DESERTS

India offers immense climatic diversity and topographical varieties. Deserts form the backdrop of many a legend in India, and in the present times, are touted as destinations of tourist interest.

The Thar or Great Indian Desert is an arid region (800 km) long and (400 km) wide, in North West of India and East of Pakistan, between the Indus and Sutlej river valleys on the west and the Aravali Range on the east. Largely a desolate region of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks, and scrub vegetation, it receives an annual average rainfall of less than 25 cm. The sparsely populated region has a pastoral economy. Through the extension of canals fed with Sutlej and Beas waters, irrigation has reclaimed some land for agriculture along the northern and western edges.

Nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of the desert cities of Rajasthan. The camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as are the sunsets. These places boast of some very fine reminders of the glorious past - palaces, forts, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical value and unforgettable treat for any visitor.

Explore the enigmatic desert of Rajasthan that will mystify your mind with its beauty and vastness. The gateway to the great Indian Thar desert through Jodhpur will take enchant you with a vast waste dotted with shifting sand dunes and sparse hamlets with cenotaphs called 'Chattris'. At Jaisalmer in the heart of the desert the majestic golden fort is a memorable sight as is the camel ride at nearby Sam. Equally enchanting are the forts at Bikaner and Madwa, which drifts your mind to the medieval times.

• Rajasthan
   

• Jodhpur
   

• Jaisalmer
   

• Bikaner
   

• Barmer

Rajasthan

Rajasthan still retains an elusive fairy-tale character. It is a land where tales of valour of its medieval Rajput warriors are still sung by its travelling bards. Rajasthan is the 'Land of the King'. Opulent palaces dot the desert landscape and battle-scarred fortresses appear on every hill like sentinels of the past. Here, folk culture still retains all its colour and vivacity with exuberant celebrations of fairs and festivals, a music that echoes across the desert emptiness and a tradition of craftsmanship with a highly developed aesthetic sense.

Begin your desert adventure at Jodhpur, a fortress-city at the edge of the Thar Desert. Then travel to Jaisalmer to see its unforgettable golden fortress. The trade route outpost of Bikaner still retains a medieval flavour and the route to Barmer will take you through typical Rajasthani villages.

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