Pakistan and India are large, populous countries with stunning physical features, wonderful natural beauty, plus long and rich cultural histories. Neither has more than a couple of ‘official’ campsites, but both have what are usually referred to as ‘campgrounds’– somewhere that permits overnight stays in a motorhome, but may not provide facilities.
These include national parks, beaches, river valleys and mountain passes, hotel grounds, tourist villages and some visitor attractions. Roads are generally challenging and a led motorcaravan tour would be a good choice for first-time visitors.
Pakistan is the fifth most populated country in the world, with 241 million inhabitants, while India is the second most populated, with 1.2 billion. India has a higher ownership of motorhomes per head of population, but Pakistan has seen the number of motor vehicles owned more than double in less than 10 years.
The perception that motorhomes in both countries are mostly highly decorated, ramshackle, repurposed lorries and coaches is inaccurate. India has a surprisingly large number of innovative eco-tech motorcaravan converters and Pakistan is making great progress in GRP moulding for coachbuilt bodies.
Having already looked at the motorhomes of Russia and China, as well as the RVs of America and Canada, I’m now turning my attention to the motorhomes of Pakistan and India.
Milestone Motorhomes
Lahore-based Milestone Motorhomes are bespoke builders of conventional luxury motorhomes, as well as mobile accommodation for both humans and animals – and on occasions, for both in the same vehicle. Pictured here are splendid living quarters for polo players and their horses.
The residential proportions are such that this is very much a motorhome with a horsebox included, and not a horsebox with living accommodation!
Razmak Industries
Razmak Industries are skilled GRP moulders, based in Peshawar. They specialise in fixed and demountable bodies for pick-up trucks and chassis-cabs.
The firm lists more than 30 diverse roles being fulfilled by its products, everything from mobile theatres for actors to mobile theatres for doctors and vets! Shown here is an example of the brand’s recent move into motorcaravans. Base is the Hyundai Porter; demand is said to be high.
Team Tactics
Team BRM is a marque within the Babbaraju Mobile Automobile Group. They convert everything from micro three-wheelers to coach chassis and even articulated lorries.
The company still operates from its original site in Manesar, Gurgaon, where it first started manufacturing car accessories back in 1986, adding custom bodywork and coachbuilding in 1991. Pictured above is a variant featuring the brand’s own made-in-house high-top.
Caught in trafic
Yes, it does look like an early Renault Trafic because (in general) it is, but updated and built under licence in India by Tata Motors. Named Winger, it is popular among DIY and commercial converters, nearly all of whom just use the tin-top version or add an elevating-roof.
Many were based on designs and prototypes from Concept Combination, in Madhya Pradesh.
Force Vehicles
Force Vehicles started building three-wheeled minibuses in 1958, and developed the Matador in 1969 (basically a Merc 206 built under licence). Currently, they are a major producer of commercial vehicles, thanks to partnerships with the likes of Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, among many others.
The Force Traveller is thought to be the most popular base vehicle for Indian motorcaravans.
The ‘vans of Ojes Automobiles
Ojes Automobiles is one of many converters based in the beautiful region of Kerala, Southern India. Most of its ’vans are bespoke A-classes, such as the red GRP model shown here. The firm also builds and fits overcab coachbuilt and high-top bodies for a variety of chassis.
Its experience in producing public transport to the highest safety standards bodes well.
The luxury of Kalapuraparambil Automobiles
Pictured here is the stunning interior of Kalapuraparambil Automobiles’ luxury conversion of a high-top Force Traveller panel van.
The company employs highly skilled craftspeople and the best materials.
The way that your eye is drawn through the main salon is a Kalapuraparambil design signature. The brand is a global exporter of motorcaravans. There are privately imported examples in the UK – presumably after a tour of India!
Futuristic travel
Pinnacle Industries kicked off by building seats for cars, buses and trains, and quickly developed into a converter and coachbuilder.
This is the Finetza, a pre-production concept vehicle. Controversial styling reminds some of an armoured security van, but others think it is a thing of great beauty. What cannot be disputed is the firm’s claim that this is the roomiest conversion of the Force Traveller, thanks to a huge slide-out pod at the rear.
If you enjoyed finding out about the motorhomes of Pakistan and India, why not find out more ‘vans of the world? For instance, the motorhomes of western Europe and eastern Europe.
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