Rajasthan : Camel Safari

About the only thing you will have to get used to, when you plan a camel safari, is the ungainly movement of the ship of the desert. The camel may look aloof, but is the lifeline for the people of the desert whose communication needs depend on this vital beast for their very survival. Most journeys into the hinterlands are still made on camel-back, or in camel carts, and the camel is also used for ploughing the arid fields of the desert.

A saddle is mounted across the camel's hump, providing comfortable seating for two, legs astride. At first the rolling gait of the camel is a little disconcerting, but riders soon get used to the rhythm.

Since the sun can get very hot in the desert, the best times for a camel safari are in the morning and evening, even in the cooler winter months. Such safaris are usually run by professional outfits who hire Raikas, the camel-keepers who are adept at finding the best routes and waterholes in the desert, and navigate almost by instinct, guided, of course, by the position of the stars at night.

This becomes necessary should you be planning a long- distance safari over a few days. Camel safaris, of course, can range from just a day to several days, and you can choose an option that best meets your needs and schedules. Remember, most such safaris can traverse a distance of 30-40 km a day, and you may need to plan accordingly should you wish to trians-navigate between two different towns.

Best camel safari points are the desert region that includes the entire Shekhawati belt, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, and around Pushkar and Nagaur, and only the winter season (October-March) is recommended.

Visitors are advised to dress modestly since the safari may pass, and camp, in close proximity of villages. A sola-topee, the local turban or some form of head protection is essential, and people should ensure that they drink water at regular intervals.

Orissa : Safaries

Nandankanan Zoo has been involved in the important business of conserving India's white tiger population. Visitors can now view the tigers from close quarters in the White Tiger Safari from specially created protected coaches.

The Lion Safari was opened in 1984. Spread over 20 hectares of land in the boundary of the zoo's natural environment, the Lion Safari is the largest in the country. Visitors can view the animals from closed buses over three kilometres of winding road in the jungle.

Jeep Trips

Jeep trips seem to be an interesting way to check out the coastal belt among visitors-particularly you can race down the beach from Talasari to Digha in West Bengal, 8 km away

Rajasthan : Desert Safari

When the first motorcars started coming to India, Rajasthan's princes and aristocracy were among the earliest to order them. No wonder the state has such an extensive network of roads that connects even small towns and villages. These, in turn, have become the venue for various rallies.

Vintage car rally: An annual event, the Jaipur Vintage Car Rally, though a recent addition, has become an important one on the Indian social calendar. Held in January, and keenly contested, it invites prestigious entries. Since some of the aristocratic families have still kept their vintages in their garages, the turnout too is impressive, with some cars dating back to the very early years of the turn of the century.

However, if you are a vintage car buff, and are likely to miss the rally, you will find it heartening to note that many of these beauties are still in peak running condition, and are, in fact, also hired out for special occasions, rides, incentive parties, or marriages. So if you'd like to take a ride back to the past, you know iust where to do it!

The Desert Safari has become a popular circuit with rallyists, but there are several other rallies where, along with the Himalayas, the desert too is included in the rally itinerary for a change in the terrain. Since Rajasthan's roads with the exception of the Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai artery, are fairly isolated, with little traffic load, they are ideal for such sporting events.

Those who may want to create a rally may wish to write to the rally organisations in India to help them create events specially for them, as part of an Indian or a larger, world circuit. And the desert really is an ideal venue.