Horse safari
The brave Marwari needed not only to survive long hours under saddle in harsh desert environment, but also to thrive on scant water and rations in the fierce midday sun. A fine, silky coat helped him to keep cool in the long summer months, long lashes protected him from dust storms, and the beautifully curved ears unique to the breed allowed him to pickup the slightest sound. He was long limbed and muscular with incredibly hard hooves, and held his head high in the battle to show the gamecock throttle of the hot blooded desert horse. When he moved, he floated.

So sympathetic was their mastery that the receptive intelligence of the horse was able to sense and act upon the intrinsic intent of its rider - thus horse and warrior became one and, accordingly the war horse absorbed the instinct to kill, to face death fearlessly and to defend its masters in the thick of the battle. The breeding of these valuable animals was concentrated in those areas where the demand was greatest and so the emerging strain were variously known as Malani, Sindhi and finally the Marwari - the latter name striking a chilling note for its means, quite literally from the land of death.

Literature, Art and folk songs testify to the famous partnership between warrior and horse that color RAJPUT history, and the desert sands are strewn with monuments and the headstones commemorating their heroic deeds.

Camel Safari - 

Be ready for an unusual and authentic safari experience in the desert of Jaisalmer. You will travel sedately in remote territories of Jaisalmer, often using sandy highways. Camels are gentle, well trained animals and easy to get to know, thereby being an ideal mode of Desert Safari. Throughout this safari, you will meet many local people, discover the bird and plant life, relax in evenings around the campfire before sleeping in your tent usually under a dome of brilliant stars.

You will not travel alone, but with a string of camels. This allows you to travel into areas where people rarely visit. The camels carry everything that is important for the ride. Do not forget to store plenty of portable water to avoid dehydration. Jaisalmer is camel country and an ideal place for a camel safari. The camel is perfectly adapted to this landscape and is widely used throughout Jaisalmer.

Many camel safaris either carry all camping equipment and supplies with them, or use vehicle back up to set up camp ahead of your arrival at a prearranged spot. The standard 4 day safari starts at Khuri, (40 km from Jaisalmer) and ends at the sand dunes of Sam, passing through the Desert National Park. You will encounter ruins, temples, colorfully dressed villagers, magnificent sunsets and sunrises.

Take care of the balancing act and try to get used to the movement of the camel. This fascinating journey on camel will take you through the caravan city of Jaisalmer, traversing a starkly beautiful wilderness of dunes, chances of seeing Chinkara Antelope and perhaps even the Great Indian Bustard. You'll be overwhelmed by sounds and sights, colours and fragrances which will stay with you long after.

You can also enjoy the special cultural performances that are organized by the Rajasthan tourism department for the entertainment of tourists in the evening. The camps are specially set for you, serving traditional Rajasthani meals. Spend some time in the company of warm hearted Rajasthani people.

Jeep safaris
A jeep safari is probably the best and the fastest way to explore the enticing spectrum Rajasthan. Moreover, it is possible to enjoy a more comprehensive tour on the jeep and it is a smoother and more comfortable ride. An open jeep is considered ideal, as this makes one feel one with nature in the breathtaking countryside of Rajasthan. This adventure will gift you memories to last a lifetime.Jeep Safaris can be incorporated with Camel and Horse Safaris.

Safaris can be done in Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Shekhawati regions.
Jeep Safari can also be done in Wildlife Parks and Bird Sanctuaries.

Usually jeep safari operators enroute journeys through the desert so you are close to villages, but remain hidden from them. In the afternoons, trips to the villages can be planned. An advance group moves ahead to set the evening's camp-usually self-sustained, with its own kitchen (food is cooked over wood fire), and tented accommodation. Baths are prepared for the travelers, and kerosene lamps used for lighting. A bonfire is organized around which evening cocktails and dinner is served. Here, in this enchanted setting with the stars looming large under the dark sky, village balladeers and minstrels are invited to sing, dance, play a musical instrument or two.

An escapade from the Concrete Jungle of the fast developing cities traversing the sands of the desert and escape into a wilderness where literally nothing but sand makes up the horizon. It is a great opportunity to escape from the tamed world rough edges, and takes you squarely into the lap of nature.

A rendezvous wth the tribal regions, the small villages, the ruins of old forts, the temple complexes adds up to providing a sense of destination to 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. Safari outfits send a recce team ahead for picnic lunches, and for setting up camps in the open. Alternates can be to stay in a choice of heritage hotels that dot the vast regions of the desert.

Vijay Gautam

E-Mail :-
 vijaygautam11@hotmail.com, reservation@m-indiatours.com