India is a diverse nation, in terms of its language, culture, food, and more. The same applies to landscapes as well. The 3.287 million square kilometer land is home to a variety of landscapes. The country is known for its picturesque beaches, lush green forests, mighty mountains, beautiful valleys, splendid backwaters, and vast deserts. The desert landscape of India is limited to a small area, mainly in Rajasthan and a bit in Gujarat, Ladakh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. But not all desert lands in India offer desert safaris. Here we talk about some of the best desert safari places in India that you can experience with an India tourist visa.
Best Locations for Desert Safari in India
There are several desert safari locations around the world. One of the most popular is the desert safari in Dubai. A lot can be found on the internet about it. But not many know about the desert safaris in India. The arid deserts of India are not only beautiful but also give you a glimpse of the ancient civilizations and culture of the region. Here we will look at the best desert safari destinations in India.
Jaisalmer
The most popular desert safari destination in India is Jaisalmer, mainly because of its location. Jaisalmer desert is a major part of India’s Thar desert. The view of the mighty sand dunes covered in yellowish golden sand is nothing less than mesmerizing. To know about the culture and heritage of Jaisalmer, a tour of this desert city is a must. The lakes, forts, and palaces are things that you must see. But a desert safari here gives you a bit more than sightseeing. Dune bashing is quite popular here and so are camel and jeep safaris. You can also choose to stay at the comfortable desert camps, where you can spend a night in the desert and enjoy Rajasthani folk dances and delicious local cuisine as well.
Rann of Kutch
One of the largest salt deserts in the world, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is another location great for a desert safari. What makes this desert unique is that rather than sand dunes, the Rann of Kutch is flat land, encrusted with salt. A camel ride here is the best way to see the mesmerizing beauty of this place. Then there is also the Rann Utsav, which is the best time to visit this desert land. The Rann Utsav happens during the winer months, where you get to enjoy and learn about the culture and heritage of Gujarat through dance, music, art, and crafts. Apart from cultural programs, you can also enjoy some adventure like hot air-balloon ride during the festival. Camel rides, jeep tours, and treks are also common ways of exploring Rann of Kutch.
Jodhpur
Rajasthan’s Jodhpur is also a part of the Thar desert and another location that promises a memorable desert safari experience. Jodhpur desert safari is again a camel safari. One of the highlights of the desert safari here is the stunning sunset you will get to witness. During your camel tour, you will get to visit ancient temples and isolated towns and villages. You will also get to meet the local people and learn about their culture and lifestyle. Authentic Rajasthani meals and folk music and dances are also a part of the desert safaris in Jodhpur.
Nubra Valley
The term ‘desert’ brings in the image of a vast arid land, stretching for miles. Deserts are also associated with dry and extremely hot climates. But India is home to what is called the cold desert. Nubra Valley in Ladakh is a favorite of those who want to explore its gorgeous terrains in a unique way. The desert safari in Nubra Valley happens on Bactrian camels, the local camels with two humps. The camel ride on the Nubra Valley will take you through the Himalaya’s beautiful Karakoram range. Apart from the breathtaking landscape of the place, you will also get to see some of the important places here like Chamba Monastery, Thiksey Gompa, and Shakyamuni statue. You will also get to visit Diskit Village and meet the locals and buy some local handicrafts.
Pushkar
Pushkar in Rajasthan is another desert town that is part of the vast Thar desert. Perched on a hilltop, Pushkar is most popular for its camel tours. What makes it different from the other desert safaris is the way in which the camels here are decorated. You can explore the desert in uniquely and colorfully decorated camels. At the desert camp, you can enjoy activities like camel cart riding, desert bikes, etc. Traditional music and dance performances are organized for your entertainment. You can get to know about the life of the locals living nearby. You also get the chance to wear traditional Rajasthani clothes and click pictures. Jeep riding, quad biking, horse riding, and overnight desert camping are also available in the deserts of Pushkar.
Spiti Valley
Another cold desert in India is Spiti Valley, one of the most beautiful and rawest landscapes of the nation. Endowed with glittering lakes, snowcapped mountains, winding roads, and breathtaking views, Spiti Valley is a breathtaking place worth visiting. The safari here happens on the jeep and during the ride, you will get to enjoy the amazing view of the mountains and visit important places like Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Kibber Village, and more. To make your desert safari more interesting, you can opt to explore the place on a yak, the local animal here. At night, you get to camp around a lakeside while staring at a magnificent starlit sky.
Important Desert Safari Tips
- Always check the climate and temperature of the day you are going for a desert safari.
- Wear comfortable cotton clothes to protect your body from the harsh heat of the desert.
- Carry a bottle of water and keep yourself hydrated while exploring the deserts of India.
- Apply sunscreen to protect your sun from the UV rays of the sun.
- Always listen carefully and follow the instructions provided by your safari guide. This will ensure your safety during the trip.
- Check out all the inclusions and exclusions of your desert safari package before you book. This will ensure there are no surprises (or shocks).
The deserts of India show you a different side of this exotic country. If you are planning a holiday in the country, do try out one of the above-mentioned desert safaris for a rich and memorable experience.