Camps have become a glamorous affair for honeymooners who want to romance under the starry sky

GO GLAMPING


Nibble on artisanal pizza and gaze at the Himalayas from the comfort of your African safari-style tent. Camps have become a glamorous affair for honeymooners who want to romance under the starry sky 
 
Believe it or not but camping in the wild can be one of the dreamiest experiences. Endless starry skies, a slight nip in the air and warmth of a bonfire... the perfect ingredients of a romantic night out. It only gets better in glamping (glamorous camping) with the whole luxe factor thrown in. Picture a cozy getaway featuring Swiss tents spread over apple orchards or pitched next to a tranquil river. “Glamping lets couples enjoy their honeymoon in the lap of nature, without worrying about hotel bookings or ordering meals. A guide takes them out for a lovely hike or a visit to the local temple or a fruit orchard,“ says Rajinder Singh who runs The Wanderers, a travel company that specialises in mobile camping and glamping. “Decent accommodation is hard to come by in the mountains in India and small guest houses and lodges do not always offer luxurious facilities. But mobile camping is becoming a choice for modern couples,“ he adds. On their tours, one vehicle travels with the client and a second vehicle carries tents with comfy cots and mattresses, dining tents with tables and chairs, a chemical toilet, kitchen crew and staff. Currently, The Wanderers operate in Himachal Pradesh, but soon plan to extend to Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
The glamour quotient in camping probably draws a lot from the location.What can be a better site than Ladakh then! Moving beyond nondescript homestays, Ladakh has embraced a hint of opulence in the form of a few luxury camps. The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC ) has opened one in Thiksey that has private butlers and guest travelogists pandering to your demands. From the land of the Lamas to the tribal land of Nagas (Kohima, Nagaland), TUTC takes opulence to the most remote corners of India, taking in local flavours and aromas in the comfort of a lavish campsite. There is also The Nimmu House in Ladakh with lovely hammocks and lounge chairs to stretch and snooze in. Their tents are quite chic with organic European fare and homemade dumplings and soup complet ing the whole picture.
Kashmir might not be the ideal destination for honeymooners in the current scenario, but is, nevertheless, a treat for glamping enthusiasts. Largely synonymous with skiing expeditions and boathouse stays, Kashmir, with its expansive valleys and overarching peaks, gives experiences worth Instagramming. The Ahsan Mount Resort in Sonamarg, starting point for some picturesque day hikes, overlooks the river Sind and is nestled in the midst of a lush forest.The tents offer sweeping views of mountains and glaciers with private verandas and sun beds to lounge in. “Couples thoroughly enjoy our sheesha hookah lounge where they can soak in sumptuous Kashmiri and continental cuisine.The meals are followed by servings of hot Kashmiri kahwa,“ adds Isam Wani, co-owner of the place which also organises a beautiful waterfall trek for guests.
However, one needn't always travel great heights to glamp in style in India. While Rajasthan boasts of many uber luxurious camping destinations targeting mostly the foreign clientele, Goa and Kerala are more for the bohemian traveller. Ashvem and Morjim, two of the quietest and most hassle-free beaches of North Goa, offer some great camping options. Walking distance from the beach, these tents are more like air conditioned suites with attached showers, luxury linen, iPod dock and plush beds. What's more?
You're literally steps away from the delish French restaurant La Plage! Most camps have safes to lock the valuables and the closet locks as well.
Similarly, Wayanad district of Kerala has quite a few glamping stopovers located in coffee, nut and pepper plantations. Hike during the day and come back to the comfort of an Ayurvedic spa. The Grassroots camp in Wayanad, for instance, is asso ciated with an Ayurvedic clinic supervised by qualified doctors to give their guests spe cial care. The Hornbill Camp pitched on a coconut grove on the banks of river Periyar arranges kayaking expeditions, forest and plantation tours on the bike and village visits. Known as the Birder's Paradise, the camp and the adjoining Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctu ary, are home to over 270 species of birds.Don't forget your binoculars!
Glamping sites abroad
Ubud in Bali offers tent lodges with a view of gorgeous rice fields. The lodges are decorated in contem porary Balinese style, each one with a private pool, ornate chandeliers and elaborate wardrobes.
You can experience a starlit sleep over like no other at the historic Warwick Castle in England. The castle offers premium tents complete with four-poster beds, thrones and even a Knights Suite of Armour.
Kenya is considered the epitome of glamping. You'll find the finest accom modations in tents imaginable, with four-poster beds, plush towels and hand-woven rugs. And outdoors, the most spectacular view in the world!
Nepal is a good option for adventur ous glampers. The camping retreats offer expert guides to escort you on your nature adventure. They even use fresh organic produce.
With vast open spaces and ample scenic spots, little wonder camping is one of the favourite hobbies in both the north and south islands of New Zealand. Hobbit house-styled camps are a huge hit with tourists.
One needn't always travel to great heights to glamp in style in India. While Rajasthan mostly targets foreign clientele, Goa and Kerala are more for the bohemian traveller


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