The Karnataka tourism department has launched Caravan tourism, an initiative under which tourists can book a fully-equipped vehicle which can take them places, and also serve as a bed for night stay. The service is being provided by a start-up called Campervan Camps. People can visit their website to book services, available in various packages. In the first phase, the state will allow Caravan tourism in Hampi, Gokarna, Badami, Kudremukh, Sakaleshpura, Beluru, Halebidu, Sakrebailu, and Kodagu (Coorg).
The government, on its part, is providing parking facilities at various tourist spots and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (KSTDC) hotels.
Each caravan has seats that convert into beds, allowing four people to sleep in one car. The vehicles are equipped with a shower, a modern toilet, smart television and a music system. They also have a kitchenette that includes a refrigerator, freezer and microwave.
The caravan bus has 1,400-watt solar panels on its roof and is fully solar-powered. It uses solar energy for heating and cooling. The toilet is designed to incinerate human waste and disposes only bio ash, thus reducing the use of water and other resources to decompose the waste.