Thar Desert in Rajasthan

Opportunities to grab some quiet time on a tour of Rajasthan’s cities can be in short supply; however, escaping into the Thar Desert is an altogether more restful experience. This is a fascinating land where camels and cattle appear at every turn and peacocks call from the branches of sacred village fig trees to announce the arrival of guests. Top tip: bring binocs to spot Indian gazelles and black bucks on the ground, and eagles, vultures and falcons overhead.

The Thar is the largest desert in India – but don’t expect just a sea of sand. Landscapes range from shifting dunes and sparse arid plains to fertile hillsides, acacia trees and plentiful jojoba plantations. Blackbucks, gazelles, caracal cats, long-legged bustards, eagles, kestrels, sand grouse and Bengal foxes all inhabit this wild landscape, especially within the boundaries of the Thar Desert National Park. There are also lots of small, traditional villages (dhanis) tucked amongst the dunes. In fact, the Thar Desert is the world’s most populated desert, with an estimated 40 percent of Rajasthan’s residents living between the Aravalli Hills to the south and the borders with Pakistan and Gujurat to the north and west.

Winding along the desert road towards Jaisalmer really sets the scene, and on arrival you’ll discover a city criss-crossed with narrow corridors and alleyways leading to market stalls and intricately carved doorways. The vast Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan and features the royal palace and intricately carved Jain temples. The folklore museum, on the banks of Garsisar Lake in the Mehar Bagh Garden, is definitely worth a visit.

Riding a camel over untouched silken sands is quite an experience and definitely not to be missed on a visit to the Thar Desert. All across the highway you’ll see camel owners offering rides to tourists, but do book with a responsible tour operator who will ensure camels and owners are treated with respect. Typical camel rides last a couple of hours, with two riders per camel.