Rajasthan Thar Desert

Even a million words cannot conjure up the magic of the Thar Desert.

Cushioned between India and Pakistan, the singular topography and character of Rajasthan attracts travellers of different bent and inclinations. Some are drawn by the brilliant blueness of its innumerable lakes, ponds and rivers, some by the exquisite marble palaces and once invincible forts, and some simply come here to experience a way of life different from anywhere else in the country. But the real charm and show to this mesmerising land of India is added by the stark beauty of the Thar Desert, which catapults the tourists with its sand dunes and camel caravans. The Thar Desert ,also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a region of constantly shifting sand dunes, with sparse vegetation in some areas. The area turned to desert relatively recently: perhaps around 2000 BC - 1500 BC. Around this time the Ghaggar ceased to be a major river and now terminates in the desert. The area receives between 12 and 25 cm of precipitation annually.

Largely a desolate region of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks, and scrub vegetation, it receives an annual average rainfall of less than 10 in. (25 cm). The sparsely populated region has a pastoral economy. Through the extension of canals fed with Sutlej and Beas waters, irrigation has reclaimed some land for agriculture along the northern and western edges.
Wildlife In Thar Desert
Some wildlife species, which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the great Indian bustard, the black buck, the Indian gazelle, and the wild ass in the Rann of Kutch. How these animals and insects survive in these harsh conditions, under such high temperature and without drinking water and green vegetation is amazing. They have evolved excellent survival strategies, their size is smaller than other similar animals living in different conditions, and they are mainly nocturnal. There are certain other factors responsible for the survival of these animals in the desert. Due to the lack of water in this region, transformation of the grasslands into crop land has been very slow. The protection provided to them by a local community, the Bishnois is also a factor.

Plants In The Desert
As many as 700 species of plants exist in this area of which 107 are grass alone. These plants have the capacity to survive in the driest of conditions and are usually edible, especially the grass variety.

Camel Safari
Nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of these desert cities. The camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as are the sunsets. These places boast of some very fine reminders of the glorious past - palaces, forts, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical value and unforgettable treat for any visitor taking this route.
The De Facto
Location - Rajasthan
Area - 446000 km²
Best Time To Visit - November and January

Access
The State has 3 major airports in it, namely: Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur.
By Road : One can reach Rajasthan by Road very easily since an network of National Highways and State Highways roads covers the state extensively. From Delhi , Jaipur is only 5 hours drive along the panoramic roadways. So most of the tourists prefer travel to Rajasthan by road.
By Rail : Rajasthan has a good Railway network also. Major Railway Stations are in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Udaipur, which are in turn linked to important Indian cities. But the best way to reach and experience Rajasthan is to take "Palace on Wheels".

Did You Know?

• The origin of the Thar Desert is a controversial subject. Some consider it to be 4000 to 10,000 years old, whereas others state that aridity started in this region much earlier.
• The natural vegetation is classed as Northern Desert Thorn Forest (Champion 1936).
• The soil of the Thar Desert remains dry for a longer period in the year and is therefore most prone to wind erosion. Due to the high velocity of winds in these areas the dust is blown off with it and deposited on fertile lands causing a problem of shifting sand dunes.
• The main occupation of the people in desert is agriculture and animal husbandry.
• The Indian Desert is mainly inhabited by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs.