From traversing unseen forest patches to driving to breathtaking sunsets; and from waking up at a beach to sleeping next to a waterfall–there’s a reason why caravan travel in India has piqued interest in the hearts of so many travellers. Read on to #DiscoverTheUndiscovered as we list below five stellar caravan trails in India. By Upasana Sarangi
Caravan tours have gained notable popularity since the onset of the pandemic. With priorities shifting towards exploring hidden gems that are less crowded, this form of slow travelling is making its way to every wanderers’ bucket list. Think having an added sense of control over the pace of your journey… sounds surreal, right? Well, that’s another advantage of travelling in a caravan. You have complete freedom to choose your distance, stop at your favourite joints, and with your chosen ones around–it can be a worthwhile endeavour. So if you are planning to embark on a caravan trip in India anytime soon, here are a few trails that we would like to reccomend.
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Southern Heritage
A trip from Bengaluru to Hampi can be extremely enchanting. You will get to immerse in the free-spiritedness of the route while driving through beautiful paddy fields; add to it the mysticism of Hampi’s extraordinarily crafted temples and shrines. It is a six-hour-long drive, and hence wouldn’t be too hectic to cover at a stretch. On the way, you can visit the Daroji Bear Sanctuary, too. Once you reach Hampi, you can explore the rich temples, the watchtower, lotus mahal, and many other places there.
Nomadic Spirit
An exotic caravan trip in Gujarat, especially along the Rann of Kutch is all you need to rejuvenate your senses after months of staying indoors. You will witness two extremely varied landscapes on this journey. Gujarat is lively with rich historical marvels and at the same time has a striking balance of culture and heritage. You will find many busy markets on your route, grand temples, and wildlife sanctuaries all around. Kutch is an isolated land with secluded beaches; it houses colourful yet sparsely populated villages and vast stretches of desert. Both have a charm of their own, and you will get to see the best of both worlds.
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Hilly Wonders
Rediscover the mighty Himalayas on your trip to Ladakh from Manali. If you are truly keen on exploring untouched gems of north India then this trip is perfect for you. The journey can be a little tough, off-beat and frisky but in the end, you will end up collecting memories that will last you a lifetime. On your way, you will get to explore pristine white snowy peaks, endless rolling meadows, secluded villages and incredible local cuisines.
Witness Royalty
The culturally-rich north Indian trail of Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur and Jaipur will leave you mesmerised. These four destinations are closely associated with the royal lifestyles of the bygone era. The captivating palaces, forts and monuments, cultural engagement, and most importantly, an array of authentic delicacies from the recipe books of royals are something you’ll get to experience on this trip. Imagine witnessing fine architecture, textiles, and a beautiful amalgamation of Indo-Islamic and Mughal cultures. Immerse yourself in exploring India’s finest through this trail.
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Unseen India
Delve deep into the undiscovered jewels of north-eastern India through this trail. Depending on the number of days, you can drive across Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. Guwahati is an ideal starting point due to its air connectivity. From there, you can customise the spots that you want to tap into. The trail of Arunanchal and Nagaland takes approximately five to six days. You will get to witness nature’s finest landscapes on this trip.
Related: #StepAhead: Caravan Tourism Is Karnataka Govt’s Latest Bid To Woo Tourists Back Post Corona