Have
you ever experienced what it feels to ride a Camel?
If not then here is the chance for you!
Introduce yourself to a dream journey far beyond the range of conventional
travel. Travelling with a powerful camel caravan through the magic
wilderness is some very exciting and compelling experience. Camel Safaris
need both skill and imagination to explore the mirages of desert. Spend a
few days riding one, and you could just find yourself thinking they are one
of the most exciting exerience of one's life.
Yes, India offers some thrilling Camel Safaris in the desert land of
Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat. Rajasthan in India is a camel country,
and an ideal place for a camel safari. There are many possibilities in
surrounding areas too. The camel is perfectly adapted to this landscape and
is widely used throughout Rajasthan. They are usually used for pack animals
rather than riding, and are ideal as back up on a trek through the bush.
This is a once in a lifetime
experience, walking through the bush with only the sounds of the wilds, you
will find yourself travelling at a relaxed pace, moving through the wild in
tune with the rhythms of nature.
The Safari
Many of the lodges and camps have camels for guided rides and trips near
the Wildlife Sanctuaries. Camels with saddles are also supplied for those
who want to ride. 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
Ideal Time
Camel Safaris are generally organised in the desert land of Rajasthan in
the northwestern part of India. Most camel safaris are organised in the
winter, when the weather is good. Rajasthan’s summers are almost
unbearably hot and dry, so going on a camel safari during this time is
virtually impossible. November to March, when days are cool (and nights
cold!) is when most camel safaris are organised.
Things to Carry
You’ll certainly be doing your camel safari in the winters, when
woollens are a necessary part of your packing. Desert nights, especially,
can get very cold, so it would be essential to take along plenty of warm
clothes when on a camel safari. Although mattresses are usually provided by
the safari organisers, you’ll need to carry bedding- a warm sleeping
bag is recommended, and an additional blanket or two can always be used.
During the daytime, the sun can be blistering, so make sure you’ve got
along your sun hat, a pair of sun glasses, and suntan lotion. Carry a first
aid kit along with you, as well as any other essentials you might require.
Camel Safari Sites in India
The best wildlife camel safaris one can come across is around the Aravalli
region of Rajasthan, in the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. An interesting
variation of the wilds can also be seen in the Rann of Kutch. The camels of
Rajasthan and Gujarat will introduce you to the bush and the local wildlife.
Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary
The Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary is the bird's paradise. The sanctuary
houses numerous bird life which includes both natives and migrants. The
migratory birds generally flock to the sanctuary during the winters. This is
one of the best options in India to view birds in the natural habitat.
Sariska
National Park
Probably one of the most visited wildlife parks in India, Sariska was also
a hunting reserve formerly just like other national parks in India. The
reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and came under the "Project
Tiger" as a tiger reserve in 1979. You will find several wildlife
roaming amidst its thick vegetation.
Wild Ass Sanctuary
Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat is famous for its large wild ass herds. This
wild surprise of Gujarat is an exciting place for wildlife enthusiasts,
mainly because it shelters some of the unique wild attractions within its
complex.
Few Suggestions
» Get the permits to enter the Park area.
» Don't disturb the animals, birds and trees.
» Behave in a responsible manner when watching and photographing
resident wildlife.
» Don't leave your group, while travelling in the wilds.
» Don't engage in any illegal trade of animals and birds.
» Don't litter the park area.
» Throw all the wastes in the proper litter zones.
