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 of 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 colorful clothes, apparently going nowhere.

Camel Safari
Quite the most unusual outdoors activity in Rajasthan is to take a camel safari for some of the entire duration of your trip. While the experience can be memorable. It provides an alternative way of exploring this desert state. About the only thing you will have to get used to, when you plan a 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. A saddle is mounted across the camel's hump, providing comfortable seating for two, legs astride.

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. Such safaris are usually run by professional outfits who hire Rickshaw, the camel-keepers who are adept at finding the best routers and waterholes in the desert, and navigate almost by instinct, guided, of course, by the position of the stars at night. Camel safaris, of course, can range from just a day to several days. Most such safaris can traverse a distance of 30 to 40 km a day.

Best camel safari points are the desert region that includes the entire Shekhawati belt, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, and around Pushkar and Nagaur. Visitors are advised to dress modestly since the safari may pass, and camp, in close proximity of villages. People should ensure that they drink water at regular intervals.

Elephant Safari
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.

Horse Safari

 

A more recent, and exciting, variation of the camel safari is the horse safari. Special horses were bred at the thikanas aristocratic homes of the Thakurs who served their kings with armies of horsemen. The Marwari horse is an indigenous species, hardy, agile, and among the notables in world breeds. In addition, the Kathiawadi and Sindhi horses are also adept a 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.

Horse Safari Season: Only the winter season (October-March) is recommended.

Jeep Safari
Jeep safaris, you are unlikely to be driving on well-developed roads, and may often venture into the open countryside. 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. A safari means an exploration of lesser-known destinations and the countryside, and may also include forays off the roads, though it is not advisable to drive in the sand for obvious resins.

The best jeep safari country is similar to that used for horse safaris, in and around Udaipur. The tribal regions, the small villages, the ruins of old forts, the temple complexes all add up to providing a sense of destination to such safaris. Jeep safaris can be fun because the pace can be varied to suit one's needs, packing in days of fast travelling with leisurely comping.

Jeep Safari Season:Only the winter season (October-March) is recommended