When backpacking India, most travellers opt to make use of the trains and this is a quintessential experience. Package tourists dont make it here. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. Kasol itself is, like Manali, famed for its marijuana and laid back backpacker vibe. The NEMO Aurora 2 is a versatile option within the world of budget backpacking tents. There are also VIP tourist buses, super cheap local buses and, of course, hitchhiking is always an option. When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. You can even filter your personal travel needs to find the perfect place for you. Featuring vibrant colors, angular patterning reminiscent of mountainscapes, and a competitive price, our Aurora tent screams fun and livability. Forget hostel beds, rent a houseboat for $15 a night!! Even if you plan to head towards Leh, a week in Spiti is one you wont soon forget. The single door helps cut down on excess weight, but it means two campers have to use the same entrance, and its important to stake down the tent as you pitch it because its light enough to get blown by a strong wind if it isnt weighed down. Built-in snaps for Pawprint so four-legged buddies can join. For a full run down of chilled out places to visit in the area have a good look at theKasol and Around guideby Drifter Planet. But for backpackers with a lot of time, give India at least 6 months. With a feathery 3.3 pound minimal weight, the Nemo Dagger Osmo 2-person Tent will appease even the most arduous backpacker. You also benefit from lighter, more durable materials, smaller pack size, smart features like internal storage and hooks that hold your headlamp and double as a tent lantern, and ample vestibule space to store your gear. Theres a strong backpacker community here, the town suffers from many a hippie-wannabe, and theres lots of yoga and meditation classes available. Nemo Aurora Highrise Camping Tent at Amazon, Hilleberg Allak 2 Tent at Backcountrygear.com, Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 Tent at Backcountry.com, Nemo Aurora Highrise 4 Person Camping Tent, REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint, The 8 Best Camping Air Mattresses of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent With Footprint, The Best Camping Chairs of 2023, Tested by Outdoor Experts. Despite this, its well worth spending one night in Kheerganga to see the stunning night sky at elevation; the lack of light pollution makes for some soul-stirring stargazing. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas always ask before taking photos. Leave cell service and your worries behind. You must book in advance though. A great value, filling lunch standard. Other than the clips that attach the tent to the poles, there isn't a lot of brittle plastic to inadvertently step on. There are many day-hikes and longer multi-day treks that can be attempted from around Kasol. Doors only have 1 zipper so they are hard to get in and . And no Im not kiddingeven after 2 years in India, I reckon Ive only seen half of it. It remains to be seen how the demolition will affect Hampis. The pole segments are all connected with elastic so sliding them all into place is a quick process. Bring sickness. The 8 Best Camping Cots of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Backpacking Tents for Every Budget and Adventure, Tested, The 6 Best 2-person Tents of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 9 Best Hammocks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, We Tested the Best Beach Umbrellas for Staying Cool and Comfortable, The 4 Best Reclining Camp Chairs for Kicking Back and Relaxing in the Great Outdoors, The Best Family Tents, According to Camping Experts, The Best Beach Canopies for Convenience, Comfort, and Value, We Tested the Best Portable Fire Pits for Every Outdoor Occasion, The Best Kayaks for Beginners, Pros, and Everyone in Between, The 15 Best Travel Strollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter. I lingered here for almost a month when I was on my first backpacking trip to India at the age of nineteen. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. It makes us humble and proud. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. Next, make a stop in Bhagsu before moving on to Manali. If you are into your photography, Nashik is one of the best places to visit some truly untouched Ghats and to capture scenes of Indian rural life. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. The North Face Wawona 6: The Wawona won high marks for its high-quality materials and ample weather protection, but the instructions werent very clear and it took a while and at least two people to pitch the tent for the first time, and though the tent is rated to fit six, four campers seemed more realistic. Always show them the complete respect that they deserve. I've been wanting this tent for ever, I like the vertical walls. The Taj Mahal is chief amongst the top sites to see in India. Meanwhile Tilmati Beach (near Karwar, another offbeat town worth checking out) is a real black sand beach only known to locals and fishermen. Typically, you can expect to try 2 3 ATMs before finding one that works. You can bribe your way out of most situations fairly quickly but the trick is to do it fast; the more police become involved the more expensive it will become get your ass out of the situation before you arrive at the police station. The price is a bit higher compared to other tents on our list, but the overall quality of the product means itll last a long time. Start by the visiting the amazing palace and the massive Stupa the donkey sanctuary is also worth a visit. The current Prime Minister Modi is a Hindi nationalist rabble rouser who is stirring anti-Islamic sentiment. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. They can sometimes be annoying but do try to be patient its not every day they meet somebody travelling in India Be mindful for some common scams that you might get pulled into. A better trip through one of Indias most beautiful states doesnt exist. Hell yes! The 68D polyester floor and fly are durable. Built-in snaps for our Pawprint protective floor layer make this tent a great option for overnights with your four-legged friend. Vashist is just a fifteen minute tuk tuk ride from Old Manali. We believe meaningful adventures are possible for everyone, anywhere. On cold nights, be sure all the doors are closed and that the rainfly extends to the ground to avoid any air circulating from underneath. Nothing makes for a more frustrating and exhausting experience than struggling to pitch your tent after a long day of backpacking, which is why we appreciated the ease of which the REI Trail Made 2-person Tent went up quickly. We do not represent World Nomads. If you are taking a trip to Parvati Valley, chances are you will pass through Kasol, which is a popular backpacking destination for good reason. Pushkar isa hippie paradiseso youll find a lot of cheap andchill places in Pushkar for like $3 a night! It's the best option in that niche for under $300. In addition to using a high-quality, warm sleeping bag, wearing a hat, and other cold-weather hacks like sleeping with a water bottle with hot water, the tent itself can add 5 to 10 degrees of warmth. Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. Another nice inclusion is a spare pole sleeve which could be a lifesaver if one of the pole segments were to snap while on trail. Nemo really packed in all the small details destined to woo you, including the brands Gatekeeper door clips, a pocket that transforms your headlamp into a tent lantern, and multiple gear pockets. Bangalore is a tech hub of sorts and one of Indias cleaner cities, but dont spend more than a few days here before heading to the very offbeat Kodagudont be surprised if youre the only foreigner in town. Below is a general guide to Indias weather patterns, but Indias massive size means you need to closely investigate the weather patterns for your specific destination at the time of year you plan to visit. Then, every tent was evaluated on a one-to-five scale on each of those key elements to narrow the selections to the ones included in this round-up. So its smart to invest in a higher-quality tent, and that goes double for backpacking tents, which provide your only refuge when youre out in the wild. The bathtub floor also rises high off of the ground. Backpacking Tents - NEMO Equipment Even better, if youre keen to go camel trekking and to spend a night camping out in the desert with fellow backpackers, this is the place to do it! Buy Now $250.00 Our take For backpackers who would rather tax their backs than their wallets, the double-wall Aurora is a can't-miss choice. The durable fabric worked to block out the elements, and the aluminum poles perfectly balance the weight-to-strength ratio youd expect in a high-end tent. Next up, take a relatively short local bus to Mysore, which is easily my favorite city in India. Broke Backpacker readers get a $10 discount when you sign up. The Indian rupee is not one the worlds more powerful currencies and relatively few people emigrate to India in search of work. Pushkar is renowned as a town of religious importance and you cant drink or eat meat here meaning that, of course, you can but your beer will be disguised in a teapot and will cost more. TEFL coursesopen up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. This is an all-around baggy tentlike MC Hammers pants. A footprint is an additional piece of protective fabric thats designed to lay under the floor of your tent, which adds another layer of moisture protection and also protects the tent itself from abrasive elements like rocks or roots, which in turn extends the life of your tent. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2021. In Old Manali, Dylans Toasted and Roasted does great deserts and has a movie room. $299.95 (2) You Save (%) Free Shipping. We also checked the cost including shipping & discounts from thirteen different sellers online stores, to find the best deal for you. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. Check out our Mumbai Neighbourhood Guide. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Love Nemo, a couple of basic improvement needed on Aurora, Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2022. Try to spend just a day here if you can as the city is stressful and ugly. After youve spent a solid amount of time living the high-altitude life, its time for Srinigar, the capital of Indias portion of Kashmir. It's 4 lbs 9 oz and is 23\" x 7\" when packed down. Looking for a bed? We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. We offer free standard shipping on all product orders over $50 which ship to street addresses within the lower 48 states. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. to improve your chances of escaping. I recommend taking around 3 days to make stops along the way. Even so, a festival of some kind should be on your India itinerary. English standards vary dramatically. The vents add a bit of air circulation, but more venting would be nice. You can however mitigate its horror by choosing carefully where to stay in Jaipur. Just outside of Alleppey is a little known but very beautiful stretch of beach and some interesting villages easily explored by bicycle. How can we improve GearLab? Ask the temple guards if unsure. Aurora comes with a durable matching footprint to help keep the tents floor intact through endless adventures. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. From Nashik you can arrange a sleeper bus towards Goa, or if you are feeling adventurous catch a train to Gulbarga and then onwards to Bidar and Bijapur, you may have to go via Bombay. The back waters of Alleppey are best seen from the local boats, and even popular Varkala (which can be reached by train or bus) has plenty of hidden spots to get off the beaten track in. Ounce-counters rejoice! Even street cows can get aggressive so keep your distance. The hub of the east is undoubtedly Kolkata, a fantastic city where youll likely be one of only a handful of other backpackers. Unfortunately, I kissed a lot of frogs before finding this prince of a tent. (4) It folds up tidily, rolls up easily, and is the first tent I've owned that set me to cussing while trying to wrestle it back into its original bag. I stayed in a lovely little guesthouse called simply The Lake View Guesthouse. Manali is an adventurers paradise and you can arrange white water rafting, paragliding, zorbing and canyoning or, you could just get blazed all day. Bombay is, in a single word, intense! But ample vestibules on both sides, along with two wide doors, make it effortless to keep your gear dry. The fort alone is well worth coming to Bidar for but the city itself does have some other interesting sites and is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the Sikhs. If you have a tent, bring it. The necklace sellers on the beach are mostly young and pleasant but do get annoying. I've only set it up inside, but the rain-fly took only a couple more minutes, so I'm guessing I'll be able to stake it and run guy-lines in about 10 minutes, total, (2) The near-vertical walls make the tent feel unbelievably roomy inside, and I can kneel completely upright in it (I'm 5'6") at the center, (3) I'll be using it for motorcycle camping and I love that there's plenty of room inside the tent for my riding clothes, and the vestibules will readily hold what I carry in waterproof duffels. You should also see your Doctor before visiting as a number of vaccinations are advised. Add Aurora 2P Tent with Footprint to Compare Top Rated. Drink water from ANYWHERE. From Bombay, you can easily catch a train to Aurangabad. Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. The 2 official languages however are Hindi and English. Despite its noticeable height, it stood up to heavy winds while camping on the beach even though the guy lines werent tied down. The quickest-to-pitch tents typically employ clips to attach the poles rather than fabric sleeves, and some have attached all the poles to one system, which makes pitching the tent faster and less confusing. Goa remained a Portugese Colony until 1967 when the Indian army annexed it many Goans still consider themselves not to be Indian. Best served with rice. You can book train travel via a travel agent but note that they will charge a fee some even rip you off by selling you less class than you asked for but this is just one of the many, many scams played on travellers in India. You can spend a lifetime and still not see everything this mega-country has to offer, but I think these are the very best places in India that you just shouldnt miss. Learn more. This is too expensive Ye bahut mehenga hai, Make your price less Bhaav (or daam) kam karo. Pakoras Deep fried batter cakes filled with onions, spices and assorted veg. The second is the Taj Maha l, it costs a whopping 1100RS to get in and this will probably continue to rise for foreign visitors in the coming years. Though not a lightweight, the Aurora cuts down on ounces by using small, low-profile aluminum components. Built with a proprietary blend of poly and nylon, the tent boasts impressive water repellency, minimal stretch when wet, and a higher strength rating compared to similar fabrics, details that kept things dry when we were caught in a prolonged, heavy rainstorm. Want more deetz on why its so damn perfect? GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Nemo Equipment. Sign up to The Broke Backpackers EXCLUSIVE VIP AREA below and download our top backpacking guides as PDFs go offline with peace of mind! Masala Dosa A paper thin flour pancake filled with spiced potatoes. Our take For backpackers who would rather tax their backs than their wallets, the double-wall Aurora is a cant-miss choice. Crime against tourists is pretty rare (except for sex crimes against women) but pick pocketing occurs and unattended valuables will go missing. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children. You could happily spend a week in Pushkar, exploring the many temples and the gorgeous lake within the centre of the town. Once the tent is properly "set up", it is also easy to open up the doors and keep them out of the way with the stash pockets. To make things a bit easier, Ive popped together some different backpacking routes for India; these can easily be combined or added together to create the absolute perfect India itinerary. There is a lot of commune-style accommodation around; it tends to attract plenty of wannabe hippies but dont give up if your first experience isnt great, try a few of them to see if you can find a place with a vibe to suit you. These guys were almost always unbelievably hospitable and kind. Was: $279.95 Featuring vibrant color, angular patterning reminiscent of mountains scapes, and a competitive price, the new Nemo Aurora screams fun and livability. I haven't camped with it yet because I got it in the winter so I've only set it up in the living room. The good news is that India is one of the cheapest countries in the world to go travelling if youre smart with your money its possible to travel in India on a budget of just $10 a day, even less if you haggle like a pro. You should definitely visit Chamundi Hill, climb the thousands of steps if you fancy a workout. Comes in sweet and sour versions. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. Most nationalities can now get a sixty day E-visa online, prior to arrival and this is the most coming visa type. It is famed for its climbing boulders as well as the assortment of ancient temples and Hampis primary backpacker area across the river. Bidar Fort is filled with hidden, locked, passageways and epic buildings. Backpacking through India can be one hell of a crazy party at times. Its a good place to pick up quality clay chillums 120RS anyway. Gear-heads will also love the internal organization, which includes pockets and gear loops and, unlike most tents, it also comes with a footprint, which will help extend the life of this already-durable tent. Always be sure your tent is 100 percent dry before putting it into storage, and keep it in a room with low humidity. Female travellers need to be extra careful and super vigilant at all times in India especially on public transport and after dark. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The included footprint, Light Pockets, duffel storage bag, and gear pockets complete the package.| WHAT'S INCLUDED | + Stakes+ Guy-out cord+ Repair kit+ Light pocket+ Drawstring stuff sack| About NEMO Equipment | NEMO is founded on a commitment to adventure to the fearless pursuit of uncharted paths, in everything from the equipment we build to the way we run our business. Beware of backpacker assholes though, Goa hostels are full of them! Our Mumbai Travel Guide will come in useful. Note that as of February 2020, the local government has began totally demolishing the entirety of the development across the river. Interestingly, the Aurora 2's stuff sack volume is larger than we would expect based on its weight. Mysore is a truly ancient city and it still has a real feel of the British Raj about it. Visiting India? Try to pick a vendor with lots of Indian customers, they usually have the best food. Hilltop & Origens claim to be temples of trance and do attract big name DJs, but they are overpriced, soulless & shit. Weighing in with a minimal packing weight of 4.4 pounds, its light enough to carry for days, and the packed dimensions of 8.5 x 22 inches means it wont swallow up loads of space in your pack. Shopping around and checking them all out is strongly advised as many dont have WI-Fi or reliable electricity and are frankly depressing. There is a lot to do in Leh and some great trekking in Ladakh. To get to Pushkar you must first catch a train to Ajmer and then catch a forty five minute bus onwards to Pushkar itself. The backpacker enclaves of sleepy little Hampi, Goa and Manali are always full of backpackers chatting shit about how much they love India the only thing is; this isnt the real India. Kodagu is perhaps one of the top romantic destinations in India. Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtles life again. Intuitive tent design makes setup quick and easy. REI Outlet. Stayed warm and dry inside. The Details: 13.8 pounds | 90 x 100 x 75 inches | 4 people. The Nemo Aurora 2P Tent strikes a stunning balance of backpacking-worthy weight with camp-worthy comforts. Again, get reallycheap accommodation here. One important thing to note is that Rajasthan can be damn hot This means that you really, really want to try and explore this part of India during November to March; outside of these months, it can be fairly unbearable. The Details: 2.28 pounds | 86 x 42 x 41 inches | 2 person. The free shipping method will be the least costly of either UPS Ground Service (1-5 business days . Its very common to be invited to stay the night or offered a free meal, especially in offbeat areas that seldom see tourists. NEMO Galaxi 2P Review | Backpacking Tent | Backpackers.com India can be a real assault on the senses, the body and the mind. I recommend staying at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram which is near Ram Jhula. Be sure to make a stop at the truly awesome ruined fortress of Daulatabad, a place with a bloody and fascinating history. The exact quirks of Indian culture do vary from region to region but as rule, expect a lack of personal space and a lot of staring! Where is the bathroom? It uses hooks to secure the poles (rather than fabric sleeves), and we didnt even have to refer to the instructions attached to the stuff sack. From Leh, you can take a jeep (very expensive) or an old bus to Srinagar (or you can fly). When you travel to some of the worlds most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. Amazing spacious 2 person tent with great features. The absolute pick has to be Mooksa with its extensive grounds at the back of the cafe. It is comfortable and has a lot of livable space, but also light enough that you could take it backpacking. Possible, that is, if you bring the will, the imagination, and the right gear.Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nemoequipment/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nemoequipment Dont get me wrong it is totally possible to travel in India with almost no money, Ive done it, but its also possible to go travelling in India on a modest budget and still travel in relative style. I drove a multicoloured rickshaw across India, this is the best way to travel in style. . Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2020. But higher-quality tents utilize DWR and the latest waterproof fabrics to really seal out the elements. It is a little on the big and heavy side for two person backpacking tents. Aurora Backpacking Tent & Footprint $299.95 - $359.95 Impact Backpacking Tent $299.95 - $359.95 At NEMO we believe meaningful adventures are possible for everyone, anywhere. Whilst India is generally not considered a dangerous destination, there are actually a lot of little hazards to watch out for. Guesthouses and commune-style accommodation can be a great experience as well; Ive stayed in some amazing places and ended up enjoying it so much that I stayed for weeks at a time. This is a really great place to stay in Varkala! I think Nemo must 'know' this because of the more-than-usual wall toggles (for guy lines) that appear all over the rain fly. However, it is possible to pack it down more tightly than that. Hire bicycles as some of the main sights are spread out and it is a great way to explore. I loved Bundi. Youre connected. Bhayvam Homestay does rooms for $3 but they are basic and you have to share a bathroom. The Details: 5.4 pounds | 88 x 52 x 39.9 inches | 2 people. NEMO Aurora 2P Tent with . Shop around foraccommodationas its possible to find good rooms for $4. Just be sure that the fly goes all the way to the ground when its pitched, and ensure that you have guy lines and tie-off points that let you remove any slack in the fly, which can cause water to pool. Anything less than 1 month isnt worth the flight cost if Im being honest. If you want to find volunteering opportunities in India, then we recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with traveling volunteers. The Rasta Cafe is a great place to hang out and is famed for its Special Lassis (be warned, they can be very strong). Morejim however is a short ride from Arambol (dont drink/drug & ride) and has a number of club nights featuring all minds of music.