Thar Desert of Rajasthan
The Thar Desert of Rajasthan is situated partly in India and partly in Pakistan. Bordering the desert on four sides are, Indus plains to the west, Aravalli Range to the southeast, Rann of Kutch to the south, and Punjab plains to the north and northeast. Also known as the "Great Indian Desert", Thar covers an area of approximately 77,000 square miles (200,000 square km). Thar constitutes one of the five major physical divisions of India, the other being Himalayas, Northern Plains, Central Plateau and the Eastern and Western Coastal Plains. It occupies the western and northwestern parts of the state of Rajasthan. The other states of India into which the Thar Desert stretches are Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana.
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 and 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 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.
Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer
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 at Desert camp 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.
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.
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.