Rajasthan Camel Safaris

Camel Safaris
Game for something different? Riding a camel can take getting used to - think the first time you tried sitting cross-kneed. It's not like an elephant ride where you sit back comfortably and let the animal do the rest. Be prepared for sore ankles and knees. It will be better if you try a one-day safari before getting on to anything major.

One of the first people to think up of camel safaris were the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), in Jaisalmer. Now there are a whole lot of them, retracing the paths that once traders used to take on their way to business. The popular circuits are in Pushkar, Bikaner and Shekhawati.

The ship of the desert, the camel, was domesticated thousands of years ago primarily for the purpose of making tedious journeys through the unrelenting Thar Desert. So, how would you like a camel safari - to explore the eccentricities of Rajasthan on the back of the most native guide? You may go for a short safari through a typical Rajasthani village or a long-distance expedition lasting a few days. The best times for travelling are the cooler parts of the day, the mornings and evenings.

The sights en route will captivate you and become a part of your most treasured memories. There may be barren land for as far as the eyes can see. The sea of yellow shimmering sand looks extraordinary. Closer to the village you can see herds of cattle and sheep roaming around purposelessly. Watch the children trotting off to school, while their mothers prepare their afternoon meal on a dung-fire. Stop over for a taste of the authentic Rajasthani food. The hospitable men and women will be at your service, eager to fulfill your every request.

Underneath the star-studded sky, you feel the cool desert breeze and wonder about life in the untamed countryside of this fascinating desert.

You can contact either local tour operators or the following RTDC offices for more details: