteries on camel or jeep safaris in the daytime. Osian-Jaisalmer highway also is a great camping spot that offers you traditional folk music and evening bonfire as attractions. Lodurva, Kanoi, Kuldhara and Khuri villages are also ideal base for camping and setting out on an expedition to watch the Sand Dunes.
Pushkar, known world over for its Pushkar Fair (annual Camel Fair), also attracts large number travellers from all over the world for camping during Pushkar Fair. Ranthambore Reserve is another major camping site in Rajasthan where one can experience both wildlife as well as desert atmosphere closely.

Kerala
Best time to visit: October to March
Munnar, a hill town of tea gardens and undulating mountains, has been greatly regarded as a trekking destination for travellers visiting South India. You can trek through the forests and relocate your camping sites each day. Cliff Hut is known as the highest camping place in entire South India. Periyar Tiger Reserve also offers a camping opportunity as you explore the wilderness in its untouched beauty.

Wayanad district of Kerala with its lush greenery is another interesting camping site in Kerala set amidst the picturesque nature, aromatic coffee plantations, areca nut and pepper plantations. Revel in the tranquil environs as you relax by the stream surrounded by mountains. You may also indulge in ayurvedic spas or go hiking and rafting here in Kerala.

Guidelines for Camping
• Always carry light weight luggage in order to avoid any inconvenience during the journey.
• Ensure that you have enough space in your luggage to bring back some souvenirs of the journey.
• Light coloured cotton clothes are ideal, but do not forget to carry few woollen garments as you may face a drop in temperature at nightfall.
• Carry first aid kit and some common medicines, as infection and other illness may affect you any time.
• If you are camping by the beach side then ensure that the tents are strong enough to resist strong wind.
• Pack sunscreen lotion and bug repellents.
• Always carry drinking water with you and some snacks like biscuits, soya sticks, chips or dry fruits with you.

- Contributed by Tuli Banerjee