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CAMEL SAFARI Deep in the Thar Desert lies the medieval fortress town of Jaisalmer. Surrounded by a stark landscape, Jaisalmer creates a powerful mood of overwhelming isolation that is almost sinister in effect. Except for some isolated hamlets, not a soul is to be seen for miles around and the eye reaches far out to an ever receding horizon.
There
is no better way of experiencing the romance and mystery of Desert
than on camel back safari. The Camel Safaris in Rajasthan
traverse along totally rural terrains still ruled by its romantic
past of chivalry, love and passion. The camp is around hamlets along the
route so that the tourist gets a closer look into the world of the
desert inhabitants. The herding of sheep and the life inside a thatched
mud hut being the thorny inhabitants. The hot Lunch is served under a
cluster of trees. The day is rounded up with dinner being served around
a roaring campfire under the starlit sky with local folks singing
haunting Rajasthani folk music.Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer - three stone sculpted cities rising out of the golden sands of Rajasthan. Here the blazing sun creates illusion of shimmering lakes in eerie silence and sand storms rage occasionally. Yet the Romance of the Desert overwhelms. Life vibrates to the sound of music and sways in a profusion of colours. Sturdy mustached men in colorful turbans, cheerful women in multi-hued skirts, caparisoned camels… Enticing Glair, Fire and Snake dancers, Folk musicians and festive gaiety.
Generally
speaking, the Thar Desert extends from Karachi (Pakistan) to
Jalore in Rajasthan, traversing an oblong shape, taking in parts
of Haryana, Gujarat. The intense desert exists in the
districts of Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer,
Jalore and Bhuj (Gujarat) covering a wide belt of arid,
semi-arid and fertile soils. Collectively classified as “MARUSTHALA”
(region of death) the Thar is divided into three distinct parts: (a)
Plains; (b) Bushy Sand; and (c) Shifting sand. Parts of the plains
around Bikaner have a volcanic solid, devoid of underground water. The
bushy and shifting sand areas have ample of underground water. Unlike
the Sahara desert, where the Sahara has many Cases due to its being
based on rock, the Thar has none, but ample of deep wells, dug in recent
times.
From 11th to 16th century, it drew many races of people to settle in Thar. The tribes of Meena, Gujars, Johias, Jats, Mohils, Banjaras and Rathore Rajputs moved in. They established Mandore, Jodhpur and Bikaner in quick succession. In the 16th century, the Vishnois, the predominantly agriculture oriented community worshipping the antelope and nature God settled and are now a big socioeconomic political force. Generally the people of the Thar desert are hospitable and simple. Majority of them are Hindu. The people who form the agriculture community live in small villages called Dhanis. Dhanis consists of a few homes and are separated from the main villages.
Riding
a camel is not the easiest thing in the world. Nor is it a great test
for endurance. Yet, it most certainly is a great experience. We provide
good, trained, riding camels, which can cover up to 60 km a day. Normally
the safari moves 30/40 km a day over a span of 5/7 hours, with halts for
lunch, tea and photography. The client rides up in the front seat, with
the camel rider, taking the pillion seat. This provides clients with
better view and opportunity for photography. One must sit like on
horse-back, yet keep knees loose, so as to avoid rashes. Clothes must be
loose fitting. Ladies can ride side saddle if they want to. On safari
plenty of liquids in the form of tea/coffee, fruits and juices are
provided. Aerated drinks are less advised. Food is hygienically cooked.
Camps are set up in collapsible tents, near villages. Recommended items
to be carried on safari are head covers (cap or hat), sun-glasses and
sunburn lotions.
Recommended Period : mid-September to mid-March. The recommended areas for Camel safari are from Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Shekhawati (Mandawa and Rattangarh) and Safaris from 2 to 12 days duration can be organized. Most recommended are 4 to 7 days only. Rajasthan is the home of the tigers, black bucks, chinkara, the rare desert fox, the endangered caracal, the great Indian bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupines. Migratory birds like the common cranes, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare Siberian cranes, imperial sand grouse, falcons, buzzards. Rajasthan boasts of two National Parks, over a dozen Sanctuaries and two closed areas.