One of the best possible ways to discover the magical land of Rajasthan is by riding on the back of a camel, popularly also known as the ship of the desert. Camel safaris are organized with skill and imagination in the vast Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The duration of a safari can be from 4 to 15 days, though the minimum time duration doesn't exceed the week limit. The Thar is a world of its own, an unending ocean of sand, dotted with dunes and shrubs, with its own distinctive wildlife. While taking up a camel caravan you'll encounter the warmth of hospitable villagers and ruins of historic forts and palaces of Rajasthan. The best camel safaris can be experienced around Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, in the very heart of the Thar. The Bikaner-Jaisalmer safari is about 11 days long, covering 25 to 30-kms a day. An option to the desert heartland would be the Shekhawati region, taking in such towns as Ramgarh, Nawalgarh, Dundlod, Mandawa and Churu. Short, one or two-day camel safari trips can also be organized and the safari routes can incorporate interesting variations as Jaisalmer to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Special camel safaris are also organised round Pushkar and Nagaur in the winter season of October to March, when these two cities have their popular cattle fairs.

While riding a camel there are certain other facts that you should keep in mind on a journey across the desert regions of the Thar. The weather in the desert is extreme so do carry a good backup of plenty of portable water to avoid dehydration, sun screen, goggles, and a first aid kit. The clothes that you are going to wear should also provide your skin breathing space, because of the hot climate you tend to perspire. Its better to wear cotton clothes and loose fitted ones and wear shoes, and avoid exposing your skin as much as possible or you'll get a sunburn. Visitors are requested to dress modestly since the safari passes in close proximity of villages. A Sola-Topee, the local Rajasthani turban or some kind of head protection is essential too.

Heritage hotels of Rajasthan offer hotel bookings and also camel safari package tours to Rajasthan. For any further information please enter your query in the form below.