The Great Indian Desert may not have great expanses of sand dunes and incredible spaces of wilderness as large as those of the Sahara and Namibia, but more than makes up for it with some glorious citadels and extremely colorful and unspoilt villages. Its sand dunes are more easily accessible from airports and railway stations than those of many African countries
Camel Safari Circuit in India
The Camel Safari Circuit in India comprises of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,
and Bikaner, all in Rajasthan. They were the princely kingdoms in
the desert belt of India Rajasthan. Each was comparable in size to
many modern nations of Europe. All the former capitals prospered
from trade with the camel caravans that traveled from West Asia
and Europe to Mongolia, and were impressively fortified to protect
these riches. The result was a wealth of palaces built for
royalty, havelis or courtyard mansions built for merchants and
nobility and intricately carved temples for the subjects.
Materials used were normally sandstone, which was easily available
and provided a better medium to the silavats who specialized in
making stone resemble lace.
A camel safari is a great way to see the desert - visiting the
villages, seeing wildlife, and riding across the open desert
sands. Typical camel safaris organized around Jaisalmer take in
the architectural ruins of Lodurva which was the former capital of
the Bhatti Rajput desert kingdom before the founding of Jaisalmer,
the Anasagar oasis, the sand dunes of Samm and the water source of
Moolsagar where village women gather with pitchers at dusk. Night
halts on basic safaris are at villages on the way or temporary
bivouac camps in the desert scrub where camels are hobbled and let
out to browse.
Camel Safari in India -Travel Kit
The climate is extreme in the desert-afternoons may seem much
hotter than the actual 26-30 degree temperature may suggest. Night
temperatures may drop below zero on the dunes. It is essential to
stock both woolen and cotton clothing. Shorts and skirts are
comfortable wear for camel safaris but remember some of the off
beat routes visit villages that have not seen many tourists and
locals may look askance at ladies who do not wear ankle length
clothing and men in shorts. Sun hats with large rims or cotton
caps that can be dipped in water when it gets too hot around
midday, are essential preferably with a balaclava or scarf for
covering the neck and forehead. At Jodhpur you can buy umbrellas
that are quite convenient for camel safaris. Sunscreen cream,
moisturizers and lip salve area must. A water bottle can be
comfortably slung on the camel saddle and it is practical also to
carry tangerines as even on a deluxe safari it may not be
practical to dismount each time to drink from the carted water
supply. Bottled mineral water is available at Jodhpur and
Jaisalmer. Find out if the baggage is being transferred by camel
cart or vehicle. In case of the latter, a small handbag can carry
the essentials you are likely to need on the way.
If prone to sickness, carry suitable medication against the
swaying gait of the camel. A torch, penknife an even cutlery will
be required. Finally patience is an important piece of baggage on
a camel safari as it takes time to get to grips with camel travel
and to reach destinations that may be on your travel priorities.
DAY 01 - JAISALMER - LUDHARVA
After breakfast start by camel from Jaisalmer for Badabagh: The
site of the royal cenotaphs of the Bhati Rajput Kings (the then
rulers of Jaisalmer) we reach Ram kunda for lunch. Ramkunda. After
lunch reach Ludharva via Roopsi. A mixed caste village with mud
and stick houses with traditional decorative paintings and mirror
works. Ludharva, the ancient capital of the Bhati Rajput kings,
Dinner and overnight at camps.
DAY 02 - LUDHARVA - SAND DUNES
After breakfast travel to Peerawal for lunch. Peerawal is the
oasis and there are beautiful agriculture fields. After lunch
reach Sand dunes via Kanoi: A typical carpenters village. Known
for beautifully carved wooden items. Reach sand dunes. Enjoy
dinner, campfire, traditional folk music and overnight at sand
dunes.
DAY 03 - SAND DUNES - KULDHARA
After breakfast start for Damodara for lunch via Beri of Kanoi.
Place known for water wells. Here you can see how the village
ladies are balancing the water pot on their head as well as the
colorful dresses - ornaments. Damodara: A traditional village of
former Rajput kings, Apart from colorful costumes also see mirror
work.
After lunch reach Kuldhara: An abandoned Paliwal Brahmins village
who fled from 84 villages in one night due to the torture of then
Prime minister. Spend overnight at Kuldhara.
DAY 04 - KULDHARA - JAISALMER
After breakfast leave for Jaisalmer via Moolsagar and Amar Sagar,
Moolsagar: A beautiful garden. Have Lunch at Amarsagar, after
wards proceed to Jaisalmer.