Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience.

Tripoto
1st Dec 2020
Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk

Somethings are hard to describe unless you experience it yourself. Such was our experience at our recent stay with super amazing host Mr. Hanif from Green Arts Farm Cottage.

This place is located at around 20 kms from Jaisalmer in a quite small field surrounded by brown sand from all sides. We drove by our own car (Ford Endeavour) and during last 10 mins there was no road. Hanif was there to guide us on that stretch. However, any car can easily reach here, just be prepared for an off-road experience.

Although, we opted for a hut with common washroom but no one else was there so, he gave us the hut with an attached washroom. In case you are particular about washrooms, pick the huts with attached ones.

Beautiful hut made of mud.

Photo of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk
Photo of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk

Only source of electricity for the night in Hut

Photo of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk

The environment is as serene as it could be sheeps, goats grazing nearby, village people going on with their daily lives etc. We felt so relaxed and calm at his place. There is a water tank from which you can pull water for your daily uses. He has a separate kitchen where he prepares simple home cooked meals for you, very basic but with too much love and taste. We really loved having dinner in complete dark with a single lamp. He can prepare anything you ask for, eggs, non veg etc.

Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk
Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk
Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk

The best decision we tool is to opt for a safari with an overnight stay in the desert. This experience is something which we couldn't so things about and sharing with everyone who plans to visit Jaisalmer. We left around 2 in the afternoon in his jeep where he took all his kitchen bed, tent and other stuff and we crossed the population entirely. The views to the desert will be remembered for a lifetime. Halfway through, 2 camels were waiting for us we hopped on to them and started our journey towards the dunes. It took us 45 mins to reach the top of the dunes then the camels were all ours. We could ride them alone, take pictures with them, make them eat trees, leaves etc. while Hanif sets up the camp for us. We were the only people on the dunes. We had a wonderful egg curry in the desert and the whole desert is ours. We could do whatever we want to. We had an amazing talk with him around the fire and slept under the blankets and stars. What a night it was starry sky, cold December winds and a beautiful sunset. In the morning get ready for a simple breakfast and head back to the huts. This stay is much better than staying in the costly tents with too much crowds. If you are looking for a breathtaking experience with the privacy you want, opt for this private tour at half the normal rates. You wont regret it for a second.

Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk
Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk
Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk
Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk
Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk

Just a tip: Book for a single night at Hanif's as you can take the camp for the other night. We opted for 2 nights, but didn't stay there for the second night as we decided to camp in the desert.

In the end we just want to say that this is not a stay, its an experience in itself.

Photo of Ditch the luxury desert safari camps in Jaisalmer and stay like a local for a lifetime experience. by Travelbuddiesforlife_Rk

Follow our journey @travel.buddiesforlife to know more about such amazing experiences.