If you’ve ever searched for “mobile home India” or “park living rules” and found a mix of RV travel blogs, prefab cabin sellers, and tourism pages, you’re not alone. India’s version of “mobile homes” is evolving fast—but it doesn’t mirror the American-style, full-time residential mobile home parks.
What exists today falls into three categories:
- Motor caravans/campervans that you can rent or own.
- State-supported caravan tourism, with designated caravan parks or campsites.
- Prefab or portable cabins that are treated as buildings under local bye-laws when placed on land.
This guide explains the laws, permits, vendors, and on-ground realities so you can plan with confidence.
TL;DR: How “Mobile Homes” Work in India
- Full-time residential mobile home parks:
Not common and not formally recognized as a separate residential land use. - What’s growing:
Caravan tourism—privately owned or rented RVs/motor caravans with designated parks or halts. States like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have formal policies supporting this. - Vehicle rules:
Motor caravans are defined in Indian automotive standards and require type approval under AIS-124, complying with Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). - Parks & operations:
Central guidelines and state tourism policies specify park requirements—seasonal operations, access roads, fire safety NOC, sanitation, and more. - Prefab or container homes:
Treated as buildings or temporary structures under municipal bye-laws and local land-use zoning—not as vehicles. Standard permissions are required.
What Counts as a “Mobile Home” in India?
1. Motor Caravans (RVs/Campervans)
A motor caravan is a special-purpose vehicle with built-in living accommodation—seats and a table, convertible sleeping berths, cooking and storage facilities.
This definition comes from AIS-053 and AIS-124 automotive standards. Practically, it’s a van or bus chassis converted into a mobile home.
- Where you can use them: On public roads like any vehicle and at approved caravan parks or campsites.
- Who builds or rents them: Examples include LuxeCamper (Karnataka), Motohom (Maharashtra), JCBL, and Pinnacle Specialty Vehicles (PSV).
2. Trailer Caravans
Towed caravans exist in India, but the regulatory framework focuses mainly on self-propelled motor caravans. Standards for trailers are still being formulated, so they remain less common and involve more paperwork.
3. Prefab, Container, or Tiny Homes on Land
These are not vehicles—they are treated as structures under municipal regulations. You’ll need building permissions per the Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL 2016) or your city’s equivalent, along with zoning clearance for residential, resort, or campground use.
Container-home legality depends on compliance with sanitation, setback, and fire safety norms.
“Park Living Rules” in India: What They Actually Mean
India does not yet have large-scale, full-time residential mobile home parks. Instead, “park rules” refer to operational standards for caravan tourism parks, which serve as overnight halts under central and state tourism policies.
Core Operational Requirements
As per India’s Caravan Tourism Guidelines:
- 24×7 operations during season
- Road access and parking bays
- Fire NOC and sanitation facilities
- Safe water and waste management systems
- Guest amenities and security provisions
State Examples (2024–2025)
- Kerala – “Keravan Kerala”
A flagship program promoting caravan tourism and park development, integrating village experiences and hybrid tourism models. - Maharashtra – Caravan Tourism Policy (2021)
Provides a framework for private operators to run caravans and parks with environmental and siting guidelines. - Karnataka
Focuses on chauffeur-driven caravan rentals, curated itineraries, and partnerships with local eateries and campsites.
In short:
Travelers must follow park or campsite rules plus state safety norms.
Developers must obtain NOCs, provide sanitation and power infrastructure, and comply with tourism policy conditions.
The Legal Logistics (Step-by-Step)
A) Buying or Building a Motor Caravan
1. Choose a homologated route
Use a type-approved base vehicle and a certified converter who builds to AIS-124 standards. This is essential for RTO registration as a “Special Purpose Vehicle – Motor Caravan.”
2. Register with the RTO
Your Registration Certificate (RC) should specify “Motor Caravan.” Proper documentation from the builder ensures smooth insurance acceptance.
3. Insurance and compliance
Insure the vehicle as a motor caravan and keep required safety gear such as fire extinguishers and first-aid kits.
4. Commercial use (rentals or tours)
Rentals require commercial permits and tax registration. State tourism tie-ups can add credibility and help access designated parks.
Example Brands:
JCBL, Pinnacle Specialty Vehicles (Finetza, Magnifica), LuxeCamper (Karnataka), and Motohom (Maharashtra).
B) Setting Up a Caravan Park or Campsite
1. Choose the right land use
Select tourism or recreational land categories in your local master plan. Agricultural land generally requires conversion to non-agricultural (NA) status before licensing.
2. Follow central guidelines
Caravan parks must have road access, parking bays, potable water, waste disposal, fire safety measures, and sanitation facilities.
3. Add state-level compliance
- Kerala: Align with Keravan Kerala standards and responsible tourism principles.
- Maharashtra: Follow the 2021 policy focusing on environmental and site compatibility.
4. Comply with building bye-laws
Permanent buildings (reception, toilets, kitchens) must follow municipal construction codes. Even temporary structures must ensure safety and sanitation compliance.
5. Operating rules
Draft guest policies covering quiet hours, LPG handling, waste segregation, and emergency procedures. These form the “park living rules” for your guests.
C) Prefab or Container Home on Private Land
- Confirm zoning and setbacks with your municipal authority.
- Apply for building permission, even for temporary structures.
- Integrate fire and electrical safety systems.
- If renting commercially (e.g., homestay or eco-stay), register under your state tourism policy and obtain a trade licence.
Prefab homes are treated as real estate, not as vehicles.
Costs and Market Snapshot (2024–2025)
- Caravan Rentals: ₹8,000–₹20,000+ per day depending on location, operator, and season.
- Custom Motorhomes: ₹60–₹80 lakh and above (excluding base vehicle).
- Caravan Park Development: Major costs include civil works, sanitation, drainage, and power infrastructure. State tourism incentives may apply.
What to Expect at a Good Caravan Park
- Safe parking bays with level pads
- Power hook-ups with surge protection
- Potable water and waste-disposal points
- Toilets, showers, and dumping stations
- Security, first aid, and fire safety
- Quiet-hour and LPG usage rules
- Waste segregation and no-dumping policies
Real-World Travel Examples
- Kerala: Kochi → Vagamon → Wayanad → Bekal using Keravan Kerala partner parks.
- Karnataka: Western Ghats circuits with LuxeCamper’s chauffeur-driven itineraries.
- Maharashtra: Coastal forts and camps with Motohom and MTDC park tie-ups.
Compliance Corner
- Vehicle Standards: Follow AIS-124 and CMVR for registration and insurance eligibility.
- Trailer Caravans: Confirm towing, braking, and lighting rules with the RTO before investing.
- Park Permits: Fire NOC, sanitation, and trade licences are mandatory.
- Buildings on Parks: Adhere to MBBL 2016 or your city’s local building codes.
- Prefab on Private Land: Requires standard building permissions; “movable” status doesn’t exempt it from regulation.
Choosing the Right Vendor
Manufacturers and Converters:
- JCBL – Custom luxury motorhomes and special-purpose vehicles.
- Pinnacle Specialty Vehicles – Makers of the Finetza and Magnifica expandable caravans.
Rental and Experience Operators:
- LuxeCamper (Karnataka) – Chauffeur-driven rentals with curated campsites.
- Motohom (Maharashtra) – Rentals and manufacturing with tourism tie-ups.
Before signing:
Ask for AIS-124 compliance, electrical safety certificates, waste system details, and insurance coverage.
Common Myths—Busted
“I can buy land anywhere and park my mobile home permanently.”
Not true. Permanent occupation requires proper zoning and building permissions.
“Caravan parks are just empty plots.”
They must have NOCs, fire safety, and sanitation facilities under central and state rules.
“Trailer caravans are easier since they’re not vehicles.”
Incorrect. They have separate towing and safety requirements and limited regulatory clarity.
2025 Outlook: Why This Space Is Growing
- Government push: Kerala, Maharashtra, and Karnataka continue expanding caravan tourism infrastructure and offering incentives.
- Rising demand: Post-pandemic road trips and vanlife culture are boosting interest.
- Industry maturity: Indian converters are introducing expandable layouts, luxury interiors, and better pricing transparency.
Action Plan
If you’re a traveler:
- Choose a caravan-friendly state like Kerala, Karnataka, or Maharashtra.
- Book with a certified operator and confirm all inclusions.
- Reserve halts in advance and follow park rules on LPG, waste, and quiet hours.
If you’re an entrepreneur:
- Verify land zoning and complete NA conversion if needed.
- Build per caravan tourism guidelines and obtain required NOCs.
- Partner with converters and explore state-level incentives.
If you’re a homeowner exploring prefab living:
- Apply for building permission under local bye-laws.
- Install compliant sanitation and power systems.
- Register as a homestay if used commercially.
FAQs
Q: Can I register my van as a motor caravan after conversion?
Yes, if it meets AIS-124 and CMVR standards and has proper documentation.
Q: Are there interior layout rules?
Yes, it must include seating, sleeping, cooking, and storage facilities as defined in AIS standards.
Q: Are there park living rules like HOAs?
In India, they are standard operating rules at caravan parks—covering quiet hours, LPG, and waste management.
Q: Can I place a container home on farmland without permission?
No. You must follow zoning and building permission norms.
Final Word
India’s mobile home ecosystem is here—but shaped by Indian realities.
If you want weekend freedom, caravan rentals and certified parks are already operational.
If you’re building a caravan park, the policies and frameworks exist—just focus on compliance and sanitation.
If you’re setting up a tiny home, treat it as a building project, not a vehicle workaround.
Start with the right standards, partners, and permissions, and you’ll stay ahead in this fast-evolving space.
