Camping is an enriching and exciting outdoor activity, which offers ample time to enjoy and reconnect with your loved ones, as well as nature. Cold air, private night, warm fire and bright stars can provide a blissful camping experience and help you have a memorable one with your friends and family.
Many reckon camping as an activity that should be experienced during summertime. However, this outdoor adventure is not a seasonal activity. Fewer crowds, utter silence, starry night, campfire and romance is the best way to paint the picture of a delightful winter camping experience, especially in the month of January. And if you want to relish this experience; get ready, pack your bags and go camping right away!
Here are the top nine camping destinations in India that will give you a much-needed respite.
1. Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Camping in Sonamarg in the winter may sound like a hardcore endeavour, well, it most certainly is! Because camping is an adventurous outdoor activity. And there is no better place to spend your winter holidays than amid the great Himalayas. Waking up to the view of gleaming mountain top and azure blue sky, in addition to a long night spent witnessing millions of stars in the night, offers a life-changing heavenly experience. Sonamarg, also known as the 'Meadows of Gold' is a beautiful place in Srinagar and is one of the best winter camping destinations in India.
2. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer is an ideal winter camping paradise, which offers Sam Sun Dunes as a natural setting. With squishy sand under your feet, fresh air filling your lungs and an endless view of gleaming desert; you'll surely return home revived and refreshed. There are 21 large canvas tents decked on Jaisalmer's stone amid 30 acres of desert scrub. Jaisalmer, popularly known as the 'Golden City of India', is genuinely an exceptional winter camping destination that you should not miss.
3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
The scattered hills, valleys and villages of Mussoorie, often called the Highlands in miniature, offers a splendid scenic backdrop for a campsite. With fresh air and quaint villages nestled in the foothills, Mussoorie turns itself into a magical place to camp. Also, camping at Mussoorie is made more special by the glittering night-sky above.
4. Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
We cannot talk about camping without mentioning Manali's out of this world landscapes. It is an ideal winter camping destination in India that offers many camping options to adventure junkies and thrill-seekers with the background of massive snow-capped mountains and azure blue sky. It also provides trekking options for tourists and travellers. Camping is free in Manali and tents can be put up at any location.
5. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Located hundreds of miles from the active civilization, the Spiti valley is a fantastic campsite, where you can witness the best of snowy mountains, green meadows, azure blue sky and utter silence. Visit Spiti Valley this winter to watch the splendid red sun dip slowly over the horizon to introduce millions of stars stretching from one end to another.
6. Anjuna, Goa
There are many serene places to camp at Anjuna beach, Goa. You might catch sight of the spectacular birds racing in the wide open skies during sunset, while you bask in the hot sun and indulge on some delicious seafood. This clean and pristine destination begs for outdoor exploration. Anjuna Beach is a paradise for campers and is one of the best winter camping destinations in India.
7. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Chikmagalur has a handful of campsites that put you right on the rim of the rolling hills. You can witness the sunrise over the cloud touching green hills with a cup of coffee every morning, and wander in and around the trails adjoining your campsite for even more breathtaking views, thus, making it one of the best camping destinations in India to visit with your loved ones during winter.
8. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Not only is the place beautiful, but it is also full of history and religious prominence. Rishikesh has a wide variety of landscapes, rugged mountains and river bases, making it one of the best wintertime camping destinations in India. Campers can go hiking, trekking, river rafting and sightseeing in and around Rishikesh.
9. Kaudiyala, Uttarakhand
Situated on the banks of River Ganga, Kaudiyala is an apt camping destination for thrill-seekers and adventure seekers. Whether you're a serious mountaineer or want a relaxing day off, Kaudiyala has the right ambience for you. Pitch a tent for spectacular views and soak in the River Ganga when you like and how you like. And If you are looking for something more active, you can also try river rafting or hiking.