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Best season : November to March
Come and experience the exquisite desert of Rajasthan (India) in a truly unbelievable way, travel by camel safari, cook by the campfire and sleep under the bare stars. It is an experience for people with a sense of adventure and a desire to do something a little different. You will come to understand how this fascinating part of the world survives and why the camel is regarded as such an invaluable animal in the exploration of the vast desert of India.
Safaris provide you with a rewarding and educational adventure. The Thar desert in Rajasthan with its vast stretches of sand, dotted with dunes and its own specially adapted shrubs and wild life is ideal territory, Our expert navigator and the villagers on the way add color to an unforgettable experience if you are prepared to sit out the somewhat uncomfortable but adventurous ride. Camel Safari is one of the unique way to explore small villages in Rajasthan. Riding a camel is not easy as people consider. It is neither a great test for endurance.
Among the more popular circuits for camel safaris are :
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is a frontier town, perched on the edge of the Thar desert. The
sandstone 840 year old fort rises like a mirage from the desert sands - an
ancient bastion guarding a centuries old trade route. It is also unique in
that it is a "living fort." A camel safari from Jaisalmer is a
unique way to savour the mystique of the desert - tiny villages almost
untouched by time, incredible sunsets over the wind-swept dunes, a million
stars blazing in a velvet sky as you camp out by a roaring fire. Golden sand dunes surround Jaisalmer, and this is where the camel reigns supreme- if you can call it that. From Jaisalmer, a camel safari of a few hours takes you to various small places located nearby, such as Badabagh, where the tombs of the Bhatti Rajput kings (erstwhile rulers of Jaisalmer) are worth visiting, close to Badabagh is the village of Baisakhai, with an interesting old Hindu temple. A brief halt at Baisakhai is followed up with a ride to Ramkunda, known both for its picturesque location and for its Hindu temples. Most camel safaris will halt for the night at Ramkunda, and carry on the next day to the village of Roopsi, with its wattle-and-daub houses, straight out of antiquity.
Bikaner
333 km north-east of Jaisalmer lies the desert town of Bikaner, established towards the end of the 15th century and named after its founder, Bika. For many decades a busy market town which throbbed with activity, Bikaner still manages to preserve an aura of medieval bustle- although its economic structure has changed somewhat.
This route starts at Bikaner, where you can see the magnificent old Junagarh fort and the lovely Lalgarh Palace, before you get on to your camel and set off. The camel safari works its way southwards, passing through the hamlets of Naukh, Kansar, Baru, Chayan, Sataya and Tadana to Mohangarh. Mohangarh, although a small town, is dominated by an imposing sandstone fortress which deserves a visit. From the town, the trail continues to Dungri and then onto Jaisalmer, where it ends.
Chambal
Chambal safaris are another attraction that are coming up in the safari circuit and is a fine instance of Eco-friendly tourism in rural India. It provides the chance to witness the rich heritage and wildlife legacy set against arid backdrop. The Chambal Safari is a must for visitors to Agra and revolves around two key activities, a river cruise conducted by the Pathanias, which takes you along the Chambal river for 30-kms and provides close encounters with Ghariyals and Crocodiles; and the camel safari, which takes you to the picturesque Atar Fort.
Mandawa
Mandawa, just a few hours' drive from Delhi, is known primarily for its wonderful old havelis, opulent mansions constructed by rich Marwari merchants who had amassed huge fortunes from trade. The havelis of Mandawa, decorated with colourful frescoes, are worth a visit before you set off on the camel safari.
From Mandawa, a camel safari of about six hours takes you to the hamlet of Dhakas, around 18 km from Mandawa. Dhakas lies amidst the dunes of the Thar, and its nearby villages, also in the middle of the desert, make for good exploring.
Places of Camel Safari in India :
» Bikaner
» Jaisalmer
» Jodhpur
» Shekhawati Safari
» Pushkar
» Chambal Safari
» Rann of Kutch
