Basecamp introduces caravans in India

Basecamp, an Indian adventure travel accessories company has introduced two imported caravans in India, the Hymer  Sporting Style 465 and Dethleffs Newline 410tk, priced at Rs 22 lakh (plus taxes) and Rs 16 lakh (plus taxes) respectively. There is a 40 per cent plus import duty over the sticker price of these caravans.

Hymer is one of the largest caravan and motorhome manufacturers in Europe, while Dethleffs is one of the biggest caravan providers in Europe. 

The caravans are loaded with the full range of motorhome facilities such as beds, bathrooms, cooking range, fridge, seating and dining area, shelves to store things in, air-conditioning, television etc. 

The caravans can be powered via a 220V socket or a portable generator that can be carried in the caravan itself. The caravans also have space for two cooking gas cylinders. 

The Hymer Sporting Style 465 is larger than the Dethleffs Newline 410tk and comes with a double bed while the latter comes with a bunk bed for two. The washroom of the Hymer is also slightly more spacious than that of the Dethleffs. The caravans can be towed by passenger vehicles. 

Basecamp will deilver the caravans to owners within 45 to 90 days from the date of order.

Abroad, caravanning has been popular since the 1920s, as people still have the convenience of living and driving their own vehicle to chosen destinations without spending on hotel rooms and food.

In Europe and North America, there are caravan parks where for a fixed fee caravans can be parked, often near  spots conducive for trekking, rock climbing, etc. 

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Basecamp has tied up with Bharat Petroleum and Haryana Tourism to set up caravan parks in India. Initially, Basecamp is looking at operating in north India to kick off the concept of caravanning in the country. The first caravan park has been set up at Okhla, New Delhi, next to their showroom. 

Basecamp also deals in roof tents that can be mounted on the roof rails of SUVs, where two people can sleep in while travelling. The Columbus roof tent from AutoHome is available at Basecamp stores for Rs 1.25 lakh. 

Established in 2002, Basecamp’s aim was to create a chain of stores that are one stop shops for travel equipment. Basecamp sells Victorinox, Go Travel, Maglite, Muela Knives, Outsider, Katadyn, Trim, Laken, GoGirl, Optimus and Wenger gear. 

The man behind Basecamp, Anish Goel brought the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife to India in 1995. He invested Rs 2 lakh in his venture and within the first year of operation he made roughly Rs 20 lakh. 

In 2002, Basecamp’s initial capital was Rs 10-12 lakh which resulted in a turnover of Rs.60-70 lakh at the end of the year. In financial year 2010-11 the company recorded a turnover of Rs 25 crore. There are 11 Basecamp stores presently in India. Goel wants to increase the number to 45 plus in three to four years with a target turnover of Rs 100 crore. 

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By introducing the caravan in India the company has taken yet another step towards promoting adventure tourism in the country. Goel feels there is a market for caravans in India and that the caravan will become a success story in the country.