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Rajasthan's Thar is the only desert in world, which is rich in color and culture (in most other deserts, for example, the people wear only white), and warm with the hospitality of courtly traditions. These find a reflection in the desert safari too. And the splendor of the desert combined with the experience of camping and riding in it, truly makes one of the most impressive activities for travelers. It also brings alive an era when this was the way elements to create romantic kingdoms in the desert.
However, since the desert is the best for the sport, the regions of Mewar (Udaipur and its surroundings which, however, are ideal for horse safaris) and around Kota should be avoided. For many, the best areas constitute what forms the golden triangle for the desert safari: Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner. In these three former royal kingdom, the fortified cities are surrounded by vistas of sand.
Those adventurous can take an entire trail combining these three cities, and including in it parts of the Shekhawati region (which can be used as a starting or concluding point because of its proximity to Delhi). Jaisalmer is the heart of the desert with a beautiful fort which is inhabited, and which is known for its carved, sandstone mansions. Bikaner has a camel farm, the only one of its kind in the country, and along with Jodhpur, forms two ends of a route, which has several other interesting settlements along its route. These include Khimsar and Nagaur. From Bikaner, one can head for Shekhawati where the attraction is a number of fierce castles with a bristling history, and the painted mansions of the merchants who once lived here.
However, those who would prefer a smaller safari (a night or two in the desert), should plan a journey so that they move out of the town into the desert, and choose a route devoid of sightseeing options. This way, they can feel the essence of the desert, and the loneliness of the landscape, while being in close distance to modern conveniences.
Shorter safaris still would merely be in the nature of rides, stretching to a full day for those so inclined, or merely a few hours with a meal thrown in. However, to be able to spend at lest one night in the desert would be a unique experience, and should be built in if at all it is possible.
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