Outbound guide: tips for van selection and resource farming

Toyota Kirloskar Motor launched the updated Hilux in India, showcasing the Basecamp camper conversion by Bengaluru-based Camper Dynamics. The modular setup turns the pickup into a compact home on wheels, featuring a bed, kitchen, shower, work area, and storage. It includes a solar panel, LED lighting, ventilation, an 80-litre water tank, and other equipment. The camper is priced at Rs 15.8 lakh, while the Hilux is available in three automatic variants starting at Rs 31.99 lakh.

The trend of traveling in caravans and motorhomes is rapidly increasing in India, particularly in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Companies like The Vacay Vans, CarHOME India, and Motorhome Adventures offer rental vehicles equipped with bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Weekend trips from Mumbai to Lonavala or Konkan cost between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000, while Goa trips range from ₹24,000 to ₹35,000.

Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) plans to launch 'Patna Darshan' tours on luxury caravans. Package costs 16,000 rupees or 75 rupees per km with a minimum 250 km order plus 5% GST.

Goa's Tourism Department is planning over 60 new activities across 11 categories, including caravan tourism, hot air balloon rides, feni trails, and wildlife safaris. Operators must have an average annual turnover of ₹50 lakh in any three of the last five years and at least three years of relevant experience. A fixed annual licence fee of ₹5 lakh will be charged to register these activities. Some initiatives, such as seaplane services and paragliding, were previously attempted but failed.

In 2016, Vimal Geethanandan left his home in Andhra Pradesh, planning a trip of one and a half years, but ended up traveling for six years. In 2019, he bought a second-hand van and converted it into a caravan with a bed, kitchen, shower, and a 350 W solar panel. Over two years of active caravanning, he traveled from Kanyakumari to Spiti, passing through several states. The story was republished as archival content.

AdventureX4x4 has launched its e-commerce site adventurex4x4.com, offering rooftop tents, 4x4 recovery gear, and Himalayan expeditions. The flagship product is the FeatherLite rooftop tent, weighing 36.5 kg, designed for compact 4x4s like the Suzuki Jimny. The range includes other tents, awnings, recovery equipment, and an AI concierge named Agent X.