Deserts

India offers immense climatic diversity and topographical varieties. Deserts form the backdrop of many a legend in India, and in the present times, are touted as destinations of tourist interest.

The Thar or Great Indian Desert is an arid region (800 km) long and (400 km) wide, in North West of India and East of Pakistan, between the Indus and Sutlej river valleys on the west and the Aravali Range on the east. Largely a desolate region of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks, and scrub vegetation, it receives an annual average rainfall of less than 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.

Nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of the desert cities of Rajasthan. 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.

Explore the enigmatic desert of Rajasthan that will mystify your mind with its beauty and vastness. The gateway to the great Indian Thar desert through Jodhpur will take enchant you with a vast waste dotted with shifting sand dunes and sparse hamlets with cenotaphs called 'Chattris'. At Jaisalmer in the heart of the desert the majestic golden fort is a memorable sight as is the camel ride at nearby Sam. Equally enchanting are the forts at Bikaner and Madwa, which drifts your mind to the medieval times.

Gujarat

Bhuj

Bhuj, 48 kms from Gandhidham in the state of Gujarat, has been associated with three pre-historic legacies (the Indus Valley civilization, the Mahabharata, Alexander's conquest of India), Naga chieftains, the Chavda dynasty and the Solanki Rajput kings. However, it came into prominence during the reign of the Jadeja Rajputs - a clan that claimed descent from Lord Krishna and the moon god. The Jadejas went on to become one of the major Rajput powers of the region, commanding respect even from the Mughal emperors for their naval expertise - all ports other than those along the Gulf of Kutch fell to European maritime invaders.

A walled town, pictorially placed between two streams, Bhuj, like Jaisalmer and Bikaner, is a classic example of a desert township. Its' sandstone monuments give it a medieval aura and the 10.5-metre high city wall, forming an irregular polygon with five gates and towers, is an architectural marvel. The Bhujia Fort, from which Bhuj derives its name, overlooks the town from a 160-metre high hillock.

The Kutch Utsav commencing on the last day of February is a window to this ancient land of heroism and romance. It is a journey through a panorama of unending and enchanting images amidst diverse landscapes. Staged on the occasion of Mahashivratri, the festival provides a kaleidoscopic glimpse of the simple and hardy life of the myriad tribes, steeped in artistic tradition and suspended in time.

What to See

Darbargarh Palace - This historic palace complex, erected in various stages, is an intricate maze. It has three sections separated by open courtyards. The palace is built in typical medieval Rajput style with fabulous carved jharoka balconies, jail-screens and cupolas offering splendid views of the old fort, which now houses a government office and a school.

Sharad Bagh Palace - A retreat of the Maharaos of Kutch, this museum displays a collection of silver caskets, stuffed tigers, elephant tusks and even Maharao Madan Sinhji's tennis trophies! The folk museum has a re-created Kutchi village in the forecourt and an outstanding collection of beadwork, embroidery, leather articles, woodcarvings, pottery, and historic relics.

The Kutch Museum - Founded in 1877, this has a shipping display, Buddhist relics and a memorable collection of musical instruments.

Rao Pragmalji's Palace - Built in the 1860's and 70s in a Venetian-Gothic style, Pragmalji's Palace has pointed Gothic arches, classical colonnades and European truss timber roofs. The massive staircases and deep passages are floored with colourful Minton tiles and lined with handrails on classical balusters. The highlight is the Durbar Hall, which has Corinthian pillars, molded ceilings, huge Venetian chandeliers, Greco-Roman statutory, classical balustrade galleries and ceiling murals of Shakespearean characters. The furnishing is in the Victorian-Edwardian and art deco style. The Hall, which has a collection of hunting trophies, has now been converted into a museum.

The Maharao's chattris - The royalty of this desert kingdom made spectacular burial grounds, Chattardis, to match their larger-than-life images. All the funeral rites of the kings of the Rajor dynasty were done at these Chattardis. The grandest among them is the Chattardi of Raja Lakhpat who died in 1796. His 15 queens committed sati after his death and the main hall of his Chattardi has their idols along with his. Located adjacent to Lakhparo lake in the heart of the town, the cluster of cenotaphs have a rich array of beautiful and intricate carvings on sandstone. Additionally, there are the palias or funeral stones in memory of warriors, bardic poets and queens who committed sati.

Rudra Mata Mandir - 14 kms from Bhuj, on the road to Khavada, this temple, located at a scenic spot on the banks of the river Khari, is the presiding deity of the Maharajas of Kutch - the Jadeja family. According to mythology, it is 400 years old. A stone's throw away from the temple is the Garha Safari Lodge, a theme hotel that has a panoramic view of the river and offers an experience of staying in bhoongas, the traditional dwellings of the villagers but with all the modern comforts.

Rajasthan

Barmer

The grandeur of sun-drenched sands.

Your journey t Barmer will be through rural Rajasthan. Stop and see the mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs. Barmer, once on ancient camel trade routes, is today a centre of woodcarving, carpets, embroidery and block printed fabrics.

Shopping - Wood carvings, hand-knotted carpets, embroidered and block-printed fabrics.

Festivals - Tilwara Cattle Fair, Ramdera Fair.

Bikaner

Bikaner the royal fortified city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a 7 km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Bikaner more popularly called the camel country is renowned for the best riding camels in the world.

Junagarh Fort - The Junagarh Fort, built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, has a 986-metre-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. The major buildings within the fort include the Anup Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Rang Mahal, Dungar Mahal, and Ganga Mahal. The Chandra Mahal has remarkable frescoes. Beautiful mirror work adorns the walls of Phool Mahal while golden pen work decorates the Anup Mahal.

Lalgarh Palace - Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father, the Lalgarh Palace is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is quite imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. Peacocks and blooming bougainvillea in the garden welcome the visitor to the palace. To promote tourism, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation has converted a portion of this palace into a hotel.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum - One of the best museums in Rajasthan, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum has one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins dating back to Harappan civilization and Gupta and Kushan era.

Raj Ratan Bihari and Rasik Shiromani Temple - These temples are situated inside the Ratan Bihari Park on the northern side of KEM road. Built in early 19th cent by Ratan Singuji and Sardar Singuji. They are of red sandstone and constructed in a mansion style of architecture.

Jaisalmer

The magic of a golden fortress.

Centuries ago, Jaisalmer was on the camel trading route between India and Central Asia. It is a city that rises from the desert like a golden mirage. Dominating the view is the awesome citadel on the hill - a fort built with the golden yellow stone of the area. Jaisalmer is a visual delight. Wander through its lanes and discover the 'Havelis' with delicately carved stone facades

Jaisalmer Fort - Built in golden yellow sandstone, this fairy-tale fortress stands on Tricuta Hill. Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars within the fortress.

Havelis - Healthy merchants built these exquisite Havelis, with profusely-carved stone facades. Don't miss Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli.

Rishabdeviji Temple, Ashta Padi Mandir & Sambhavnath Temple - Dating from the 12th to 15th century, these three exquisite Jain temples contain a treasure of Jain manuscripts.

Shopping - At Manik Chowk, pick up woven blankets and shawls, mirror-work textiles, silver jewellery and block-printed textiles.

Festivals - Annual Desert Festival

Jodhpur

Grandeur by the sand dunes - Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the princely state of Marwar, where the Rathor clan ruled. Set right at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back to the 15th century. On top of a hill, at the edge of the town, looms the Mehrangarh Fort, giving it a touch of medieval majesty.

Mehrangarh Fort - His formidable hilltop fort is one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. A series of gates lead into it, like Jayapol built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and Fatehpol or 'Victory Gate' erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Mughals. Inside the fort, see the palaces: Moti Mahal or 'Pearl Palace', Sukh Mahal or 'Pleasure Palace' and Phool Mahal or 'Flower Palace'.

Jaswant Thada - Marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Ummaid Bhawan Palace - Built by Maharaja Ummaid Singh in1943, this marble and sandstone palace is an imposing sight. The museum here has a fascinating collection of antique clocks and miniature paintings.

Shopping - At Mochi Galli. Look for embroidered leather shoes, tie and dye fabrics, lacquer ware, antiques and puppets.

Cuisine - Try makhaniya lassie- a delicious creamy drink. And popular desserts - mawa laddoo, mawa kachori, dhood firni.

Festivals - Marwar festival, A cattle fair in Nagaur, Shitlamata fair at Kaga, Gangaur Fair at Pipar.