The first integrated caravan park in Kerala, KAVA Eco Camp and Caravan Park, is set to open in Malampuzha next week, marking a significant development in the state’s caravan tourism initiative.
The facility, designed to accommodate up to six caravans and six camper vans, features luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, recreational facilities, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and accommodation units.
Essential infrastructure, including sewage and waste treatment facilities, has also been incorporated into the park’s design, according to a report by The New Indian Express.
The caravan tourism initiative, Keravan Kerala, was launched in 2021 with the goal of promoting close-to-nature travel experiences. However, the project has struggled due to inadequate infrastructure and limited investment.
Sajeev Kurup, managing director of Ayurvedamana and owner of the new park, believes this facility will serve as a model for future investments.
“This is a model project that aligns with the caravan policy of the tourism department. There are investors who are ready to invest but they don’t have a model. This is a benchmark project that could woo more investors into caravan tourism,” he said.
Industry stakeholders note that for caravan tourism to gain traction in Kerala, a network of well-equipped parks must be developed.
“Those coming here should be able to camp in other unexplored locations too. Else the project will not be a success,” Kurup added.
The lack of a robust infrastructure has forced caravan owners to explore alternative revenue streams, such as renting out vehicles for film shoots.
Prasad Manjali, CEO of Citrine Hospitality Ventures Ltd, previously operated a caravan park in Vagamon but had to shut it down due to financial challenges.
“We have two luxury caravans and now they are deployed for film shooting and other purposes. We are hardly getting any tourism-related inquiries,” he said, noting that high operational costs and a lack of demand made it difficult to sustain the business.
To address these issues, Kerala Tourism has partnered with Kerala Startup Mission to develop a caravan trail linking various districts.
A tourism department official stated that identifying and integrating hidden attractions along these trails could enhance the appeal of caravan tourism.
“Once the caravan trails are ready, we will have a better idea of where to locate the caravan parks,” the official said. The government has also announced plans to establish two new parks at Bolgatty and Ponmudi this year, aiming to create a more viable ecosystem for the sector.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, Kerala’s experience with caravan tourism underscores the importance of strategic planning, infrastructure development, and pricing models that align with market demand. The challenges faced by early adopters highlight the need for sustainable business strategies, diversified revenue streams, and government support to ensure long-term success in the sector.
