Exploring Raj > Adventure Travel > Safari

Warfare would not have been possible without detailed planning, especially in this desert region, where supplies had to be carried, as the armies came to pitch camp where the battle lines were drawn. From the repertoire of this experience were drawn the state processions, inter-kingdom journeys and royal pilgrimages, when the families came out of their fortified settlements to create alternate, moving cities. Out of this rich past safaris were created. Top^

A safari is a journey into the desert, but one that is accompanied with rudimentary comforts and even luxurious amenities. As each journey progresses, there is the excitement of setting camp at a new spot in the lonely wilderness of the Thar, of being entertained by groups of wandering minstrels, of coming in proximity of village life in one of the harshest conditions of the world, of enjoying splendid camp meals and sleeping under the stars that hang suspended from the sky like twinkling fairy lights.

None of these journeys are arduous because organisers ensure that all facilities are provided, from entertainment to fine dining, and from setting up deluxe camps to ensuring that your slightest needs are met. But eventually, it is the landscape that is spellbinding. For miles altogether, there is nothing but sand. From this aridness one can expect the unexpected, as groups of women appear and disappear in their colourful clothes, apparently going nowhere. Just as suddenly, medieval cities rise, magnificent for their architectural heritage, and are just as suddenly lost to sight. Mirages? No, in the Thar, these are only too real. Top^

Camel safaris: About the only thing you will have to get used to, when you plan a camel safari, is the ungainly movement of the ship of the desert. The camel may look aloof, but is the lifeline for the people of the desert whose communication needs depend on this vital beast for their very survival. Most journeys into the hinterlands are still made on camel-back or in camel carts, and the camel is also used for ploughing the arid fields of the desert.

A saddle is mounted across the camel’s hump, providing comfortable seating for two, legs astride. At first the rolling gait of the camel is a little disconcerting, but riders soon get used to the rhythm. Since the sun can get very hot in the desert, the best time for a camel safari is in the morning and evening, even in the cooler winter months. Such safaris are usually run by professional outfits who hire Raikas - the camel-keepers - who are adept at finding the best routes and waterholes in the desert and navigate almost by instinct, guided, of course, by the position of the stars at night.

This becomes necessary should you be planning a long-distance safari over a few days. Camel safaris, of course, can range from just a day to several days and you can choose an option that best meets your needs and schedules. Remember, most such safaris can traverse a distance of 30-40 km a day and you may need to plan accordingly, should you wish to trans-navigate between two different towns.

The environs of Jaisalmer are a hot favourite for camel safari. The safari here can last from one day to a week or more. Other places where camel safaris can be organised are the Shekhawati belt, Bikaner, Jodhpur, around Pushkar and Nagaur. Safaris are recommended only during winters (October-March). Visitors are advised to dress modestly since a safari may pass and camp in close proximity to a village. A sola-topee or local turban or any other form of protection for the head is a must. One should drink lots of water or other fluids at regular intervals to avoid dehydration. Top^

Horse safaris: A more recent and exciting variation of the camel safari is the horse safari. The Rajputs were born to be horseback riders, and the tradition was strongly enforced in the medieval ages when the cavalry formed one of the most important flanks of the desert armies. Special horses were bred at the thikanas or aristocratic homes of the Thakurs who served their kings with armies of horsemen. The Marwari horse is an indigenous species, hardy, agile and among the notables in world breeds. In addition, the Kathiawadi and Sindhi horses are also adept at traversing the desert countryside.

Horse safaris are usually conducted in the vicinity of Udaipur where the hilly terrain and forested countryside are ideal for taking to the trail. Depending on the size of the group, the pack of cavalry can move swiftly or at leisure, moving from the vicinity of one old fort to another. There is additional excitement in that the route you choose and the heritage hotels you stay in, may have been those very ones where the ancient armies once rode and camped.

Horse safari routes can be diverse, but most will pass close to villages, ruined historical monuments and temples. These are ideal places to halt for a bit of rest and relaxation, lunch and a quick snooze. Riders are advised to equip themselves in riding gear - the famous Jodhpuri breeches, hat and boots. Depending on your capability to ride, the horses may trot or canter through the countryside. What matters most is that each evening, you are assured of the comforts of former palaces and forts - no better or more historic way of exploring Rajasthan is possible.

Where to go: Anokhi village near Jaipur, Shikarbadi at Udaipur, Aodhi near Kumbhalgarh and Ghanerao.

Elephant safaris: The most regal way of seeing Rajasthan is on an elephant safari, since nothing can compare with the majesty of the pachyderm. No wonder the rulers used elephants for their journeys; equipped with a howdah - a large seat on which they would sit - complete with soft silk cushions and a ceremonial umbrella over their heads. Modern day safaris may pale in comparison, but are no less regal on that account. The elephant treads slowly and steadily and a safari would be ideal in and around principal towns, especially in the vicinity of wildlife sanctuaries where the same elephants can be used to view wildlife.

Since an elephant safari is an elaborate affair and requires many attendants for the beast as well, such camps tend to be more lavish and the entire experience promises to be one, the likes of which one is unlikely to ever have elsewhere. Top^

Jeep safaris: The open jeep is another way of seeing Rajasthan, especially in the winter months, when the chilly breeze and warm sunshine provide a heady combination. Such jeep safaris can be organised by travel agents, but should not be confused with the mere hiring of vehicles to commute between different destinations. A safari means an exploration of lesser-known destinations and the countryside and may also include forays off the roads, though it is not advisable to drive in the sand for obvious reasons.

The best jeep safari country is similar to that used for horse safaris, in and around Udaipur, since the rugged Mewar terrain with its forested valleys, scraggy hills and rocky outcrops provides an entrancing landscape. The tribal regions, the small villages, the ruins of old forts, the temple complexes, all contribute in creating a particular atmosphere such safaris. Another rewarding region for jeep safaris is the Shekhawati belt with its painted towns that are in close proximity to each other, but interspersed with the scraggy desert, where for miles around, nothing but the sand stretches.

Jeep safaris can be fun because the pace can be varied to suit one’s needs, packing in days of fast travelling with leisurely camping. Alternates can be to stay in a choice of heritage hotels that dot the desert. Top^

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