The image of the recreational vehicle (RV), or more specifically, the camper van, entered the collective Indian subconscious with style in 2009, through its appearance in Swades. Some of us had seen them in American movies, thought them a novelty and enjoyed its presence in a distant manner. Though not an entirely unknown entity, recreational vehicles were placed firmly in the ‘western’ and ‘unattainable’ category.
But Swades seemed to change things. Here was an Indian person (although Indian-American), driving this motorhome through rural India, and living in it with hardly any problems. It worked on a fundamental level. It was absolutely fascinating and despite owning a recreational vehicle being a pipe dream, curiosity had set in.
As a country with certain resources and restrictions, one must consider the fact that an RV is a feasible, achievable investment to make.
(Spoiler alert: It is.)
We’ve put down some relevant information that you should read before considering investing in an RV. Ready to go caravaning?
THE MANY FACETS OF MOTORHOMES
An already popular means of travel and vacation in western countries, motorhomes and caravans have regained their popularity in the post pandemic world. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, a recreational vehicle rental market place in the United States, RVshare, reported a 1000% rise in bookings from April to mid-May. The appeal of the motorhome has always been around, it just needed some perspective to kick start its popularity once again.
The RV also functions as an actual home for many people around the world, both for travel and for people looking for a slower pace of life. The motorhome provides its users a safe space to tend to basic human requirements, and allows them to rest, recuperate and recharge while on the move. The RV has been revolutionary in terms of slow, sustainable and spontaneous travel.
But another factor to consider in a post-COVID world, is the possibility of having a workcation with an RV. Depending on your requirements, you can get a fully customised work nook for yourself, in the event that you would like to do an unexpected road trip or you find the beach calling to you, but unfortunately your employer does not feel the same call.
DO WE HAVE AN RV CULTURE IN INDIA?
Interestingly, the Union Tourism Ministry had looked into camper tourism and building relevant infrastructure for it, way back in 2009. Although it did not pan out, the post-pandemic world has certain state governments excited about camper tourism possibilities. The Maharashtra government approved of a policy to encourage caravans and caravan tourism in 2021, in order to boost tourism post COVID. They plan to focus on beaches, forts and mountain ranges, amongst other places, as good sites for RV based tourism.
But that still doesn’t answer the question if recreational vehicles and caravans are available in India.
The answer is a resounding yes. It is entirely legal to own, keep and drive a recreational vehicle in India. You do not need any special permissions or permits in order to purchase one, and can do so at your convenience. However, you cannot list a motorhome as your legal address, even if you have chosen to practise slow travel and take life and experiences as they come. Given the infrastructure available in our country, you would be easily able to travel across the length and breadth of it in an RV, with great ease and gusto.
If we must be technical about it, a recreational vehicle is a large vehicle which includes accommodations or living quarters. This includes a small kitchenette, washroom, beds (sometimes a bedroom), a lounging or seating area and storage. There are many types of RVs, such as caravans, campervans, motorhomes and coaches. As most RVs are customisable, you will almost always have the choice to pick what goes into your vehicle. If not customise, then you certainly have the ability to choose a vehicle that suits yours and your family’s needs exactly.
A motorhome is beyond just a vehicle that you can choose for travel. It is the epitome of convenience, luxury and time management. It is not easy to pack up and leave for a vacation, or even a workcation. Having an RV allows you the luxury of time and the simple pleasure of a home away from home.
When it comes to purchasing a motorhome in India, if one were to look at amenities and services available, then nothing beats JCBL’s Signature RV. The epitome of luxury, the Signature RV boasts of two bedrooms, a well-sized pantry, a washroom, and a luxuriant living area with loungers and a high-end entertainment system. Furthermore, the JCBL Signature RV is entirely customisable. You can pick what chassis builds the foundation of your motorhome, as well as what size television you would like to include in the living area.
If you’re looking for a simpler model, the JCBL Xander is something you can consider. Smaller than the Signature RV, the JCBL Xander also offers the same set of amenities that the luxury motorhome does, but on a smaller scale. The key difference is that the Xander is not a fully customisable model, but comes with most of its fittings. However, it is perfect for a small family looking to branch out and diversify their outings, without wanting to invest too much in their first motorhome.
The affordability of a motorhome depends on your requirements. A fully customisable luxury recreational vehicle will of course, cost significantly more than a ready to use caravan. But please remember, that a motorhome is a long-term investment, meant for travel and recreation purposes. It might not be an essential part of your life plan, but its versatility and convenience can seamlessly integrate it wherever required.
An RV is approximately the size of a bus, so while navigation through smaller roads may be an adventure, you can rest assured knowing that you will be able to park in most places. The size allows for its considerable storage capacities, and allows you to take on a significant amount of luggage, along with some portable furniture if you so wish. The storage is also comfortably scattered around the motorhome, for you to store your personal belongings and toiletries.
Travel and tourism is changing, and for the better. The post-pandemic world has taught us many lessons in how to prioritise, and spending time with family is at the very top of the list. However, we do understand that there are roadblocks to doing what we want without giving up on certain important aspects of our lives.
An RV that is built with your needs in mind, can take a significant burden off your shoulders. With a trusted company, you can sit back, relax and let them work their magic in order to provide to you a motorhome that will not only take your family on adventurous road trips, but also give you a quiet space to work on occasion.
Let JCBL take the wheel and give you a motorhome of your dreams.
