Hotels don’t always allow one to truly experience a place, because you’re always camped out in a room! If you want to get away to a place that is unaffected by the sights and sounds of the city, camping is your best bet. Many of these places are in the wild, which makes them beautiful retreats away from civilization. A word of advice, wherever you go is to carry along some mosquito repellent, sunscreen, torches, plastic bags and a map of the region! Well, for now be prepared to get mesmerized by these serene places that are just perfect for some star gazing.
This little known hill station is a three-hour drive away from the city of Mumbai, and is a beautiful place to camp at. At almost 2,500 feet above sea level, the air is clean, the clear skies, and the waterfalls and greenery makes this hidden gem wonderful with its proximity to Mumbai. The Wilson dam and Arthur Lake are great places to camp at. The lakes are refreshing to swim in, and you can set your tent up close to the water. The locals are friendly, and you can always pick a hot meal or a boat ride.
If you are looking for a once in a lifetime camping experience, Ladakh has vast tracts of sky, clear views of the Himalayas and lakes in stark contrast to the desert around you. Visit this wondrous place between May to September. The best places to camp at in Ladakh are the Mystic Sangla Valley, Tsomoriri Lake or at the West Ladakh Camp. Whichever one you choose, be prepared for gorgeous sunsets, flocks of migratory birds and breathtaking natural beauty. This remote location sees people coming in from all over the world, and offers a range of tourist activities such as apricot picking or rock climbing.
This is one of the most popular hill stations in India for a reason. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, it is known for its shimmering lake, gorgeous weather and natural beauty. This lake district is very well connected, and is easily accessible by road or train. Travel along the shores of its lake and breathe in its fresh air. It is easy to find tents and camping spots throughout for reasonable rates. The adventurous can try paragliding and rafting or you can settle for taking in the flora and fauna in a day or night trek.
Jaisalmer is easily reached from any major city through Jodhpur, and is in the heart of Rajasthan. Camping amongst the sand dunes fills you with a sense of wonder as you take in the raw beauty of nature. It also provides you with large grounds to gaze at the open skies. Called the golden city, Jaisalmer is rich in history with perfectly persevered palaces and architecture. Ride a camel to your desert camp where you can sit on the sand dunes, and take in the sunset or walk barefoot through this other worldly landscape on a night safari. You will enjoy hot food, a camp fire and local folk dances. This is truly a place for dazzling night skies and glorious sunrises.
There are few places in India as fun and relaxing as Goa. Travelling here with your closest friends is a great way to unwind. It is a place famous for its beaches, parties, food and culture. Camping near the beach is a great experience as you stare at the sky, and listen to the sound of the waves crashing down. There are numerous places you can go to for accommodation, from a beach shack to a simple hammock strung between palm trees.
Called the Scotland of India due to the similarity in weather, Coorg is a silent mountainous region in the southwest of Kerala that is easily accessible from Bangalore or Mangalore. Its numerous trekking routes offer stunning views of the Western Ghats. Pitch your tent behind a bubbling stream and take in the mists as nature envelopes you. A notable place to camp is Bettigiri.
Nested in the foothills of the Himalayas, next to the sacred banks of the River Ganges is the spiritual town of Rishikesh. Camping, river rafting and trekking make up just a few of the many tempting experiences that Rishikesh has to offer you. Pick up a simple and inexpensive canvas tent, and enjoy the hot food and drinks served at these camps. As the stars come up, you can soak in the warmth and familiarity of a shared camp fire. It is best to visit during summer as the region gets very cold in winter.
The hill town on Munnar in Kerala is at its picturesque best from the months of October to March. Its undulating slopes are carpeted with tea gardens, and it is considered one of the best trekking destinations in South India. Trekking through these green forests is a great experience as you move to one camping spot after the other. The notable camping spots in this region are – the heights of Cliff Hut, the wilderness of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and the picturesque greenery of the Wayanad district.
This vehicle-free hill station has beautiful weather. The sylvan wilderness is home to a plethora of activities and sights, and a stone’s throw away from the station is Charlotte Lake, which is a great spot to pitch your tent and get some activity in. Soak in nature as you go on a trek or take a horseback ride and look at the old colonial buildings. Its beautiful views of the sprawling slopes of the Western Ghats are laid out as you have several viewing points to take it all in.
