Desert Safari is on the bucket list of almost every traveler and we Indians have got it all covered in our own the Thar Desert. Most people searching for a Rajasthan Desert Safari head straight to Jaisalmer, but there are better options away from the crowds, that allow a more genuine taste of desert life in Rajasthan.
Do you know the Thar Desert or Great Indian Desert forms a total of 10% of India’s landmass and also it is the 17th largest in the world?
Desert camps, camel rides, and sunset watching from the dunes is a surreal experience. Exploring the desert in less crowd is bliss, Finding a quiet spot in the sand for yourself may prove to be mission impossible. So let's explore these hidden deserts.
P.S: Winters are the perfect time to visit Desert then why wait? Pack your bags!
1. Pushkar
Pushkar is the land of pilgrims, also called as "City of Temples". Along with temples, it is famously known for its biggest Camel Fair and its beautiful architectural heritage makes it a must visit place in Rajasthan. It has got desert as well which is less explored yet. Pushkar Desert Safari offers exotic Camel Safaris, Horse Safari, and Jeep Safari.
How to Reach: The nearest airport to Pushkar is in Jaipur, which is 140 kms away. Pushkar is just 15km away from Ajmer Railway Station which has got great connectivity from everywhere.
2. Khimsar Dunes Village
Khimsar is a small hamlet located at the edge of Thar Desert, Rajasthan. It is surrounded by sand dunes and it is a truly unique, remote, and romantic destination. It is a perfect getaway to explore the desert, and wildlife of Rajasthan. Khimsar Fort Sand dunes village is a tiny village with never-ending sand dunes and it has a small lake (Oasis) in middle.
Khimsar has got good resort stays as well to get Rajasthani vibes.
How to Reach: It is located 6 KMs away from Khimsar. You can ride a camel or take a jeep safari.
3. Khuri
Famous for its sand dunes, Khuri is a small village about 50 km south-west of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Khuri is less crowded and provides a more enjoyable experience. Yet to make a prominent mark on the tourist map, Khuri has escaped commercialization and so perfect for enjoying in sand dunes.
Khuri Sand Dunes of Thar Desert can be reached from the village within 30 minutes or so. A night in the desert offers an ideal setting to stargaze. To entice the visitors, bonfires accompanied by folk songs and Kalbeliya dance routines are common here.
How to Reach: Hire a taxi from Jaisalmer which takes around 500-600. Or take a local bus from Jaisalmer to Khuri which takes just 40 bucks.
4. Osian, Jodhpur
About an hour and a half outside of Jodhpur, Osiyan (or Osian as it’s sometimes spelled) is a great alternative to the hustle of Jaisalmer. Alongside desert, this place is also known as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan', has earned this name due to its many temples, some of which are very erotic which makes it a perfect place for a vacation with family as well.
You can enjoy desert safari, camel rides, bird watching, campfire, folk music here.
How to Reach: Jodhpur is the nearest airport to Osian at 70km. This place is well connected with the road and you can take shared cabs as well. or take a train from Jodhpur to Osiyan Railway station.
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