Camel Safari

Rajasthan, India's westernmost state is the very essence of exotic India. To really get a sense of the desert state, nothing comes close to a camel safari. Climb up on one of these seemingly awkward beasts, hang on for dear life, and let the good times roll, for the Ship of the Desert walks in a way which would certainly remind any sailor of a rolling, pitching deck in tumultuous waters!Winters are the best time for a camel safari. Rajasthan's summers are almost unbearably hot and arid, so going on a camel safari during this time is impractical. November to March, when days are cool (and nights cold) is when most camel safaris are organized.

Desert nights can get very chilly, so it's necessary to take along warm sweaters and jackets. Although mattresses are usually provided by whoever's organizing the camel safari, you'll need to carry bedding - a warm sleeping bag is suggested. During the daytime, the sun can be scorching, so make sure you get your hat, a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen lotion. Take a first aid kit along with you, as well as any other essentials you might need - out there in the desert, trying to find a shop can be a difficulty. It's a good idea to carry along added blankets to cover the wooden saddle, which you'll most likely be sitting on. Blankets are excellent padding, and can protect you from a sore bottom after a hard day's riding. Most camel safaris start from Jaisalmer, which is connected by air, train and road to the rest of India. All camel-safari towns in Rajasthan, such as Bikaner and Mandawa, are connected by road to Jaipur. Buses run between all the major towns of the state, and private cars or taxis can be hired to do the trip