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creates illusion of
shimmering lakes in eerie silence and sand storms rage occasionally. Yet the
Romance of the Desert overwhelms. Life vibrates to the sound of music and
sways in a profusion of colours. Sturdy moustached men in colourful turbans,
cheerful women in multi-hued skirts, caparisoned camels… Enticing Gair,
Fire and Snake dancers, Folk musicians and festive gaiety.
Generally speaking, the Thar Desert extends from Karachi (Pakistan) to
Jalore in Rajasthan, traversing an oblong shape, taking in parts of
Harayana, Gujarat. The intense desert exists in the districts of Bikaner,
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore and Bhuj(Gujarat) covering a wide belt of
arid, semi-arid and fertile soils. Collectively classified as “MARUSTHALA”
(region of death) the Thar is divided into three distinct parts: (a) Plains;
(b) Bushy Sand; and (c) Shifting sand. Parts of the plains around Bikaner
have a volcanic soild, devoid of underground water. The bushy and shifting
sand areas have ample of underground water. Unlike the Sahara desert, where
the Sahara has many Casis due to its being based on rock, the Thar has none,
but ample of deep wells, dug in recent times.
From 11th to 16th century, it drew many races of people to settle in Thar.
The tribes of Meena, Gujars, Johias, Jats, Mohils, Banjaras and Rathore
Rajputs moved in. They established Mandore, Jodhpur and Bikaner in quick
succession. In the 16th century, the Vishnois, the predominantly agriculture
oriented community worshipping the antelope and nature God settled and are
now a big socioeconomic political force.
Generally the people of the Thar
desert are hospitable and simple. Majority of them are Hindu. The people who
form the agriculture community live in small villages called Dhanis. Dhanis
consists of a few homes and are seperated from the main villages.
Riding a camel is not the easiest thing in the world. Nor is it a great
test for endurance. Yet, it most certainly is a great experience. We provide
good, trained, riding camels, which can cover upto 60 km a day. Normally the
safari moves 30/40 km a day over a span of 5/7 hours, with halts for lunch,
tea and photography. The client rides up in the front seat, with the camel
rider, taking the pillion seat. This provides clients with better view and
opportunity for photography. One must sit like on horse-back, yet keep knees
loose, so as to avoid rashes. Clothes must be loose fitting. Ladies can ride
side saddle if they want to. On safari plenty of liquids in the form of
tea/coffee, fruits and juices are provided. Aerated drinks are less advised.
Food is hygienically cooked. Camps are set up in collapsible tents, near
villages. Recommended items to be carried on safari are head covers(cap or
hat), sun-glasses and sunburn lotions.
Recommended Period : mid-September to mid-March. The recommended areas for
Camel safari are from Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Shekhawati (Mandawa and
Rattangarh) and Safaris from 2 to 12 days duration can be organised. Most
recommended are 4 to 7 days only. Rajasthan is the home of the tigers, black
bucks, chinkara, the rare desert fox, the endangered caracal, the great
Indian bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupines. Migratory
birds like the common cranes, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare Siberian
cranes, imperial sandgrouse, falcons, buzzards. Rajasthan boasts of two
National Parks, over a dozen Sanctuaries and two closed areas.
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Deep
in the Thar Desert lies the medieval fortress town of Jaisalmer. Surrounded
by a stark landscape, Jaisalmer creates a powerful mood of overwhelming
isolation that is almost sinister in effect. Except for some isolated
hamlets, not a soul is to be seen for miles around and the eye reaches far
out to an ever receeding horizon.