Imagine yourself riding through history on a horse safari in
enchanted Rajasthan, or experiencing the sand dunes of Rajasthan on
the ship of the desert.
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Tailor-made horse safaris are organised by various private tour operators.
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation organizes safaris on request
from Jaipur for a duration of four days.
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Camel Safaris
Camel safaris are also immensely popular for experiencing the ambience of
Rajasthan. On the caravan trails of the past, ride and walk through the
sand dunes of the vast Thar Desert, the rolling landscapes and the varied
flora and fauna. The stars and the moon will add to the
romance of nights in the desert by a camp fire, with the strains of
Rajasthani folk music to transport you to another time. The camel breeders
of Raika make great guides with their intimate knowledge of the villages
and waterholes on the way.
RTDC arranges camel safaris on request during Nagaur Fair and the Desert Festival.
Other Safaris
For those who prefer the modern steed, a Jeep Safari is an option to
explore. It takes you through any part of Rajasthan you choose. Safaris
organised to the Bishnoi village near Jodhpur have gained popularity.
Bicycle and motorbike safaris are an alternative way of discovering the
history and culture of Rajasthan as you enjoy its natural splendour. Cycle
polo is a keenly contested annual feature in the state. Elephant safaris
are an option that is available between Jaipur and Pushkar.
The Jaipur Vintage Car Rally held annually in the month of January
attracts car and rally enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy the value of
beautiful antiques. Some of these prized vehicles are available on hire
for pleasure rides.
Trekking
The topography of Rajasthan varies from the sand dunes of the desert to
the picturesque hill ranges of the Aravallis, the oldest mountain ranges
in the world, making Rajasthan a trekker's paradise. There are many
undulating meadows; dense forests; still, clear lakes and enchanting
waterfalls and rivulets that make trekking a pleasure.
Mount Abu, 1300 m above sea level is an ideal trekking destination.
Kumbhalgarh, 90 kms from Udaipur is another area in the Aravallis which is
good for trekking. The exciting trails that lead to the historic
Kumbhalgarh fort, the nearby wildlife sanctuary and the famous Jain
temples of Ranakpur make for ideal treks. One can trek from Abu Road to
Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Aravalli; Thandi Beri to Kumbhalgarh
Fort or Ranakpur to Rawali Tatgarh. Evenings are spent camping under
starlit skies or chilling in a Dak Bungalow or Forest Rest House.
The best time for trekking in Rajasthan is during the winter months from
November to February.
Water Sports
At Ramgarh Lake near Jaipur, arrangements for different kinds of water
sports can be made through RTDC.
Year round facilities for swimming and boating are available, with a fully
equipped tourist village with 10 huts. During the1982 Asian games, rowing
competitions were held in this 4km long and 2 km wide man-made lake.
10 kms from Alwar at the Siliserh Lake, there is a lovely palace hotel equipped with all facilities run by RTDC.
Udaipur, the lake city of India, also has boating facilities. Jaisamand
Lake, 50 kms south of Udiapur, the second largest artificial lake in Asia
with 90 sq kms of water has facilities for various water sports throughout
the year.
From Jawahar Sagar to Dholpur, in the Kota region of the Chambal river,
rafting is possible. There are plans to introduce a ferry service on the
Chambal river from Kota barrage upstream to Bhensordgarh. One can glimpse
crocodiles basking in the sun on the river banks.
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The topography of Rajasthan varies from the sand dunes of the desert to
the picturesque hill ranges of the Aravallis, the oldest mountain ranges in the world, making Rajasthan a trekker's paradise.
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There are several excellent angling sites at Bandh Baretha in Bharatpur,
Siliserh and Jaisamand in Alwar, Mansarover near Sariska, and Kukas,
Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur. You are advised to carry your own
equipment and obtain permission from the Fisheries Department.
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Paragliding
India is a perfect destination for a paragliding pilot to satisfy his
thirst for varied flying conditions and topography: mountain flying,
coastal flying, desert flying and flying over flatlands. The Aravalli
ranges in Rajasthan are perfect for flying, especially when the monsoons
descend on the rest of the country.
Ballooning is another sport which is being practiced here. Annual gliding
and ballooning events are held in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Pushkar,
which are increasingly attracting enthusiastic respose from aero-sports
lovers.
The RTDC has set up an Adventure Cell in Jaipur (Tel:0141-202586,
203531, 375466) for assistance and information regarding adventure
activities in Rajasthan.
In the days of yore, when horses were as much a part of battlefields as
were valiant warriors, much energy was spent in the breeding of horses.
These horses were noted for their stamina and fierce loyalty to their
masters. Riding still evokes images of a gallant past, and for the
equestrian, the attraction of a horse safari through Rajasthan has an
undeniable appeal. Trails through villages pass ancient forts and old
temples.
