Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Rajasthan’s vast and mesmerising desert landscapes. The Thar Desert, with its golden sand dunes and captivating horizons, offers the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating desert safari. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of camel or jeep rides or the allure of camping under the stars, Rajasthan’s desert safaris promise an authentic, adventurous escape. From the renowned Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer to the serene dunes of Khimsar, here are the top places to experience the ultimate desert safari in Rajasthan.
7 Best Places For Rajasthan Desert Safari
Here is everything you need to know to book the ultimate Rajasthan desert safari experience for you and your loved ones.
1. Jaisalmer
Photo: Rahul Chakraborty / Unsplash
Known as the ‘Golden City,’ the majestic Thar Desert surrounds Jaisalmer, offering a unique mix of history and adventure. The desert here gleams with golden sands, making it an iconic spot for desert safaris. Camel safaris across the Sam Sand Dunes are an unforgettable experience, especially at sunset, when the desert sky paints a mesmerising hue. Luxury desert camps offer traditional Rajasthani hospitality, complete with folk music and dance performances under the starry sky.
Major Attractions: Sam Sand Dunes, Khuri Dunes, night safaris, cultural performances at the camps.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport
2. Bikaner
Photo: Anagoria / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for its palaces and camels, Bikaner offers a more intimate desert safari experience, away from the crowds. The city is home to one of the largest camel breeding farms in Asia, adding a unique element to the safari experience. The serene dunes around Bikaner provide a tranquil backdrop for desert adventures. At night, the desert transforms into a wonderland as the clear sky sparkles with countless stars. The calm, yet captivating ambiance of Bikaner makes it a must-visit.
Major Attractions: Camel Research Center, desert camps, night safaris, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Nal Airport, Bikaner
3. Osian
Photo: L T Gandhi / WIkimedia Commons
Nestled amidst the desert, Osian is a historic gem known for its intricately carved temples and stunning desert landscape. This ancient town offers a spiritual and adventurous journey with its mix of temple visits and desert safaris. As you ride through the sand dunes, the distant views of Osian’s magnificent temples will take your breath away. A Rajasthan desert safari here offers not only adventure but a chance to witness centuries-old traditions.
Major Attractions: Osian Sand Dunes, camel and jeep safaris, Osian Temples
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport
4. Khimsar
Photo: Ankur2436 / Wikimedia Commons
A hidden gem near Jodhpur, Khimsar offers the perfect blend of luxury and raw desert beauty. The Khimsar Dunes are untouched by mass tourism, giving you an exclusive desert experience. Stay at the luxurious Khimsar Fort and explore the vast dunes on camelback or by jeep. The stunning sunsets over the dunes are a photographer’s dream, and the quiet of the desert at night is only interrupted by the sound of the wind and the occasional howl of desert foxes. Khimsar is a tranquil getaway in the Thar Desert because of its quiet beauty and isolated atmosphere.
Major Attractions: Camel safaris, Khimsar Dunes Village, blackbuck spotting
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport
5. Pushkar
Photo: SINHA / Wikimedia Commons
Pushkar, a town synonymous with its sacred lake and annual camel fair, offers a unique desert safari experience. Beyond its religious significance, the desert around Pushkar offers fantastic camel and jeep safari adventures. During the camel fair, the whole town comes alive with vibrant colours, showcasing Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. The dunes around Pushkar may not be as vast as Jaisalmer’s, but the atmosphere is lively and full of charm. The camel safaris offer a blend of cultures, with stops at local villages where you can witness rural life and traditional crafts.
Major Attractions: Pushkar Camel Fair, Pushkar Lake, camel and jeep safaris
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport
6. Thar Desert
Photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons
Stretching across most of Rajasthan, the Thar Desert is a vast expanse of sandy dunes, salt flats, and sparse vegetation. This is the heart of Rajasthan’s desert safari experience. Whether you embark from Jaisalmer, Bikaner, or Jodhpur, the Thar Desert offers adventures at every turn. Camel and jeep safaris take you deep into the desert, where you can witness the ever-changing landscape of dunes and desert flora and fauna. Camping under the starlit sky with the cool desert breeze is an experience unlike any other. Here, you can truly disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in nature.
Major Attractions: Camel rides, jeep safaris, sand dune camping
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport
7. Manvar
Photo: Simon Lees / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Manvar, which is halfway between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, provides a magnificent fusion of opulence and arid exploration. The desert here is a serene escape, with rolling sand dunes and untouched landscapes. Manvar Desert Camp is renowned for its luxurious tents, where comfort meets tradition. Spend your day exploring the desert on camel or jeep safaris, and at night, indulge in traditional Rajasthani cuisine while enjoying live folk music and dance performances.
Major Attractions: Camel and jeep safaris, cultural performances, luxury camping
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport
Rajasthan’s desert safari experience is nothing short of magical—a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From the thrill of riding through golden dunes on camelback to camping beneath the vast, starlit desert sky, each destination offers its own unique charm. So why wait? The endless sands of the Thar Desert are calling. Pack your bags, book your trip, and get ready for the ultimate desert safari adventure in Rajasthan with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Kandarp / Shutterstock
