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When in Rajasthan all you adventure
enthusiasts dont forget to go for Camel Safaris which is a great fun and
can be experienced only here. Other Safaris which can be taken include
Bicycle Safari, Jeep Safari and also Elephant Safari. Horse Riding can
also be undertaken and apart from that one can also engage in Water
Sports, Paragliding and also go for long and picturesque Treks.
Water Sports
The lakes of Rajasthan are known for water
sports. During the 1982 Asian games, rowing competitions were held at
Ramgarh lake near Jaipur. Ramgarh lake is a man-made reservoir around 4
kms. In length and 2 kms in width.
Throughout the year, water sports of all kinds can be arranged here.
Facilities for swimming, boating etc. are available. Boating is a regular
feature, conducted by trained Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation
staff. A fully equipped tourist village with 10 huts is situated here.
Drive for about 10 kms from Alwar and you enter dreamland. The undulating
hills flaming with bougainvillea and gulmohar cradle the majestic Siliserh
Lake. A beautiful Palace Hotel which is run by RTDC provides all
facilities.
Udaipur - the lake city of India, is
also good for water sports with boating being a regular feature. The ideal
place for water sports is Jaisamand Lake situated 50 kms south of Udiapur.
This lake is the second largest artificial lake in Asia (the water spread
area is 90 sq kms. ). Throughout the year, water sports of all kinds can
be arranged here.
The Chambal river offers the exhilaration of water rafting in the Kota
region. From Jawahar Sagar to Dholpur, the intricate network of the
Chambal river, flowing through rock gorges and forests, provides ideal
locales for the perfect water adventure. While traversing the river by
boat, one can see the gavia (crocodile)basking in the sun on river banks.
Plans are underway to introduce a ferry service on the chambal river from
Kota barrage upstream to Bhensordgarh - a fine opportunity to ride on the
gushing waters. Rajasthan also offers angling sites. Bandh Baretha in
Bharatpur, Siliserh and Jaisamand in Alwar, Mansarover near Sariska, Kukas,
Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur are an angler’s paradise. However, the
enthusiasts are advised to carry their own equipment and obtain permission
from the Fisheries Department. Patience and perseverance in angling , as
in life, has rich rewards.
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Horse Safari
Rajasthan’ - the land of the Rajputs, is known for its kings, fearless
warriors and beautiful women. It’s also known for its forts, palaces, and
temples which are a reminder of the glorious past. Kingdoms were carved
and established by the Rajputs on horseback, while swords were stained
with enemy blood. Horses were highly priced and a Rajput warrior would
give anything to own a good horse. Great care was taken to breed horses
and to keep a clean and pure lineage. The result of many years of
dedication and hardwork helped create breeds like the Marwari, Kathiawadi
and the Sindhi, each having its own distinct characteristics and bred
solely for the purpose of war. These horses were noted for their stamina
and fierce loyalty to their masters. With these gallant steeds, the
Rajputs became famous worldwide. There is an old saying:
"If God didn’t create the horse, He wouldn’t have created the Rajputs.
In Rajasthan, the tourist can today have the
pleasure of riding through trails dotted and marked with cenotaphs and
tombstones of many brave and valiant. Rajput warriors. Trails which take
them through villages, pass huge and ancient forts and temples.Nights can
be spent in ancient palaces and Garhs(small forts) now owned by the
descendants of those glorious Rajput rulers. These palaces not only
provide modern amenities but cultural programmes and entertainment is also
available. Evenings are spent at campsites which are splashed with colour
in the form of local folk dance and music. Tourists can have the pleasure
of being escorted by a English speaking ‘trial guide’.
Riders are advised to wear boots and a hard hat. Breeches or jeans are
comfortable. Evenings are cold and pullovers and jackets are essential.
Sun glasses are required to avoid the glare of the sun. Beds, linen,
towels etc. are all provided by the organisers. All meals are inclusive in
the package. This includes an English breakfast and Indian lunch and
dinner. Liquor or aerated soft drinks are chargeable extra.In Jaipur,
Horse Safari is organised by some private tour operators. The Rajasthan
Tourism Development Corporation organises a Safari on request which starts
from Jaipur and the duration of the safari is four days.
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Bird Watching
Rajasthan’s lakes, ponds, marshlands and grasslands are a haven for bird
lovers. One can find around 550 species of birds and most of these are
residents. The best colony of birds in the world is Kealodeo National Park
situated in Bharatpur.It has more than 400 species of birds and more than
130 of them breed inside the park. Being a unique bird place, the UNSECO
has recognized it as a world heritage site. It is truly a paradise of
feathered life which provides unlimited opportunities to bird watchers.
Various other lakes and ponds, spread over the state offer the enthusiast
an opportunity to watch the activities of the birds. The major wetlands
other than Bharatpur are Kukas, Kalah,
Bund, Buchora Chandi, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur, Silislerh
Jaisamand and Mansarover in Alwar, Ana Sagar and Faterhsagar in Ajmer,
Jaisamand,Pichhola and Badi ka Talab in Udaipur, Balsamand and Sardar
Samand in Jodhpur, Bassi Dam in Chittaurgarh and Meja Dam in Bhilwara.
The best season for bird watching starts with the onset of winter
marshlands and lakes are inhabited by migratory birds as well as resident
birds. In salt-water lakes, flamingos are also found, like in Pachpadra
near Barmer and Sambhar near Jaipur. Bird watching is a hobby which has
minimum requirements. All you need is a binocular.
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Camel Safari
Rajasthan invites you to feel the adventure of a Camel Safari, which takes
you through the golden sands of the vast Thar Desert. Like horse safaris,
camel safaris are also popular in Rajasthan. The camel, popularly known as
the ship of the desert, is not only common in the Thar desert, but also
the only means of transportation in remote areas.
Ride through sandy tracks, passing through remote villages. Pitch your
tent at a new place each night. Spend the evenings next to the camp fire
and dance to the folk music.
The safari is organised to take one through the golden sands of the vast
Thar desert and untamed countryside, enabling one to experience the days
gone by when time drifted at a leisurely pace. The rolling landscape of
the sand an shrub covered area is breathtakingly beautiful and the range
of flora and fauna surprisingly large for desert area.
The camel breeders of Raika are the best guides. They know every pasture,
waterhole and village of the region. One can ride or walk along leisurely
with the safari and the enjoy the desertscape. The camel-carts are fully
equipped and tourists need not bother about comfort in the desert.
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation arranges the camel safari on
request from Delhi and Jaipur during Nagaur Fair and desert festival.
Suggestive Camel
Safari Itinerary
Day 01
Drive out of Jaisalmer to Chandan, an hour-and-a-half away. From here, the
camel safari begins for Meghasar camp, a six hour stretch interspersed
with lunch.
Day 02
Traverse some harsh, sandy tracts today to arrive at Jamaniya-ki-Dhani for
the overnight camp.
Day 03
A short two-hour safari after breakfast fetches you to the Ashpurna temple
where the safari terminates.
Camel Safari Season : October to March is
Recommended.
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Trekking
Lying in the west of India, the topography of Rajasthan varies from
sand-dunes of the desert to the lofty hill ranges of the Aravallis which
makes Rajasthan a trekker’s paradise.
There are many beautiful meadows, dense forests, crystal lakes, waterfalls
and rivulets meandering through the countryside. One of the oldest
mountain ranges of the world, the Aravallis, extending from north-east to
south-west have some beautiful forest areas. Mount Abu, about 1300 mts.
Above sea level is an ideal locale.
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Parasailing &
Ballooning
The joy of being aloft in the wind and the thrill of defying the
elements is what parasailing and ballooning are all about. Unlike other
aerosports, in these, once off the ground, the sportsman is on his own.
Since the skies are an element foreign to us, it would be judicious to
take all precautions before indulging in the joy afforded by the sports.
Responsibility for the safety for the sportsman depends to a large extent
on the team helping out in this sport. Ballooning on other hand, permits
the balloonist to soar high in the sky and drift over the picturesque
terrain.
Parasailing and ballooning are annual events held in Jaipur, Jodhpur,
Jaisalmer and Pushkar and attract a large number of tourists and adventure
seekers.
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Safaris in Rajasthan
Jeep & Motor Bike
Safari
A jeep safari is probably the fastest way to explore the wonders of
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.
Safaris can be done in Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Shekhawati regions.
Jeep Safari can also be done in Wildlife Parks and Bird Sanctuaries.
Suggestive Itineraries
Duration : 12 Nights /
13 days
Places covered : Delhi - Bikaner - Desknoke - Village Janglu -
Khimsar - Village Osian - Jodhpur - Agra
4X4 Drive & Cross Country Motorcycle Ride -
Safaris are the new, exciting way of casting one's footprint across the
shifting sands of Rajasthan. What's more interesting, however is the
control one has over an adventure activity, so that it can be tailored to
suit every modern traveler. While on 4X4 Jeeps you can ASCEND AND DESCEND
across the sand Dunes practically in any direction of your choosing.
Day 01 : Delhi
Arrive by international flight at Delhi airport. We will meet you on
arrival and check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi - Bikaner
In the morning after breakfast we will proceed for half day sight seeing
in Delhi. After that we board the overnight train departing at 2130 hrs
and arrive at Bikaner at 0810 hrs in the morning.
Day 03 : Bikaner
You will be met on arrival at the railway station by our staff and
transferred to the hotel. Half day at leisure, later on seasoning on the
motorbikes / jeeps self driving and sight seeing of Bikaner. Over night at
the hotel
Day 04 : Desknoke
On Road - Desknoke: this little town, on road to Jodhpur. Overnight stay
in the Safari Camp.
Day 05 - 07 : Village Janglu
On Road - driving Cross Country in the desert - Village Janglu is of
special interest - there is a ruined fort and temple. Overnight in the
safari camp.
Day 08 : Khimsar
Drive on to Khimsar - this was an estate under the Ruler of Jodhpur and
once emperor Aurangzeb stayed here. At present Khimsar fort has been
converted in to a heritage hotel. Over night in the desert camp amidst
sand dunes.
Day 09-10 : Village Osian
Drive on to Osian: (tenth century village). Osian is famous for its
various temples. There is a Hindu temple, Jain temples, Sun temple and
Devi temple. After sightseeing of the town and surrounding monuments on
both days, arrive at the camp late evening.
Day 11 : Jodhpur
Its a very early start this morning - Drive 65 Kms to reach Jodhpur
station board the train departing at 0700 hrs & arriving Jaipur at 1300
hrs. On arrival check into the hotel and spend the day exploring the city
palace and Jaipur city lanes.
Day 12 : Jodhpur - Agra
Early morning drive to amber fort and experience an elephant ride to the
fort. Later drive to Agra and on arrival check into your hotel.
Day 13 : Agra - Delhi
Explore the city of Agra with visit to The Taj Mahal & Agra fort & later
on drive 210 Kms to arrive Delhi. Dinner in Delhi and then we drive you to
airport for your connecting flight home.
Jeep Safari Options
OPTION-1:
A six day trip beginning in Bikaner and halting at overnight camps
at Dhumpaliya, Samrau, Jamaniya-ki-Dhani, Jaisalmer town, and Bainsra
village. En route, you will see peacocks, deer, and demoiselle cranes in
their hundreds at Kheechan. Tour concludes at Chabha from where the
highway connects with Jodhpur.
OPTION-2:
A round trip from Jaisalmer, it includes setting out for Moolsagar,
Khuri and Devikot on the first day, and to Lodurva, Sam, Kanoi and
Kuldhara on the second, before returning to this desert citadel.
OPTION-3:
A three day trip from Jodhpur via Bhadrajun, Daspan and Sirohi
where accommodation is arranged. The terrain changes from sandy tracts to
green hills, and the villages enroute are picturesque. Tour culminates on
the highway connecting with Mount Abu or Udaipur.
OPTION-4:
Get out of Jaipur for a three-day safari beginning past Sanganer
airport and including in its range Kanota, Dhola, Bhandarej, Gumna lake,
Khawa and Sawai Madhopur where the tour culminates Mototbike Safaris.
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Elephant Safari
The most regal way of seeing
Rajasthan is on an elephant safari, since nothing can even compare with
the majesty of the pachyderm - no wonder the rulers used elephants for
their journeys.
Equipped with a howdah, a large seat on which they would sit, complete
with soft silk cushions, and with a ceremonial umbrella over their heads,
modern day safaris may pale in comparison, but are no less regal on that
account.
The elephant treads slowly and steadily, and a safari would be ideal in
and around principal towns, especially in the vicinity of wildlife
sanctuaries where the same elephants can do double-duty for viewing
wildlife.
Since an elephant safari is an elaborate affair, and requires many
attendants for the beast as well, such camps too tend to be more lavish,
and so these are best for incentive groups who can be promised an
experience, the like of which they are unlikely to ever have elsewhere.
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