‘Glamping’ takes luxe travel by storm

The world of uber luxury travel in India is quickly transforming with ‘glamping’ or glamorous camping capturing a major chunk of the pie.

Basking in the wilderness, amidst bountiful flora and fauna, with stays in sleek cabins, African tents and wooden cottages built on stilts, is enticing travel enthusiasts.

Chirag Gupta, co-founder and CEO, Deyor Camps, which organises glamping experiences, says the novel concept allows travellers to enjoy the calmness and serenity of nature, without having to sacrifice luxury.

Well…having the serenity of nature being interspersed with creepy crawlies, answering nature’s call in the open, and sleeping on rustic charpoys is certainly not to everyone’s liking.

“There are lots of apprehensions attached with staying outdoors or staying in camps. These include unhygienic washrooms, lack of modern amenities, etc. With glamping options, one can have a hassle-free holiday in the outdoors. Glamping is for those who love nature and are unwilling to let go of comfort and luxury,” says Gupta.

From the nature reserves of Bandipur and Kabini, to the safari trails at Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh, and to the coffee plantations in Coorg and Chikmagalur, luxe travellers are devouring premium stays that can cost anywhere from Rs20,000-50,000 per night.

According to Chiranjeev Bajwa from Team GodWin, a group of 14 travel lovers, Sonmarg, Sangla Valley, Pangong Tso, Kumaon, Garhwal, Allepey and Bandhavgarh are some of the best places in India for glamping. “Through glamping, we get to soak in the beautiful scenery, hike trails and spot wildlife without compromising on the comfort factor.”

But how are high-end resorts maintaining the authenticity of nature, while doling out their luxe offerings?

According to Shruti Shibulal, promoter and director at The Tamara Coorg, in order to preserve the sanctity of nature, they have installed low lux lighting in the outdoor areas of the resort. “We use lighters at night to avoid disturbing the nocturnal birds and insects. To enable guests to explore the lush greenery, we have designed nature-based activities such as yoga, meditation, nature treks and plantation walks.”

Says Anand Menon, general manager (marketing), Coffee Day Hotels and Resorts, “At The Serai Bandipur, we are inspired by the Jungle. We’ve drawn lots of inspiration from the jungle, its people, culture and cuisine and have packaged this for guests through stories and experiences. For example, a package such as The Jungle Book focuses on wildlife safaris, nature walks, and spas to make luxury stays in the wild more desirable.”

...& ANALYSIS

• Many luxe travellers are now devouring premium stays under glamping
   
• It ranges from nature reserves to the safari trails or to the coffee plantations
   
• This can cost anywhere from Rs 20,000 per night to Rs 50,000 per night