YOUR HOME ON WIIEELS

While caravan travel is very popularin the West, it is picking up in India with a host of companies leasing caravans for you to explore the country at your own pace

- SMITA TRIPATHI

FOR 23-YEAR-OLD Siddharth Jolly, some of his happiest memories are that of his family road-tripping across the country in their caravan when he was 15. Little wonder, when it came to setting up his own business, he decided to set up Carawander, a travel company specialising in caravans. The company that was born in October 2020, finally conducted its first road trip a year later. “We had our caravan ready in May last year but the impact of the second wave was still strong and no one was travelling,” says Jolly. However, since then, things have picked up and his caravans are booked for three-four trips every month.

While travelling by caravan or motorhome is quite popular in the West, it's picking up in India now with a series of companies leasing out caravans for self-drive or with drivers. “A caravan gives you the option of waking up to the sounds of nature, to panoramic views, sleeping next to a river or a stream, away from the madding crowds,” says Delhi-based graphic designer Vishal Gupta, who likes to hire caravans and explore Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. “Plus, it's a great way for the family to travel together," says the father of two boys.

With onboard beds, a well-stocked kitchenette with staples such as tea, coffee, rice, and flour, a fridge, microwave, utensils, washroom with hot water, RO for drinking water, camping tents, and Wi-Fi, a caravan is truly your home on wheels.