Camel Safari in Thar Desert- The ultimate adventure

A thrilling experience travelling through a region known as Thar Desert, which till date remains virtually isolated from the rest of the world. A completely different world altogether waits for you. All over the Desert tour , one encounters typical lifestyles, culture, forts, castles, cuisine, desert safaris, customs, mysteries, stories and experiences.

The Great Indian Desert Thar Desert, the huge unending expanse of burning hot sand is spread over four states in India, namely Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, and two states in Pakistan covering an area of about 446,000 square kilometres. Deriving its name from 'thul' denoting the sand ridges of the region, Thar stands divided between Sindh region in Pakistan and Rajasthan in India.

A tract of rolling sand hills, the Thar Desert is bordered by the irrigated Indus plains to the west, the Aravalli Range to the southeast, the Rann of Kachchh to the south, and the Punjab plain to the north and northeast. Yielding salt and gypsum, the desert is formed due to the scant rainfall received by the region as a result of the dryness of the prevailing monsoon winds.

Receiving an annual average rainfall of less than 10 inches, the desert is a largely a region of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks, and scrub vegetation. The sparsely populated region has a pastoral economy. In May 1974, India exploded its first nuclear device at Pokhran in the deserts of Rajasthan.

The Legend - Thar Desert It is believed that aeons ago, Lord Rama drew an arrow in his bow, targetting Lanka, the island capital where his wife was held captive by the demon king, Ravana. However, such were its destructive powers that the gods pleaded with the Lord to desist from his intended purpose. But the arrow once drawn could not be pulled back and thus Rama pointed the arrow to a far-flung sea. The heat generated by the arrow dried the sea and in its place arose a dry, arid and hot desert.

Archaeological Evidence - Thar Desert

The many excavations of the fossils in the desert have led to the belief that the area was teeming with marine life once upon a time. It is believed that centuries ago, the earliest inhabitants who were a part of an urban civilization that arose 4500 years ago, belonged to this region. Recent excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization reveal that the settlements penetrated deep into the heart of the desert. Archaeologists have found a remarkable resemblance between the citadels and the manner of building along narrow lanes that dissect each other at right angles and more recent settlements.

The Wild In The Arid Land

Stretches of sand in the desert are interspersed by hillocks and sandy and gravel plains. About 23 species of lizards and 25 species of snakes are found here and several of them are endemic to the region. The thinly populated grasslands support the endangered Great Indian Bustard, the Black Buck, the Chikara (gazelle), and some feathered game, notably the Francolin and Quail. Among the migratory birds, Sand Grouse, Ducks and Geese are common.

The Details The safari crew takes you to the nearby village of Deshnok, famous worldwide for its rat temple. After the "Darshan", that is offering prayers at the temple, the crew heads towards the "Dhani" (a cluster of huts) - Charan. The trip to Deshnok is covered by Jeep. The camels are prepared at dhani for your voyage in deep desert.

The route -

Deshnok - Charan - deep desert - minimum 2 days

Deshnok - Charan - Khinchan(Phalodi) - takes 7 days

Deshnok - Charan - Khinchan(Phalodi) - Jaisalmer - takes 13 days.

Rajasthan Car Coach Rental 

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Bikaner Travel Guide

Undulating and shifting sand dunes in the rugged Thar Desert open out to a magnificent heritage city of forts, palaces and markets, fortified against marauders by seven km long embattlements.This desert city called Bikaner, in Rajasthan, lies in the northern part of the Thar Desert and being a good source of sweet water became an important caravanserai for the merchants and traders who travelled with their camel trains from West and Central Asia to the kingdoms of East Asia.Call Us At 9509025926 

Immensely wealthy, the desert kingdom of Bikaner was ruled over by a powerful dynasty that traced its lineage to the old ruling family of Jodhpur. But it was Rao Bikaji who built the splendid havelis, forts and palaces in the city that bears his name. The ‘unspoiled’ ambience of well preserved medieval splendour and colourful bazaars make Bikaner a heritage city well worth visiting.Call Us At 9509025926

Rajputana Tours Pvt. Ltd.
Contact person : Mr Gaurav (Sales Manager) Mr Vicky Naruka
Address : G-3, Ground Floor, Shree Mansion Kamla Marg C-Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan -302001
Mobile No. : +91-9509025926
Email Id : info@rajputanatours.in

Camel Festival

The Camel Festival is an event organized in Bikaner by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan, every year in the month of January. Desert region's Folk dances and Music, add on to what is otherwise an exclusive camel affair. A festival when the ships of the desert are seen at their best. Camels fascinate tourists from all over the world with their movements, charm and grace. A spectacle of unusual camel performances: camel races, camel dances, and the bumpy, neck shaking camel rides.

Activities :- The festival starts with the procession of beautifully decorated camels. The procession heads towards the open sand grounds. Here, the festivities begin in earnest. The Camel Pageant is held on the first day wherein the camel owners show off their Camels' decorations and jewellery. Camel dance performances are also held. A competition for best decorated camel, fur cutting design, camel milking and the best camel hair cut is organized The camels display amazing footwork, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their drivers. Colourful bridles, bejewelled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands, cast a magical spell.

In this festival tea and sweets prepared by camel milk are made available to the visitors interested in enjoying them.On the second day, the fleetest camels of the region take part in the camel races. The competition is fierce as the best camels vie for the honors. Thousands of excited tourists and locals cheer the favorites. On both days, the evening ends with a rendezvous with the renowned folk artists of Rajasthan. The jubilant, skirt swirling dances, the awe inspiring fire dances and many other equally interesting performances entertain the visitors. The grand finale is a magnificent display of fireworks which illuminates the desert city of Bikaner. 

History :- Situated in the heart of the desert belt, Bikaner was always an inaccessible land. Before the advent of modern motor vehicles, the survival of the people of this region depended on the 'Ship of the desert' - the Camel. The camels of this region were famous for their endurance as well as their strength and beauty. In fact, the Bikaner army had an elite camel corps called the Ganga Risala which took active part in both the World Wars. The Ganga Risala was a Camel unit in the army even after the independence and it took part in Indo-Pak wars. Bikaner also boasts of the only Camel breeding center in India.Camel can still be seen pulling heavy loads on carts in this region. With such a long association wiith

Rajputana Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Contact person : Mr Gaurav (Sales Manager) Mr Vicky Naruka

Address : G-3, Ground Floor, Shree Mansion Kamla Marg C-Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan -302001

Mobile No. : +91-9509025926

Email Id : info@rajputanatours.in

Bikaner Tour And Travels

Rao Bikaji, a Rathore prince, founded the city of Bikaner in 1488. Bikaji was one of the sons of Rao Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur. The legend has it that Bikaji was provoked to set up his own kingdom when his father commented him about whispering in the royal durbar. Thereafter, he started building up his own territory to the north of Jodhpur. His first attention went to sterile wilderness called Jangladesh and he converted it to a remarkable city. By the time Bikaji died in 1504, he had extended his kingdom over 3000 villages. The modern Bikaner, as we see today got prospered under the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh. Read on this Bikaner city guide to know more about the city:

Bikaner lies in the north of Rajasthan on a little elevated ground. A 7 km long besieged wall, having five gates, surrounds the city. Speckled with sand dunes, Bikaner occupied an important position on the ancient caravan routes. It served as a prime trading center to the merchants coming from West/Central Asia. Bikaner travel & tourism brings you across some splendid forts and palaces that serve as a legacy of the rich heritage of the city. Built up in red sandstone, these forts and palaces bring alive the architectural finery in which the state of Rajasthan abounds.

Bikaner in Rajasthan, India is still preserving the medieval magnificence that was once the hallmark of the state. Along with the amazing structures of the city, it is the cheerful people that further enhance the attractiveness of the city. Bikaner also houses one of the largest Camel research and breeding farms in the world. It is renowned for providing best riding camels in the world. Apart from that the Bikaner fair also attracts a number of tourists. A trip to Bikaner will leave you mesmerized with the grandeur of the city.

Bika Ki Tekri Old Fort :- In the amidst of the magical landscape that Rao Bika started the construction of this fort in 1485 .Situated on the rocky ground south west of the city, the fort preceded the city by three years.

Junagarh Fort:- This fort was constructed by Rai Singh. The foundation of the fort was laid down in the year 1589and the work was over in 1594. The fort has a circumference of 985 meters. Being on ground level, a moat was constructed around the fort as security cordon. The fort complex is considered as an architectural feat. The important portions of the fort are Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Durbar Hall, Har Mandir, Gaj Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Karan Mahal, Phool Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Chini Burj etc. but Anup Mahal is the best place to be viewed. 

Lalgarh Palace:- The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful lattice work and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum.

Rajputana Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Contact person : Mr Gaurav (Sales Manager) Mr Vicky Naruka

Address : G-3, Ground Floor, Shree Mansion Kamla Marg C-Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan -302001

Mobile No. : +91-9509025926

Email Id : info@rajputanatours.in

Best 8 Tourist Attractions In Bikaner

If you love to be associated with a city that has a rich cultural heritage, you need to be in Bikaner. The city was established in the year 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, a Rajput prince. The city is known for producing great warriors. The excavations from this city prove that the civilization was at its peak here even before Harappan civilization. Imposing palaces, forts and stunning temples with great architecture boast of the finesse of the Rajput civilization. Here are the 8 places to visit in Bikaner, which are all time favorites for tourists.

Junagarh Fort :- Junagarh Fort was constructed in the year 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. It is believed that crocodiles were bred in the water moat surrounding the formidable fort. The construction is a fine blend of Mughal, Gujarati and Rajput style of architecture. The picturesque courtyards beautify the fort. The amazing architecture inside the fort inspires you. Some of the attractions inside the fort are Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Dungar Mahal, Diwan-e-khas and Ganga Mahal. 

Lalgarh Palace :- Lalgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1902 in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji. The red sandstone construction is a stupendous example of the architectural brilliance of the past. Mughal, Rajput and European architectures blend excellently well. The massive lawns houses peacocks, which are a sight to watch when they dance. You could find library, cards room and billiards room among various other rooms. Lalgarh Palace is a feast to your eyes and architects’ delight.

Gajner Palace :- Gajner Palace is located on the banks of a lake. Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji constructed the palace. The royal family used the palace to retreat after hunting. The red sandstone construction is a glowing example of stunning architecture. The palace is situated in the thick of forest and you could view migratory birds flock in great numbers. It is a perfect place to spend a quiet evening as you could stretch to watch the night sky and the lake silent and stunning. 

Bikaner Camel Safari Day Tours :- To feel the essence of desert and enjoy ride on camel back, you need to go for Bikaner Camel Safari Day tours. Camel safari takes you to a different world where the landscape is not green but stunning and it is an adventure of a different kind altogether. On your safari ride, you will find enchanting moments that you would love to capture on your camera. The sunset is scenic and you are sure to be at a loss for words to describe the picturesque setting.You cannot help but admire the scenic landscape in which Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is situated. The sanctuary houses some of the unique plants and animals. Some of the wildlife creatures found here include blue bulls, Indian hares, antelopes, deer, wild boars and many more. Gajner Palace and Gajner Lake are located in the sanctuary. You could have a great time strolling along. Jeep safaris and camel safaris take you to view wildlife and you could watch migratory birds

Ganga Singh Museum :- Ganga Singh Museum was founded by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1937. It houses articles of historical importance that go to show that the society was civilized even before the emergence of Harappan civilization. Some of the stunning collections include paintings, pottery, weapons used by Rajputs and a lot more. The paintings on golf leaves are excellent.

Sadul Singh Museum :- Sadul Singh Museum is on the first floor of Lalgarh palace. The lives and the passions of the three successive kings of Bikaner are reflected in the art museum. The rare artifacts, Georgian paintings, and the photographs seen here stand proof of the interests and the heroics of the three kings namely Maharaja Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh and Karni Singh

Jain Temple :- Jain Temple was commissioned by Bhandasa Oswal in the year 1468 and completed in the year 1514. Rajputana architecture in its excellence is evident in the construction of this temple. The unique and intricately designed temple, sculpted pillars, frescos and the gold leaf work inspire the visitor. With a blend of red sandstone and white marble used in the construction, the three-storied Jain Temple stands unique and commands admiration. The mirror work in the temple is unique as well.Once you visit the tourist places in Bikaner, you are sure to be impressed by the cultural richness of the city. The ancient city has not lost its association with the past and it preserves until now the grandeur of the past by maintaining the ancient forts and monuments. This shows that the people of Bikaner, which is Rajasthan’s fifth biggest state honor and value the history of the region. The splendid constructions and the artwork are sure to impress you on your stay. Take up rides on camel to do justice to your stay in the camel country. To explore more about tourist places in Rajasthan, please visit: places to visit in Rajasthan.

Rajputana Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Contact person : Mr Gaurav (Sales Manager) Mr Vicky Naruka

Address : G-3, Ground Floor, Shree Mansion Kamla Marg C-Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan -302001

Mobile No. : +91-9509025926

Email Id : info@rajputanatours.in

History of Bikaner

A Word about the founder 

Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising amongst the sons of Rao Jodhaji , the ruler of Mewar.

Realising that a struggle for his paternal inheritance was not likely to bear fruit, the prince was determined to chart out his own destiny.

Rao Bika gathered a force of young warriors who were willing to take on the hazards of the desert. At Deshnoke he sought the blessings of the mystic Karniji , a ‘Charan’ woman held in esteem by the people of this region. Karniji blessed him and also prophesied his victory. Moving to the desert tract of Junglu he took possession of villages abandoned by the Sankhlas and started extending his domain.

In 1488 AD the foundation of the city of Bikaner was laid.

The city of bikaner is encircled by imposing battlements and stands at a slight eminence.

The regal fortified city of Bikaner possesses a time less appeal. An integral part of the Desert Triangle, it still retains much of its medieval charm.

It is said that Rao Bika walked out of the durbar of Jodhpur after having been caught whispering and thus was admonished by his father. He then took of 100 horsemen and 500 foot soldiers and reached the desert tract of Janglu where he took possession of 84 villages abandoned by the Sankhlas and began extending his domain. When he died in 1504 AD his kingdom had extended over 3000 villages.In the 16th century, during emperor Akbar’s regign, the ruler of Bikaner became a close ally of the Mughals and in 1818 AD Maharaja Surat Singh negotiated a treaty with the British and Bikaner become a protectorate of the empire.

Bikaner underwent a transformation under its enlightened ruler- Maharaja Ganga singh ( 1880 -1943 AD). He promoted the Ganga Canal Project which converted large tracts of desert-land inti rich farmland. He also extended the railway lines in the state for easy accessibility.Biakner is well Known for its school of Miniature paintings. The Paintings are a fine blend of the Rajput and Mughal styles.

Places to Visit in Bikaner

JUNAGARH : Raja Rai Singh (1517-1611 AD ), an outstanding general of Mughal emperor, Akbar, built this imposing fort. It is encircled by a moat and contains palaces made of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals.Suraj pol , or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. Har Mandir is the majestic chapel where the royal weddings and births were celebrated.

The palaces worth visiting are Anup Mahal , Karan Mahal , Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or Palace of Pleasure. And some of the most beautiful palaces are Chandra Mahal or the Mood Palace is more elaborately decorated with inset mirror – work, These palaces were built by Maharaja Gaj Singh ( 1746-87). The Palaces within, are adorned with gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens. The façade of the monuments visible above the high invincible walls, offer a splendid view of pavilions protruding out, arrow of balconies , kiosks and towers at intervals from a distance.

LAL GARH PALACE :  It was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh to commemorate his father Maharaja Lal Singh. A Spell- binding piece of dextrous carving in red sandstone marked brilliantly by intricate filigree work.There is a marvelous collection of old photographs and trophies of wildlife, well preserved and exhibited in the old banquet hall. Nature too has enhanced the beauty of this monument. The sprawling lawns are dotted with dancing peacocks and blooming bougainvillea.

GANGA GLODEN JUBILEE MUSEUM :  A museum that has amazing collection, in fact, it is one of the best museums in Rajasthan. There are brilliant examples of Harappan civilization, the Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. It houses a rich collection of terracotta, pottery, carpets , paintings, armory and coins. There is a separate section for arts and craft of this region.

GARDENS AND PARKS : There are many pretty parks in city, Ganga Mahal Public Park, Ratn bihari Temple park , Laxmi Park ,Nathji Park , There is a zoo in the Ganga Niwas Public Park. All these places deserve inclusion in the itinerary.

BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLES : 5 Km, beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tvithankara Parsvanathji.

CAMEL BREEDING FARM : 8 km. This Farm, phehaps the only one of its kind in Asia, is managed by the Central Government. Bikaner Camal Corps ( Former Ganga Risala ) was a famous fighting force and still maintains the importance in desert werfare and defence through the Border security Force ( B. S .F).

DEVI KUND : 9 km It is a royal crematorium with several cenotaphs. Many decorated chhatris have been built in memory of the rulers of the Bika dynasty. Maharaja Suraj Singh’s Chhatri is built entirely of white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling.

GAJNER WILDIFE SANCTURAY : 32 Km.It is located on Jaiselmer Raod. The lush foliage of the woods have a number of nilgai or the blue bull. Chinkara , black buck , wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse living here.

The Gajner Palace , a summer resort of the kings, on the banks of a lake, has now been converted into a hotel.

DESHNOK’s KARNI MATA TEMPLES : 30 Km. It is a famous temple devoted to Karni Mata, an incamation to Durga, situated on Jodhpur Road.The Temple offers a haven to rats as they are believed to be incarnated as future bards. Thus the rats considered to be sacred , room freely in the temples precincts.Maharaja Ganga Singh donated intricately carved and elegantly designed massive silver doors, to this temple.

Rajputana Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Contact person : Mr Gaurav (Sales Manager) Mr Vicky Naruka

Address : G-3, Ground Floor, Shree Mansion Kamla Marg C-Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan -302001

Mobile No. : +91-9509025926

Email Id : info@rajputanatours.in