One of the highlights about a desert holiday is camping in the sand dunes. On my recent trip to Jodhpur I happened to stay at Camp Thar Oasis and I can agree that it is one of the best camping sites in Jodhpur. The moment you enter the gates of the resort and are greeted by the warm gentleman at the gate with a handsome moustache you know you are in for a great stay.
Pros:
Location: Located far away from the city, this place truly is an oasis in the middle of the desert with expanses of desert and sand dunes around it. The moment you enter the Resort you can see the sprawling lawns and the swimming pool brimming with clean blue water.
Camps & cottages: You can opt to either stay in the camps or the cottages. The cottages are very well maintained, spacious, and well equipped with all basic necessities. the cottages have maintained the essence of Rajasthan with paintings on the walls of the cottages.
The camps are located at a distance from the cottages at a more secluded area. The camp area has an oasis in the middle of it which adds to the experience of staying the sand dunes. The camps are extremely well maintained with beds, washrooms, etc.
Restaurant: The restaurant is equipped with a massive bar and serves delicious food, both indian and continental. The staff too was very polite and warm in their approach.
Do not miss the dinner at the campsite in the middle of the desert under starry skies accompanied with drinks of your choice, amazing Rajasthani folk music and dance.
Cons:
Cons aren’t many. But yes the only not so good thing about the location is that it is quite far from any of the cities and if you are in for a short trip staying here is not the most convenient option.
I must conclude that I am totally in love with this place I must say 🙂
Who doesn’t like palaces, camels rides, royality and feeling like a prince or a princess in some ancient place. We all love to think of it and maybe visit such a place and indulge in the stories behind it. Rajasthan in India is such a place, full of palaces, deserts, sand dunes, vibrant clothes and lovely music and folk dance. Although Rajasthan is very big and each city is equally different and beautiful, for the last month on 2016 I was lucky to be in Rajasthan and visited Jodhpur.
‘Must do’s’ in Jodhpur:
Camping in the desert: The spectacular Thar Desert is spread across Jodhpur, and one of the best things to do in Jodhpur is to indulge in the Desert experience. There are quite a few Camps and Resorts in the vicinity of Jodhpur city. You could either stay in the Resorts; for a more indulgent experience stay in one of the Deserts camps on the sand dunes. The camps offer various types of stay packages equipped with meals, you can also opt for a Camel safari – a must do; as well as the Jeep safari for a more thrilling feel; best taken in the evening or early morning. http://ourlittletravelbook.com/review-thar-oasis-jodhpur/
Thar Oasis Resort – The resort we stayed inSwimming pool inside the Resort
Dining in the desert: There can be no experience more etching in the memory as that of dining under the expanse of the starriest skies in the middle of the desert, served along with traditional Rajasthani folk dance and music. The set ups are usually ethereal with sofas lined up around the performance area along with bonfire. The hospitality is usually impeccable with great service of starters and drinks being served during the performance and the dinner is usually served indoors.
Drinks and snacks served before dinner in the desertRajasthani Dance performance
Explore Mehrangarh Fort: Without doubt Mehrangarh Fort is the best place in Jodhpur. Perfectly perched on the hill top it is as picturesque as can be. Invincible and one of the more prominent forts in India constructed by Rao Jodha way back in 1459 AD. It is an art and architecture lover’s heaven. Throughout done with extreme detailing, the grandeur of the Fort is extraordinary. The entire Blue City of Jodhpur is visible from the Mehrangarh Fort.
Sunset from Mehrangarh FortMehrangarh FortArchitecture of Mehrangarh FortHuge weapons of all sizes on display inside Mehrangarh Fort
Ivory jewellery on display in a store in Mehrangarh Fort
Admire the Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Palace is placed on the highest point of the city and is comparatively more recent, being constructed in 1929. The palace represents a mix of Indian and European architecture, with 347 rooms, it is one of the largest private residences in the world and is partially also the residence to the former royal family, while the remaining part is a museum and the other owned by Taj Palace Hotel.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Obsess over a Rajasthani Thali: Being in Rajasthan and not obsessing over Rajasthani food is a crime. The best way to do so is to fill your stomach with the elaborate spread of food served in a Rajasthani thali. Look out for dal baati churma, gattey ki sabzi, makkey ki roti, panchmel ki Subzi, kheench, moong dal halwa all of which are local delicacies. For the most amazing thali go to Gypsy Restaurant in Jodhpur city. Other options for great food are Shandar Sweet home, for great ambience & food are Hanwant Mahal, Indique & On the Rocks.
The elaborate Rajasthani Thali
Try the Local street food: Personally I have to say, do try the Pani puri or golgappas here. There are like nothing you have ever eaten before. Served with a choice of 5 pani options (watery dip) like sweet, hing, imli and others they are just mind blowing. Also try the super spicy Mirchi Vada to ignite your taste buds.
The famous Mirchi Vada
Shopping: Just like Rajasthani food, the things to shop on offer are equally tempting. Surrounding the Clock Tower is the bustling bazaar, Sardar Market. Everything starting from home décor, jutis(shoes), silver jewellery & Bandhej sarees in vibrant colors can be found here. Personally my opinion is that the most economical and best quality shopping can be done from National Handloom Cooperation on Nai Sarak, it is like a one stop shop for all things in one place for really affordable prices.
How to reach Jodhpur:
By Air – Jodhpur has its own domestic airport located at 5 kms from the city and is well connected with all important metro cities. Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur and other important Indian cities serve Jodhpur on a daily basis. Cabs and autos are available outside the airport and can be hired to travel to any part of the city.
By Train: Jodhpur is well connected by train will all major cities.
By Road: Direct buses both luxury such as Volvo & state buses ply from Delhi and Jaipur. The Roads are very well maintained and one can also drive from the nearby cities.
