With its stunning landscapes, cultural influences and history, a safari across rajasthan encapsulates the essence of a rich and rustic trip
The community homes in Hacra village. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: Surrounded by sand dunes, as the sun rises right above your head, your wish for an oasis comes true in the form of Hacra village. About 85 km from the blue city of Jodhpur, this little village is home to Gemar Singh, the designated tour guide for desert safaris here. If you plan to make your way to Rajasthan, do not forget to make a detour to this little village, not just for the safari, but also for the whole experience of “living” in a village.
And while Gemar Singh Tours and Travels is recommended for the desert safaris and the holistic experience, he clarifies, “If you are planning to see long stretches of desert with nothing but just sand for miles, you will be disappointed. This is more appropriately a desert village safari. The essence of the village lies in the hustle and bustle of its people, their knowledge of the area, the food, the changes in the weather and the many historically significant places around Hacra.”
This trip is thus ideal for those who want to explore the culture of Rajasthan and at the same time, get a glimpse of the ancient ruins and mythologies that surround the state. Singh advices, “If your starting point (in Rajasthan) is Udaipur, make sure to make a stop at the Kumbalgarh Fort, which is just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the city. The magnificence of the fort is sure to enthrall you but what will entice you more is that it’s known to have the largest wall after the Great Wall of China. Not just that, but the Ranakpur Jain temple, standing strong with 1,444 marble pillars, is a must-visit too. But if your trip starts from Jodhpur, 69 kilometres down the road, get down at the Osian temple, which is known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan.”
Once at Hacra, depending on the duration of your stay, you can experience village life right from a night in the little straw huts to a delicious spread of local cuisine and better yet, you can assist villagers as they prepare the millet-based delicacies. “The minimum duration is of one night and two days if you want to see at least a little bit of life in the village. The best time to visit is mid-October to mid-March, as this is when you can actually enjoy the sunsets. We organise camel safaris during sunset which goes on for about an hour or two,” adds Singh.
And when it comes to accommodation, tourists get to stay in the community homes for a night and also have the opportunity to camp out if they have an extended period of stay.
As part of the desert village safari, trips are also organised for tourists to meet the Bishnoi community, talk to them as they reminisce about the ancient days of the community, get a taste of their lifestyle and get a peek into their crafts and artifacts.
The villagers believe in protecting the environment. So you can also indulge in a conversation with the villagers on how they strive to save the trees and animals in the area.
And while you are there, make sure to keep a lookout for the black buck, spotted deer and many species of birds that belong to the region. And of course, exploring the expanse of the Thar Desert is an idea that excites all.
Calling it the Thar drive, tourists are driven from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer and along the way they experience village life and the thriving culture of Rajasthan. While the Thar Drive is a jeep safari, the Aravalli Drive gives one the opportunity to ride the Marwari breed of horses along the Aravalli Hills. So, get your backpack on and travel to the desert for an experience of a lifetime.
( Source : dc )
Next Story
