SAFARI

A safari is a journey into the desert, but one that is accompanied with rudimentary comforts, and even luxurious amenities. As each journey progresses, there is the excitement of setting camp at a new spot in the lonely wilderness of the Thar, of being entertained by groups of wandering minstrels, of coming in proximity of village life in one of the harshest conditions of the world, of enjoying splendid camp meals and sleeping under the stars that hang suspended from the sky like twinkling fairy lights.

None of these journeys are arduous because the organizers ensure that all facilities are provided, from entertainment to fine dining, and from setting up deluxe camps to ensuring that your slightest needs are met. But eventually, it is the landscape that is spellbinding. For miles altogether, there is nothing but sand, but from this aridness one can expect the unexpected as groups of women appear and disappear in their colourful clothes, apparently going nowhere. Just as suddenly, medieval cities rise, magnificent for their architectural heritage, and are just as suddenly lost to sight. Mirages? No, in the Thar, these are only too real.

CAMEL SAFARIS

About the only thing you will have to get used to, when you plan camel safari, is the ungainly movement of the ship of the desert. The camel may look aloof, but is the lifeline for the people of the desert whose communication needs depend on this vital beast for their very survival. Most journeys into the hinterlands are still made on camel-back or in camel carts, and the camel is also used for ploughing the arid fields of the desert.

Since the sun can get very hot in the desert, the best times for a camel safari are in the morning and evening, even in the cooler winter months. Camel safaris, of course, can range from just a day to several days, and you can choose an option that best meets your needs and schedules.

Best camel safari points are the desert region that includes the entire Shekhawati belt, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, and around Pushkar and Nagaur, and only the winter season (October-March) is recommended.

HORSE SAFARIS

A more recent, and exciting, variation of the camel safari is the horse safari. The Rajputs were born to be horseback riders. Special horses were bred at the thikanas or aristocratis homes of the Thakurs who served their kings with armies of horsemen. The marwari horse is an indigenous species, hardy, aginle, and among the notables in world breeds. In addition, the Kathiawadi and Sindhi horses are also adept at traversing the desert countryside.

Horse safaris are usually conducted in the vicinity of Udaipur where the hilly terrain and forested countryside are ideal for taking to the trail.

Horse safari routes can, of course, be diverse, but most will pass close to villages, ruined historical monuments, and temples. These are ideal places to halt for a bit of rest and relaxation, or lunch, and a quick snooze. Riders are advised to equip themselves with riding gear-the famous Jodhpuri breeches, hat, and boots. Depending on your capability to ride, the horses may trot or canter through the countryside. What matters most, however, is that each evening, you are assured of the comforts of former palaces and forts: no better, or more historic way of exploring Rajasthan is possible.

ELEPHANT SAFARIS

The most regal way of seeing Rajasthan is on an elephant safari, since nothing can even compare with the majesty of the pachyderm – no wonder the rulers used elephants for their journeys. Equipped with a howdah, a large seat on which they would sit, complete with soft silk cushions, and with a ceremonial umbrella over their heads, modern day safaris may pale in comparison, but are no less regal on that account.

The elephant treads slowly and steadily, and a safari would be ideal in and around principal towns, especially in the vicinity of wildlife sanctuaries where the same elephants can do double-duty for viewing wildlife.

JEEP SAFARIS

The open jeep is the most conducive way of seeing Rajasthan, especially in the winter months when the chilly breeze and warm sunshine provide a heady combination. Such jeep safari is conducted around countryside of Jodhpur specially to visit Bishnoi villages. Jeep safaris around Jodhpur countryside are one of the most interesting part of your Jodhpur visit. You visit the Bishnoi villages, the potter house, the weaver house and even other tribals like Raikas, Pitals. You can see these people in their traditional costumes. The houses in old traditional style called Dhanis. While driving around the country side you can see the wild life like chinkaras, blue bulls, even at the time of winter around the lake side you can see the migratory birds which fly all over from Siberia and come to this region. Jeep safaris can be fun because the pace can be varied to suit one’s needs, packing in days of fast traveling with leisurely camping. Safari outfits send a recce team ahead for picnic lunches, and for setting up camps in the open. 

CAMPING

Camping is a fine art in Rajasthan, with established camps in set locations that would be fit for royalty. Especially created tents include those with bedrooms, a small hallways or leisure area, and attached bath. These tents use hand-block printed fabrics within the interiors, to create a rich ambience. Such tented camps can be found at places like Samode Bagh, an hour’s journey outside Jaipur, or at Pushkar for the duration of the fair in November. However, such tents can also be hired, and agents use them to create cities wherever required; or for moving visitors to different places, where these tents are pegged each night. Such camping expeditions are fine for they bring the outdoors alive, albeit in style. From the food to the entertainment, everything takes on a more exciting edge while at camp. And if you are able to strike up the right camaraderie over the bonfire, you could end up making friends for life, or taking back with you nostalgic memories of among the best times you have had in your life.