Camping in India

[karter257]

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

[a1arn]

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)

[pecha72]

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.

[karter257]

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

[lbendel]

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!

[amonil]

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.

[a1arn]

Originally Posted by lbendel

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.....