A trip to Rajasthan wouldn't be completed without staying at Desert Safari Camp. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. Staying in a luxurious camp in the middle of dunes, riding off the camel, listening to Rajasthani folk music under the starry sky, enjoying delicious Rajasthani cuisines- all these exciting things you can experience at the Desert Safari Camp, Jaisalmer.
It's on my bucket list for long. So, when I was looking for a Rajasthan Package trip, I opted for one that offers one night stay at the Desert Safari Camp as a part of the package. The following are the things we enjoyed in this safari camp.
Camel Safari - Take a ride on the ship of the Desert
This trip generally starts from Jaisalmer. Upon arrival at the city, we drove to the outskirt from where sand dunes starts in the afternoon.
The traditionally adorned camels (Dromedary) were waiting there for us with guides. Camel cart is also available for elderly people and also for those who afraid of riding. As soon as we reached, we were allotted camels. One camel for two persons. The guide explained to us how to mount a camel. It's a three-step process. The first step involves throwing one’s leg over the saddle and hopping on. It’s pretty easy. In step two, the camel lifts its hind legs and throws the rider forward. I was about to fall as the camel shifted into position. Step three is the most amazing! The camel gets onto its front legs and rises and then, I suddenly found myself almost 8 feet over the ground.
But I didn't find it so amazing when I had mounted a double-hump Bactrian camel in the cold desert of Nubra valley, Ladakh. It may be because of the excitement of having ridden the camel for the first time or those Bactrian camels were not as tall as desert camels. That was also one camel for one person. So, Yeah! it was my second time on a camel.
We were going through the sea of golden dunes. Initially, the dunes are not very large but as we started approaching the sunset point, we could see some large dunes. The riding the camel over the dunes might not comfortable but for me, it was a lifelong experience.
Witness the stunning sunset over the dunes
We dismounted the camel near sunset point on a giant dune. Sun was about to set then, After a while sun went behind the dunes turning the sky golden yellow. The golden ocean of dunes under the golden orange sky dotted with camels here and there, the vistas looked stunning. After watching this spectacular sunset, we were heading towards our camp.
Stay in a luxurious camp amidst desert
Our camp - The Mehar Adventure Safari Camp, Sam Sand Dunes, was a few walks away across the road. We got a traditional welcome with marigold garland and tikka by traditionally adorned pretty Rajasthani folk dancer. The campsite consisted of rows of tents with a dance floor in the middle. The tents are beautiful along with the attached toilets. There is a small sitting place in front of the tents. The entire premises decorated beautifully.
After checked -in process, we had to wear our woolen gears because as soon as the sun went down, the temperature dropped considerably although the day was pleasant.
Experience the Rajasthani Culture in a musical evening
As the darkness descended, we all made our way to the Dance floor where the traditional Rajasthani folk music and dancing performance were arranged for the guest. The Rajasthani folk dancers danced to the tune of folk songs. This musical program was truly amazing. There was a singer from Kolkata in our group. He also performed there. The youth from the audience started dancing on his songs. The whole program was enjoyable.
Experience the taste of Rajasthani Cusine at dinner
We went for dinner by 9 pm. The dinning was spacious and well decorated. Both buffet and sitting options were available. We prefer sitting one. The delicious Rajasthani cuisine was served on a leaf plate and we binged on it.
Spend time gazing at the twinkle stars in the night sky
After dinner, we went for taking a stroll around the camp. But as we stepped out of the campsite, the darkness enveloped us. There was no light around. We were warned not to go far as we may encounter with the camel in the dark. So we came inside the premises and sitting in our tent balcony started gazing the stars. Millions of stars twinkled in the sky. They look larger and closure. It looked amazing. After a while, we felt cold as the temperature was chill and strong wind was blowing as well. So, we went inside the tent and slipped into the warmth of a blanket.
Jeep Safari - A ride along the gusty wind
Early morning, we went for a jeep safari to the sunrise point. It is another most popular activity in the Desert Camp. We were going on an open hood jeep through the dunes and soon reached the sunrise point. The journey was enjoyable but it was like almost Roller Coaster ride. We witnessed a beautiful sunrise and clicked lots of photos with the camels
Experience the joy of Parasailing in desert
Coming back to the camp, we had our breakfast. Now it’s time to get back to the city again. It was indeed a delightful experience. On our way back, we came across a parasailing center in the middle of the dunes. Some of us including me enjoyed parasailing. You will get to see the breathtaking views of never ending dunes dotted with greens. You can also try the desert bike riding there.
Getting there :
Sam sand dunes are only 45 km from Jaisalmer at the Indian state of Rajasthan. The road is good and maintained by the Indian Armed Forces.
You can reach Jaisalmer by train from Delhi or Jaipur and then by Cab. The nearest airport is Jodhpur airport.
Best time to visit :
Winter season mainly the December and January are the best season to experience the desert camping.
It was a unique experience. If you want to feel the beauty of desert then you must include Desert Safari Camp in your itinerary.
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