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Safaris Holidays in India

Camel Safaris
A camel safari is a great way to see the desert - visiting the villages, seeing wildlife, and riding across the open desert sands. Typical camel safaris organized around Jaisalmer take in the architectural ruins of Lodurva which was the former capital of the Bhatti Rajput desert kingdom before the founding of Jaisalmer, the Anasagar oasis, the sand dunes of Samm and the water source of Moolsagar where village women gather with pitchers at dusk. Night halts on basic safaris are at villages on the way or temporary bivouac camps in the desert scrub where camels are hobbled and let out to browse.

Riding a camel can take getting used to - think the first time you tried sitting cross-kneed. It's not like an elephant ride where you sit back comfortably and let the animal do the rest. Be prepared for sore ankles and knees. It will be better if you try a one-day safari before getting on to anything major. One of the first people to think up camel safaris were - the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), in Jaisalmer. The Indian safaris adventure holidays on camel's back will take you to the interiors of the desert zones in Rajasthan and acquaint you with the rural life of the desert region. The popular circuits now are based in Pushkar, Bikaner and Shekhawati.

Elephant Safaris
Hark back to good old days of the sahibs and shikari by trying an elephant safari. An elephant might seem like this huge, intimidating beast but they are quite gentle really. Those with vertigo might feel slightly giddy when the animal stands up and starts moving - but it's all a matter of seconds, very soon you'll get used to the swaying motion of the elephant's gait. Howdahs, the seats on which you will sit, might seem high up in the list of things most-likely-to-break-apart - rest assured, thousands have sat and lived to tell the tale!

The best way to explore the park is through the "Elephant Safari". Undisturbed by the mechanical roar of a car or jeep, open to the skies, accompanied only by the rhythmic scuff-scuff-scuff of elephant's feet and the creaks of the wooden howdah. The occasional booming of wild elephants to each other in close proximity can make you hang on tight to the wooden pole of the howdah. The ride can be a mix of moments of pure terror interspersed with long period of utter peace

Elephant holiday safaris are popular in the various wildlife sanctuaries scattered all over India and in the forestlands of Kerala. It is the best way to see wildlife from close quarters. Despite their size, elephants can move soundlessly and can even sneak right up to an unsuspecting tiger. Contact individual local authorities and operators for details.

Horse Safaris
The Horse: Marwari - the desert horse of Rajasthan. Young horses are bought and reared in the hills. His dexterity in negotiating the narrow bridle paths in the hills - every manoeuvre so safe and simple, has to be experienced to be believed.

The Characteristics: The Marwari has a beautiful head crowned by perky lure shaped ears meeting at the tips. In line with his desert elements when asked he provides a very smooth and fast ride.

You can hire horses all over India to indulging in horse safari on your adventure holiday vacations in India. Horse safari are idle for riding and in the mountains they might be quite a good way to go uphill. However, as organized safaris, they are popular in Rajasthan; you might have to wait for the cooler months to try these.