Jodhpur: Jaisalmer: When we think of a desert city in India, the first name that comes to our mind is Jaisalmer. A massive sand fort rising from the mighty and extensive desert, and ninety-nine bastions encircling it, is a sight that no other city offers. Amidst the narrow lanes of the city are local shops and havelis. The golden city is one of Rajasthan’s most preferred tourist destinations and offers several experiences for them. The Thar desert is an arid scrubland sprinkled with villages and wind turbines. On a camel safari in the massive desert you will often come across children playing and flocks of sheep or goats. An overnight safari enables you to spend some time in the dunes, camel safari and also a short duration trek. There are longer treks available where you will be able to witness oasis, wildlife and tiny villages. Witnessing sunset at Sam Sand Dunes is a popular excursion from Jaisalmer. You can also opt for quad biking here. The village of Khuri at the southwest of Jaisalmer has an extensive dune area too. The village is within the Desert National Park and hence its outskirts is home to wildlife like desert cat, chinkara, milagai and unusual birds.An enthralling experience at Jaisalmer is visiting the Tanot Mata temple at the India- Pakistan border. Paragliding at Kanoi is a thrilling experience too. Jaisalmer has lots to offer and every experience will leave you craving for more.
Keoladeo National Park: Keoladeo is a UNESCO listed bird sanctuary. It is a significant site as it has been recognised as the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. Almost one-third of the park is layered with migratory birds, including various species from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Serbia. The national park is also home to several wild animals. A number of pathways fan out into the park leading to marshy and dense inlands. The best way to explore the park is by hiring a bicycle and making your way through it. Maps are available at the entrance to guide your way. The best time to visit the park is between October to February. The nearest station is Bharatpur and the closest airport is Agra from where some buses ply to Bharatpur. Bharatpur is pretty well-connected by road too.
Ranthambore National Park: Just like Jaisalmer, a trip to Rajasthan for adventure seekers is incomplete without a safari at Ranthambore. Home to several tigers, the national park is centred around the old Ranthambore fort. What started as a hunting ground for the maharajas is today a protected area and one of India’s most popular national parks. The park also has remnants of several old structures. Try to hit the bull’s eye by taking multiple chances by booking 2-3 safaris to spot the tiger. Cruise through the dense forests with chilly wind caressing your face, but the warmth of your excitement and anxiety takes care of it. To enhance your experience you can stay in nearby cottages.There are very few direct buses to Ranthambore. The best option is travelling by train to Sawai Madhopur junction station, which is not very far from the national park.
Pushkar: Pushkar has a charm of its own. Once you enter the town, you will be lost in its spirituality and positive vibes. Home to several temples and the iconic Brahma temple, Pushkar also has several ghats. Bazaars, street food and the chants of prayers in the atmosphere will leave you enchanted. What makes the experience even more surreal is to witness this tiny town from a completely different angle - more than 10,000 ft above the ground. A three hour hot air balloon ride will unfold different shades of Pushkar.
Udaipur - Ranakpur- Kumbhalgarh :The rocky terrain of the Aravallis will definitely tickle the rider in you. Cycling on the roads of Rajasthan is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture and experience the stories in the lanes. Start cycling from the ‘city of lakes’, Udaipur towards the hill fort Kumbhalgarh. On the way, stop to admire the intricate carvings at Ranakpur temple. This is a journey of 75-80 kms, where some parts are steep, flat and rocky. If you are in for more challenges, then you can also opt for cycling tours which go for a week or even fifteen days. (https://www.cyclinginindia.com/cycling-rajasthan.html)
Road trip - Delhi to LongewalaOne of Discover India magazine’s suggested road trips in India. Longewala is a small outpost in Rajasthan, and is approximately 900 kms away from Delhi. A couple of days stop at Bikaner is advisable. The major pit stops are Pilani, Ratangarh, Bikaner, Mohangarh and Ramgarh.. Longewala is close to Jaisalmer hence it is a good idea to end the road trip at Jaisalmer. Experiencing the destination raw and first hand is the best way to truly understand the place and its people. Travellers can also opt for smaller routes and other road routes.
Bikaner:The narrow and winding streets of Bikaner lined up with havelis and jain temples and surrounded by the vast desert calls for travellers who are looking to avoid the crowds. This is an excellent alternative to the crowded Jaisalmer camel-safaris. The safari focuses on the isolated desert villages of Jat, Bishnoi and Rajputs. Wildlife like antelopes, gazelles, desert foxes and plenty of birds can be spotted here. There are various safaris of different duration available. Overnight camping is a must to experience. Kichan is a seven-day trek if you are up for something more adventurous. Close by is Gajner sanctuary which is known for bird watching and nature walks. Artificial lake at the sanctuary offers boating. Exploring the city has its own charm. You can opt for a cycling tour or just take a cycle and explore the lanes on your own. When in Bikaner make sure you visit the Junagarh fort too. Travellers will soon get to visit Bikaner’s Sanchu to get a view of the border security.
Shekhawati:The haveli expiration continues in Shekhawati. The region currently is not part of the popular tourist circuits and hence will give you a chance to experience the authenticity of the state. Splashes of colours are found throughout the region. Amongst several havelis and intricate temples is Taj Chhapar Sanctuary. Its open grasslands and appearance of savannah is a safe haven for black bucks. It is also a bird watcher’s paradise. You can go for a safari in the sanctuary. Several towns in the Shekhawati region are worth exploring too. Towns like Ramgarh, Fathepur, Mandawa, Bissau and Alsisar are known for their splendid architecture and old word charm. Activities like camel safari and camping can be done in some of the regions. Shekhawati is nothing less than an open air art museum.
Unforgettable thrills:
- Zipline in Jodhpur
- Overnight camping and quad biking in the deserts of Jaisalmer
- Trek to Frey peak
- Bungee jumping at Singshore bridge
- Safari near Khuri village
- Cycling in Keoladeo National Park
- Safari at Ranthambore National Park
- Cycling route - Udaipur - Ranakpur- Kumbhalgarh
- Cycling route - Udaipur - Ranakpur- Kumbhalgarh
- Road trip - Delhi to Longewala
- Kichan trek and camel safari at Bikaner
- Safari at Taj Chhapar Sanctuary, Shekhawati
- Stay at Khimsar Dunes Village
