India: RV rentals and caravan tourism gain momentum

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.

Indian brand AdventureX4x4 has launched an online store and introduced the FeatherLite rooftop tent weighing 36.5 kg, designed for compact SUVs like the Suzuki Jimny.

In Nagaur district, Rajasthan, unidentified persons rammed their camper into BJP MLA Revant Ram Danga's car twice. The incident occurred late Thursday near the Govindi toll plaza. Police have identified the vehicle and are examining CCTV footage.