‘Thar’ is derived from the word ‘thul’ which means ‘sand dune’ in the local language, which is a fitting tribute to its undulating terrain. If you are wondering, ‘Where is Thar Desert?’ It is in the pristine lands of northwestern India and extends into Pakistan’s eastern Sindh province, The impressive area of thar desert is about 200,000 square kilometers, standing as one of the largest deserts in the world. Its sandy soil stretches across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana in India, and the provinces of Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan.
Table of Contents
15 Best Activities To Do In Thar Desert
The Thar is not just a feast for the eyes; It is a playground for entertainment and discovery. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, it takes you on an exploration of the Desert and an exciting world of activities awaiting you!
1. Parasailing In Thar And Aerial Exploration
Parasailing presents itself as a noble activity, a venture into the azure expanse that lies across the Desert. Reminiscent of an eagle in flight, it’s a bird’s-eye view of the undulating hills across the runway, and the expansive horizon beyond.
From this lofty vantage, the desert reveals its secrets, where every gust of breeze carries a streak of ancient legend. As the sun paints the sky with gold and amber, the images become beautifully ethereal canvases. Embrace the joy of freedom as you fall.
Admission: INR 800 to 1500 per person for a 30 minute trip.
2. Overnight Camel Safari And Camping In Jaisalmer
A truly special Rajasthani style adventure unfolds when you take a camel safari in the Desert in Jaisalmer and spend the night under the stars. This night desert safari promises not only adventure, but a deep connection with the silence of the desert and the magic of starry desert nights.
After an adventurous safari, your camel guides you to a secluded area where comfortable camping awaits. Here, you’ll spend the night under a blanket of stars, away from the city lights. As the night draws in, savor the rich flavors of Rajasthan and enjoy a Marwari-style dinner. The atmosphere is surreal with roaring fireworks and folk music playing in the distance.
Admission: INR. 2,234 per person.
Book Now: Overnight Camel Safari in Thar Desert
3. Sunset In The Desert, Basque Masterpiece Of Nature
As the sun descends gracefully over the horizon, painting the horizon with its aureate tones, casting a brilliant light across the broad canvas of the desert This timeless ritual unfolds – the work of this simplicity seems to surpass in deeper experience, and earns its place as the must-visit during your visit.
Imagine feeling warm grains of sand under your feet and a gentle breeze against your skin. The changing colors of the sky from fiery orange to pale pinks and reds make for a dramatic fabric that evolves every season.
Admission: There are no charges
4. Jaisalmer Hot Air Balloon Adventure, Ascend To Euphoria
In the heart of the Thar lies Jaisalmer, the golden city of Rajasthan, where tales of heroism and sandstone wonders grip everyone who ventures here. Experiencing the Hot Air Balloon tour has to be one of the reasons to visit Rajasthan.
As you ascend higher, you are exposed to a breathtaking picture – the golden hills of the Desert stretching out into infinity like a picture below you, the breathtaking landscape and the majestic Jaisalmer Fort standing as history manager of the. Beyond the visible landscape, this journey becomes the path of the soul.
Admission: Starts from INR 2499 per person for 20 to 30 minutes with 4 passengers.
5. Akal Wood Fossil Garden Exploration, A Temporal Overlap
Akal Tree Fossil Garden is a mysterious ancient museum located in the heart of the Desert. The stones of prehistoric trees stand as silent witnesses to the passing of ages. Wander through forest clearings and tree roots, each a frosty echo of the lush past. Guided tours reveal the pristine ecosystem of the desert, where visitors can marvel at nature’s masterpieces preserved in the rock formations. It costs as little as Rs 30 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreign tourists, which is a small fee for time travel.
Admission: INR 5 for the Indians & INR 20 for guests
6. Jaisalmer’s Desert Festival, Explore The Vibrant Fabric Of Desert Music
Not to be missed is the opportunity to visit Jaisalmer, a part of the annual Desert Festival that throws its charm on travelers and residents alike In the vast expanse of ocher sands of the desert, this carnival presents a range of Rajasthani folk dances, with rich and melodic rhythms evoking years gone by. Here, the snake dance is paired with the skilled child of snake dancers and artisans, their performance unfolds like an ancient story in front of the southern Wander enchanted in the columns, local art and craft archives, each item is a lasting heritage testament to ancestral ownership.
Admission: Free
7. Dune Bashing In Jaisalmer And Adventure
In the heart of Jaisalmer, where the golden color of the Thar Desert in India stretches endlessly, there is a soul-stirring adventure: dune bashing. This adrenaline-pumping game is not for the faint of heart, as it promises an experience unlike any other.
As you buckle up and your car roars to life, you are transported to a happy world in Jaisalmer. The engine noise mixes with the sand under your tires. Every turn is a skill test, every crest a challenge to overcome. As you navigate the ever-changing terrain, adrenaline flows through your veins, reminding you of the raw power of nature.
Admission: Cost is 1,700 per person
8. Jaisalmer Cultural Evening: Desert Music
As night falls, Jaisalmer turns into a cultural paradise. Step into the traditional pavilion of Rajasthani, where cultural extravaganzas unfold before you, with beautiful dancers telling tales of love and courage, folk songs immersing the soul in Rajasthani culture dancing or adorning yourself with stunning mehndi designs, while surrounded by a beautiful desert landscape
Try your hand at traditional Rajasthani dances like Ghoomar, guided by master dancers who make it look effortless. Drum beats echo across the grass as the musicians take to the stage. Dressed in traditional costumes, they move gracefully and tell stories of love, courage and life in the desert.
Admission: INR 4,000 per person
9. Tal Chappar Shrine In Heart Of Thar
Tucked away in Indian protected areas, Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a must in the Thar Desert. It can be reached by jeep safari from Bikaner from Jaipur and is a haven for bird lovers. The sanctuary is known for its abundance of harriers, skylarks, crested larks, ring doves and brown pigeons, providing Montagu’s harrier, marsh harrier, pale harrier, and more with a wilderness paradise for birders.
Not just for bird watching, Talchapar is home to sand squirrels, sand fish, sand wanderers and rare black ducks. The skies above are decorated with eastern empire hawks, tawny hawks and fawn hawks. The sanctuary offers a glimpse of the diverse ecosystem of the Desert.
Admission: Rs. 20 per person and Rs. 3,500 per person for Jeep Safari
10. Puppet Wonders Of Rajasthan, A Cultural Tapestry In Motion
The Desert Cultural Center in Jaisalmer is where Rajasthani puppetry comes alive against the backdrop of the vast desert. This traditional thriller steeped in history has captivated audiences for centuries with its colorful puppets, catchy songs and intriguing stories.
Experience the magic of a child as this traditional puppet vividly brings to life ancient epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata with their incredible movements. The rhythmic background is seamlessly woven by the skillful transitions of puppetry. Step into this wonderland for an unforgettable journey in the traditional rugs of Rajasthan.
Admission: Rs. 50 per person
Puppet Show Cost: Rs. 50 per person
11. Fly Through The “Blue City”, Zip-lining In The Desolate Hills Of Jodhpur
Experience the booming zip-lining scene in the Jodhpur desert with Flying Fox. As you glide through the desert landscapes you will soar above the palaces, castles and temples of the desolate Desert, offering a view unlike any other
The Flying Fox experience in Jodhpur lasts for about 90 minutes, and offers you the beauty of the city from morning till evening. The zip lines will take you high in rural Rajasthan, enabling you to enjoy breathtaking views of Mehrangarh and a thrilling trek over desert lakes and Rao Jodha Desert
Admission: Rs. 1600 per person
12. Adventure in the Golden Sands: Quad Bike Riding At Sam Sand Dunes
Embrace the thrill of a quad bike ride at Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer, an exhilarating journey that promises lasting memories. This exciting activity allows you to explore the golden dunes of the Desert on a four-wheel drive motorbike, satisfying your thirst for adventure in the vast wilderness.
Four-bike tours at Sam Sand Dunes offer 20 minutes of adventurous exploration in a wilderness area. Soak in the beauty and tranquility of the desert and feel the adrenaline rush as you walk the sandy paths.
Admission: INR 850 to INR 11250 (Depending on season)
13. Pushkar Mela: A Cultural Carnival In The Desert
The temple city of Pushkar invites pilgrims to its famous fair on the edge of the desert in November. Hot days and cool nights set this sensory delight, with temporary markets, golden sand and folk music creating a magical atmosphere
From camel decorating to snake charmers to camel racing, sand dancing and hot air ballooning, the fair is a sight to behold. Visitors of all ages can participate in the sacred bathing ritual of Lake Pushkar, trying their hand at tying a belt, or simply enjoying the warm weather.
Admission: The ceremony is free (some activities may be available for a separate fee) .
14. Haunted Remains: The Abandoned Ruins Of Kuldhara Village
Venture across the desolate Desert to explore the enigmatic village of Kuldhara, whose ruins are tales of a lost past that combine to form a once thriving place, Kuldhara now abandoned, its ruined buildings were muttering ominous tales of curses and ghosts
Exploring Kuldhara village takes you on a journey to Rajasthan’s forgotten past, time and legend. Every crumbling wall and deserted courtyard in the haunting ruins tells a story of resilience and abandon, inviting you to explore the secrets of the Thar Desert’s lost village fortifications
Admission: There are no charges
15. Taste The Flavors Of Ker Sangri
Indulge in traditional Ker Sangri cuisine and enjoy a culinary adventure in the heart of the Desert. This iconic Rajasthani delicacy is more than just food; It is an experience that stimulates their taste buds and immerses you in the rich flavors of the desert.
Ker Sangri is a hearty mix of dried fruits (ker) and beans (sangri), which happens to be the thriving vegetation of thar desert, it is heated to perfection with aromatic spices like cumin, chilly and red pepper is a celebration of desert romance, somewhere with the tangy flavor of the fruit perfectly complementing the earthy richness of the beans.
Final Thoughts
As the sun sets over the hills, casting its golden rays, Thar brings to life tales of heroism and magic. Whether you wind down its terrain or explore its ancient skeletons, the desert reveals its secrets every time. From the awe-inspiring ruins of Kuldhar to the vibrant sounds of the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer, the Thar Desert offers a canvas of experiences waiting to be explored as you taste the flavors of Ker Sangri or experience its wonder namely that the rolling hills Thar weave its magic, and leave an indelible mark on your soul.
FAQs
The Desert is known for its vast golden sands, rich culture, historical castles and unique desert experiences like camel treks, making it a top destination for travelers.
Desert Safari in Jaisalmer offers thrilling camel jeep rides through the hills, sunset watching and nights under the stars.
Explore the beauty of the Desert with camel rides, dune pounding, cultural evenings and visits to Kuldhara-like villages. Best available through Jaisalmer.
Famous places like Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes and Desert Culture Center can be reached by guided tours, camel tours, or by private vehicles.
