Try the Ultrapod found right here in Cool Tools!

In one of CT's Tips threads, 2nd item down, a "chain pod" is described consisting of a thumbscrew with a hole you drill in it, a 6-foot chain you attach to it, and a foot you use to stand on its end to tension the camera. (You could replace the first five feet of the chain with string for lightness.) See http://kk.org/cooltools/archives/1436

In one of CT's Tips threads, 2nd item down, a "chain pod" is described consisting of a thumbscrew with a hole you drill in it, a 6-foot chain you attach to it, and a foot you use to stand on its end to tension the camera. (You could replace the first five feet of the chain with string for lightness.) See http://kk.org/cooltools/archives/1436

I like my GorillaPod . Works great on uneven surfaces and can also wrap around objects when necessary.

I second the Ultrapod. It folds up small, it's lightweight, yet it'll hold even an SLR steady (as long as it doesn't have a huge telephoto lens). It's also got a velcro strap so you can tie it to a pole or railing.

Also on CoolTools: Zipshot Mini Collapsible Tripod

My review, and I still carry mine with me. I'd take it traveling to India, no doubt.

Have a look at the "pocket series" by Manfrotto: http://www.manfrotto.com/photo-supports-tripods-pocket-series - a Gorillapod is probably a bit more versatile, but these are so small that you can leave them attached under the body of the camera and just forget about it (unless maybe to change the batteries).

I have one of the older models (http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/295/manfrotto-modopocket.jpg) which could even be left in place when you mounted everything on a larger tripod, so there is really no reason to remove it...