Counter to COVID-19: Luxury Camper Van Tourism

Bob Rupani Updated: September 14, 2020, 02:54 PM IST

COVID-19 has unleashed "Corona Confinement" on us. Never before have we been locked in our homes like this and now many of us have a massive desire to get away and break free. But where do you go and how? Social distancing is not possible in planes, trains, buses or hotels. The solution could be "Camper Van Tourism" where you can drive out into the wilderness and stay in your own private "Home on Wheels". As Overdrive feels the popularity of such vacations on wheels is likely to increase, we shall be carrying a series of stories on this concept of road trips and driving holidays.

These Campervans offer luxury on wheels and enable one to go glamping in style

A Bengaluru based startup Campervan Camps and Holidays India Pvt. Ltd, recently introduced Motorhomes called LuxeCamper. Initially they will be offering vacation on wheels in Karnataka and once the present restrictions on inter-state travel are relaxed, they should be able to accommodate requests for inter-state travel as well. Speaking with this writer, the Founder Tiger Ramesh said, "We are excited to introduce the concept of Motorhome-based holidays in India. Our endeavour is to offer an all-new safe and exquisite travel experience that brings together comfort and style, like never before! As there are no readymade Motorhomes available in India for tourism purposes, we decided to design and manufacture our own Motorhomes. With these beautifully designed LuxeCampers, our aim is to provide travellers the opportunity to deep dive into unexplored destinations by personalizing their travel trails and activities."

The lounge area has large windows for a panoramic view

The big kitchenette comes with an induction stove and gas, and also a microwave, toaster, electric kettle, etc.

Vinay Luthra (IFS), former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force at Karnataka Forest Department, has also joined the board as a Director and an advisor to the company. With over 35 years of experience, he was instrumental in building the premium eco-tourism chain of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. He says, "Today, our LuxeCamper is probably the safest way to travel since it allows guests to maintain social distance during the journey, as well as, at the destinations".

Its equipped with a fridge with freezer and pristine crockery and cutlery too

LuxeCamper has partnered with small lodges, homestays and select campsites of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd, for halting the LuxeCampers and camping. These camping locations are situated near beaches, historical monuments, hill stations and wildlife safari spots. They are pre-screened for safety and cleanliness and currently their camping sites are located at Aanejari, Bandipur, Bheemeshwari, Hampi, Kabini, Kodagu, Kudremukha, Sadashivgad, Sakleshpur, Sakrebyle and Sitanandi. Few more locations are being finalized.

Seven rooftop solar panels help charge the onboard batteries that power the appliances

The LuxeCampers are built on Ashok Leyland 4200mm and 4900 mm chassis. Tiger Ramesh says these are India's first commercially approved premium Motorhomes and they have received approval from ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) as per AIS 124 standards. These Motorhomes have a separate driver and guest cabin. The space has been smartly managed to create living and sleeping areas that can accommodate up to 4 adult guests. The lounge doubles up as a comfortable queen bed, along with a motorized suspended queen bed at the front. These luxurious Motorhomes are equipped with a fully functional kitchenette that comes with an induction stove and gas, toaster, electric kettle, a microwave oven, fridge and freezer and high quality crockery and cutlery.

The onboard modern toilet has a hot and cold shower space

It has two smart TV's, a high end audio system with Bluetooth, 4G Wi-Fi, 230V power sockets and USB charging points and a modern washroom with hot shower. The toilet is designed to incinerate human waste and disposes only bio ash, thereby reducing the use of water and other resources. To ensure safety of the traveller, the LuxeCamper is fitted with 360-degree cameras, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, a speed governor and a GPS tracker. These Motorhomes offer panoramic views and provide all luxuries for a fully self-contained holiday. The facilities also include a stylish skylight and five bi-directional fans, an outdoor barbecue connection, an external shower, a sleek awning with wind sensors, and a bicycle rack, to make outdoor life more enjoyable.

It is fitted with two TV's and a top quality audio system with Bluetooth

Seven rooftop solar panels help charge the inverter batteries that provide power for the various electrical implements and they are also charged during the journey by an additional alternator. The LuxeCamper has a provision to connect to an external 230V AC power either from the grid or from a generator at the halting site. The LuxeCamper cabins are regularly sanitized and the upholstery and linen are treated with 100 degrees centigrade steam to kill any unwanted organism. The interior surfaces are wiped with approved sanitizers and the crockery and cutlery are washed in hot water and sanitized. LuxeCampers's certified driver and a glamping leader, who is well-trained on curating a unique experience for the travellers, accompany the campervan and they undergo preliminary checks for body temperature and any other visual signs or symptoms of fatigue and flu. In addition anyone with a heavy vehicle driver's license can self-drive the campervan for the rented period.

These Campervans have an outdoor barbecue kit, awning with wind sensors and also an external shower

Tiger Ramesh, an entrepreneur from the tech industry and keen wildlife enthusiast and photographer, has also built a tech platform that allows guests to choose from a set of recommended trails, as well as, customize and configure their own routes to various destinations. Tiger Ramesh's new project has attracted marquee angel investors, such as former Indian team captain and legendary cricketer Anil Kumble, international musician Vijay Prakash, Subhash Dhar - ex-worldwide head of sales and marketing Infosys, Phaneesh Murthy from the IT industry, etc.

Starry starry nights.