Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
Camping in India Camping in India
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: On the road
Posts: 157
Camping in India
Would any one recommend camping in India? I get the general feeling that it is not really safe/viable so am considering not taking my tent to make the bike lighter. But if camping is a possibility for at least 1 day out of 5 I might take it. Any one any comments?

thanks Paul
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
Go do it
Some areas are unsafe, most are not. As a rule of the thumb, if you must camp, stay out of sight of the road . Not attracting attention to yourself is the key here, and there are plenty of beautiful, isolated places, where you could put up.

Not recommended in areas where there are plenty of people (close to cities, etc)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Maybe you could do it in some of the more isolated areas. But there arent so many of those areas in India, as its mostly quite heavily populated. So I guess it depends on where you want to go. In Kerala, no matter where you stopped, you could always hear someone moving around or talking nearby, there simply did not seem to be a place, where there were no people.

Keep in mind, you will be a big attraction to the locals, they will gather around you and just basically stand there, and stare at what youre doing. You would really have to find a quiet spot, unless you want dozens of people around while pitching your tent!

Besides, budget accommodation is real cheap, you can find some very basic places for around 3-5 euros everywhere, except in big cities. Double that, and you get a nice questhouse with own linen, and bathroom. A bike gives you access to the cheaper places outside city centres. So unless you really love camping, I wouldnt bother considering the saving in weight and space.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: On the road
Posts: 157
Brilliant Pecha72 that nicely sums it up, think I will park the tent here in the UK and buy another when I next need one
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Jul 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 232
I fully agree, it is virtually impossible in 99% of India to find a camping spot without gathering 200 people around your tent within 5 minutes.

One notable excception though is Ladakh, and there you can be truly alone in fantastic spots for camping. But then you can rent all the gear you need in Leh without hauling it around India.

Personally I dumped all my gear when I arrived in the area (last use: Islamabad camping), that is, some stuff I sent back home and some was too worn out and I gave it away to locals.

Travel light!
__________________
2- and 4-wheeled explorer and photographer
Overland Aventure
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Jul 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Nagpur,INDIA
Posts: 6
Hello,
There is many places in India where you go camping and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Just like Goa,Bodhgaya, Maysore, Pondecherry, Puri, Shimla, Shrinagar,Pune, Darjeeling and so on.Indians mountains, valleys and plains offer a large and varied
selection of exciting campgrounds and recreational parks.Darjeeling is most beautiful
place recommend for camping in India. Darjeeling is ideal destination, you can enjoy there mountain biking. Adventure lovers as well as nature lovers offer to do many things for visitors.
So go and enjoy yourself.


Last edited by amonil; 9 Jul 2008 at 12:55.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jul 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
Quote:
Originally Posted by lbendel View Post
I fully agree, it is virtually impossible in 99% of India to find a camping spot without gathering 200 people around your tent within 5 minutes.
I'm sorry, but that's not true. It's just that you cannot suddenly decide to pitch tent anywhere you please, on somebody's farm or by a stream where the villagers do their washing and not draw attention.

There are plenty of isolated places for camping, you just have to apply some common sense in choosing them. However, there will rarely be a shortage of cheap places to stay (outside of the major cities) so if your objective is to save money, well, you will not really save vast amounts. And you will not find suitable spots to pitch tent near any major city.

If you still decide to lug your tent along, though, you won't be disappointed - it is an experience to drift off on a deserted 2 mile stretch of beach, with the roar of the sea and the stars in the sky giving you company. You don't even need a tent - just a groundsheet, and some insect repellent upwind of you.....
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
What camping gas? jonnie_bee Equipping the Overland Vehicle 11 12 Mar 2008 01:47
camping anyone? lorraine Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 18 Aug 2007 07:05
camping gas in Tam Bart North Africa 2 5 Jun 2002 06:14
camping vincejxg Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 9 31 Dec 2001 05:15
Camping in India [... some more countries ...] Cypress HeartOfSteel Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 1 30 Dec 2001 19:46

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:06.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top