Where is the Thar Desert?
The Thar Desert lies in the state of
Rajasthan and parts of
Pakistan. In Pakistan, it covers the eastern region while in India it
spreads mainly in the northwestern state of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Luni is
the single river that crosses the desert before merging into the Arabian
Sea.
How will you gain access?
Jaipur, the capital of
Rajasthan, is the main airport
to enter the state. The domestic airlines services connect
Jaipur to cities like
Delhi,
Mumbai, Aurangabad,
Udaipur,
Jodhpur etc. Udaipur and Jodhpur
are the other major airports. The state is well connected by rail to the
major parts of the country.
Palace On
Wheels is one of the most
luxurious
trains in the world. Rajasthan has a good rod-network as well.
What are the adventures in store?
» Camel Safari
A
Camel Safari could be one's best option to explore the quaint villages of
the region, thereby gaining an insight into the pulsating traditions and the
vibrant culture of the locals. A camel safari can span from 2 to 7 days,
covering a distance of around 40-50 km a day. This safari is an opportunity
to visit places like Bikaner, Khimsar, Osian and Jaisalmer. The most
fascinating part of the safari is halting at night in the midst of the
desert to sleep. The delicious dinner is prepared on the sand dunes while
the riders rest and converse among themselves.
» Jeep Safari
A Jeep Safari is another option to explore the royal Rajasthan and to enjoy
the scenic surroundings of the countryside. Setting out on a Jeep Safari
will make you able to observe the various colourful facets of the state of
Rajasthan. It will prove to be a lifetime experience for the tourists and
the visitors of the region. Safaris are conducted in the desert areas of
Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Pushkar and the Shekhawati regions. The
duration of a safari can extend from a single day to a month, though the
most sought after ones are those ranging from one to two weeks.
What are the nearby attractions?
» Jaisalmer
The
city of Jaisalmer was founded by Rao Jaisal in 1156 AD. Located centrally in
the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer has a rich historical legacy including the
Jaisalmer Fort, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Patwon Ji Ki
Haveli, Tezia Tower, the Desert National Park and Akal Wood Fossil Park.
» Jodhpur
Located at a distance of 285 km east of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur is yet another
attraction for the Thar Desert visitors. On the ground of the blue colour
dominating the city, it is also called the 'Blue City. Attractions in
Jodhpur include names like Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan
Palace and Mandore Gardens.
» Bikaner
The city of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bikaji in 1488 AD. The city
covers a major part of the Thar Desert regions. In Bikaner there are
attractions like the Junagad Fort, the Lalgadh Palace, Camel Research and
Breeding Farm and the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.
How diverse is the wildlife/ vegetation?
» Flora
The
Thar vegetation consists of xerophilous grasslands of Eragrostis spp.,
Aristida adscensionis, Cenchrus biflorus, Cympogon spp., Cyperus spp.,
Eleusine spp., Panicum spp., Lasiurus scindicus, Aeluropus lagopoides and
Sporobolus spp. The scrub vegetation of the region consists of low trees
such as Acacia nilotica, Prosopis cineraria, P. Juliflora, Tamrix aphylla,
Zizyphus mauritiana, Capparis decidua and the shrubs include Calligonum
polygonoides, Calotropis spp., Aerva spp., Crotalaria spp., Haloxylon
salicornicum and Haloxylon recurvum.
» Fauna
The Thar Desert region is home to some wildlife species, which are on the
verge of being extinct in other parts of the country. The animal species
include the Great Indian Bustard, the Black buck, the Indian Gazelle and the
Indian Wild Ass. The Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, covers an area of 3162
sq km. The park is a fine example of the diverse fauna of the region. The
inmates of the park include the Great Indian Bustard, Blackbuck, Chinkara,
Desert Fox, Bengal Fox, Wolf, Desert Cat etc. The migratory and the resident
birds like eagles, falcons, buzzards, kestrels, vultures etc.
