Introduction

A camel safari is a must do for anyone visiting Pushkar. Exploring the small religious town or the picturesque sand dunes as you ride the ship of the desert is truly a memorable experience. Camel safaris are on offer for different times of day and routes. You can opt for a day safari to take you around the temples and palaces. Or, head out for an evening safari to the sand dunes and end it with a fine dinner. Whatever your preference, a camel safari is an adventure recommended for all.

Camels are by nature non-aggressive animals. They are, mostly, a comfortable way to travel around a small town. However, riding a camel is a skill that may be a while coming. Unlike other four-legged animals, a camel lifts both front and back hooves of the left side, then the front and back hooves of the right side creating a very powerful swaying motion. However, once mastered, the camel offers nothing but an enjoyable ride. Standing tall over 6 feet, the camel offer an advantage of height unmatched by any other more of transport.

On a normal route, a caravan of camels starts from the town. First stopping at the important temples and palaces and then meandering its way out of the town towards the beautiful Aravallis and the desert. As getting on and off a camel is an arduous task, there are not too many halts on a safari. Once out of the town, you may come across local artisans. These troupes arrange folkdance performances, often specially organized for the passing safari.

Our recommendation for an ideal safari would be start towards the evening, and trot out from the town enjoying the dramatic sights of Pushkar at sun down. Then, head out to the sand dunes. The fading evening lights lends a special aura to the lonesome desert. Then, end the safari with a cultural evening and dinner at one the specially established camps. With prior arrangement, you can even stay overnight at such camps.

Other options include multi-day safaris. Such as a 5-day safari from Pushkar to Jodhour, with halts at luxury camps en-route. The price of such a tour will vary from Rs 650 to Rs 1,500 per person, per day. Even though a camel safari may seem like luxury, the experience the tourists gain in those few hours is undoubtedly priceless.

Special Attributes

Explore the arid and colorful land the way the locals do

Nuisance

Camels smell and spit.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable, but remember to cover your head and hands. The desert sun can be quite brutal.

Connectivity

Most places are within walking distance and well connected by roads.

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Since it is an outdoor activity, sun exposure would be high. Carry substantial amounts of water. Also carry protective head gear and sunglasses.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Be sure to carry some motion sickness medicine, since traveling on a camel might lead to nausea

Type of site

Activity