Thar, or the Great Indian Desert, occupies the western and the north western regions of Rajasthan and proceeds further west into the mainlands of Pakistan. Apart from these two places, Thar lies stretched out in three more states of India, which are Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana. If there is any such place as a true desert, in India, it is in Rajasthan. Thar constitutes one of the five major physical divisions of India, the other four being Great Himalayas, Northern Plains, Central Plateau and the Coastal Plains (Eastern Coastal Plains and Western Coastal Plains). The physiography reveals a large area to be comprised of sands and interspersed at many places by low lying rocky hills. Thar covers an area of approximately 77,000 square miles (200,000 square km).
High and low sand dunes, sandy plains, low barren hills, etc characterize the landscape of the desert. Most of the sand dunes are forever in motion and keep on changing their shapes and sizes. The older dunes, however, have stabilized to quite an extent and may rise to a height of almost 500 feet (150 m). Thar Desert is also dotted with playas (saline lakes), locally known as dhands, which are scattered throughout the region. The desert tract receives low and erratic rainfall annually, ranging from about 4 inches (100 mm) or less in the west to about 20 inches (500 mm) in the east. The maximum rainfall is received during the period of July to September. Thar Desert supports vegetation consisting of mainly stunted scrub and a few sporadic trees. Gum arabic acacia and euphorbia on the hills and khajri (Prosopis cineraria) tree in the plains are some other vegetation in the desert. Black buck and chinkara (gazelle), amongst animals and francolin, quail and great bustard, amongst birds can be seen inhabiting this region. Sand grouse, ducks, and geese are the common migratory birds to the area. A tour of the Rajasthan Thar Desert of India takes you on a brilliant ride of the golden hues. The camel rides as well as the beautiful sunsets of the desert enchant both your mind as well as your soul. Don't forget to include this magnificent desert on your tour to Rajasthan. You will definitely love every part of your trip to this marvelous and outstanding destination.
Rajasthan Sand Dunes : One of the most unique features of the desert state of Rajasthan are the majestic sand dunes. Unless and until you visit the sand dunes of Rajasthan, your trip to the state will remain incomplete. The sand dunes are an accumulation of the sand blown by the high velocity winds of the desert. Rising against the blue sky of the desert, these sand dunes offer a picturesque site. The shape and color of Rajasthan sand dunes keeps on changing every minute. Rajasthan, India sand dunes also provide a home to a unique and wide variety of wildlife. Another attraction of these sand dunes are the cultural activities organized with the dunes serving as the background. The best way of viewing the Thar Desert sand dunes of Rajasthan is on a desert safari, starting from Jaisalmer. The desert safari provides a window to the rural Rajasthan. The period of October to February is the best for taking a desert safari of the state. Amongst the different desert safaris, the best one is the Camel safari. The main locations where you can find the sand dunes are:
Sam Sand Dunes : Sam Sand Dunes are situated at a distance of approximately 42 km from the city of Jaisalmer. Located in the midst of the Thar Desert, these sand dunes are amongst the most famous ones in Rajasthan. Radiating laid-back vibes, Sam Sand Dunes, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan totally enchant you with their fascinating sights. These 3km long, 1km wide and almost half a kilometer high sand dunes keep on shifting on a permanent basis. The area of the Rajasthan Sam Sand Dunes supports absolutely no plant life. The whirling air currents of this area match with those of the sandstorms in the Sahara.
The old ruins and the various temples in this area are a must see. The best way to enjoy the Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is through an overnight trip. One of the most pleasurable moments comes at the time of the sunset. Watching the sand dunes in the faint orange glow of the sun with the ballads of the legendary lovers playing in the background leaves you completely speechless. The night is spent sleeping in the open under the cover of the star-studded sky. One of the major attractions of the Rajasthan Sam Sand Dunes is the desert festival that takes place every year. Even the desert comes alive with the sound and light show, and dance and music that are organized there.
Ludharwa : The ancient capital of Bhati Rajput kings, Ludharwa has some nice sand dunes nearby the village. The village of Ludharwa is a mixed caste village with mud and stick houses and traditional decorative paintings and mirror works.
Khuri Village : Khuri village is located approximately 40 km from Jaisalmer. Khuri is well known for its shifting sand dunes that are about 80m high.
Kanoi : Near the village of Kanoi, famous for its magnificent carpentry work, are some great sand dunes.
Kuldhara : The Kuldhara village, an abandoned village of the Paliwal Brahmins, is a very famous spot for sand dunes.
