Camping

What is Camping ?

Camping is about living in harmony with Nature. It is exciting and fairly easy. Common sense and a little knowledge will get you started. To enjoy the great outdoors, do your homework about the place you plan to visit and go prepared. Though basic camping is about a place outdoors to sleep, some food to eat and water to drink, and someone to share the wonderful experience, you will learn important skills such as how to find a campsite, how to set up your camp and how to be a responsible camper. In Rajasthan, camping was elevated to a fine art by the royalty.

Where to go ?

Bandipur in Karnataka, Shivpuri & Uttarkashi in Nainital district in Uttaranchal, Sangla in Kinnaur* in Himachal Pradesh are the top hot spots.

There are many family weekend camping packages in India, which give you a great weekend getaway, such as from Delhi to the hills of Garhwal and Kumaon in Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. Other destinations in India include Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Chilla, Corbett National Park, and Kaudiyala in Uttaranchal. In Rajasthan, plan a camping holiday at Samode Bagh or Pushkar during the camel fair. Chitrauli near Nainital in Uttaranchal, and Jaisalmer and Bikaner in Rajasthan are also popular camping destinations.

What you need to know ?

When you know it is time to get away from the stress and strain of modern living, try camping. Give up convenience and reconnect with Nature. Camping is a great stress buster. Sluggish muscles, the curse of a sedentary lifestyle, are coaxed into action. A true blue camper is one who keeps his experience in the outdoors as natural as possible. When camping in the forests, you have to be fairly knowledgeable about the area. Avoid low ground when pitching your tent. You are less likely to be attacked by mosquitoes and insects. Watch out for large dead branches of trees, they can come crashing down any moment. If you want a cushy way of enjoying the outdoors, then try car camping. Car camping is ideal for first-time campers who need to understand the outdoors before setting their sights on more ambitious adventures.

Winter camping is another form of backpacking that is becoming increasingly popular. Just make sure that you are adequately prepared with all the necessary gear. As hiking in deep snow can be extremely tiring, winter campers use skis or a vehicle such as a snowmobile to reach secluded areas. Whatever be the camping holiday you choose, make sure you are in fairly good shape. Practice sit-ups, push-ups and go on brisk walks. This way, you could avoid injuries and accidents due to fatigue.

What you must carry ?

Buy a backpack, suitable clothing and boots, a tent and sleeping bag, food, water and a stove. But as camping could be of various kinds, you must equip yourself in different ways. For instance, winter campers have to pack plenty of winter clothing and snow boots. A first-aid kit is a must on any camping trip, along with compass and maps.

Camping : Hotspots

Camping : Do's and Don'ts