logo

Footprints In The Sand With Where To Trek When The Massive Thar Desert Calls

India.com24-07-2025
Jaisalmer, known as the 'Golden City' of India, is famous for its magnificent sandstone architecture and historical forts and vast stretches of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer attracts most tourists due to architectural wonders and a vibrant culture. However, this city also offers opportunities for unique trips on foot. These walks allow them to have a replica experience of how it was living in the desert landscape with its plants and animals while getting to know how people live there. Below is a comprehensive guide about some good trekking places around Jaisalmer.
1. Khuri Sand Dunes
Khuri is a small village located approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Jaisalmer. It has beautiful sand dunes and a tranquil atmosphere that makes it stand out among other destinations. A hike through Khuri provides an authentic desert feel with rolling dunes, scarce vegetation and occasionally spotting some creatures like those in deserts. Also, trekkers can make trips to local mud houses to have a look into traditional Rajasthan culture.
2. Sam Sand Dunes
Sam Sand Dunes are one of the most popular and easily accessible dune destinations being located around 40 kilometers from Jaisalmer. The area is perfect for short or long hikes giving you the ultimate desert experience here. Especially at dawn and dusk times one could find oneself gripped by their beauty; huge expanses covered by sand hills reaching far away attract any eye like a magnet making an irresistible view.
3. Desert National Park
The Desert National Park, which is just near Jaisalmer, is a must-visit for trekking lovers who want to explore the unique desert ecosystem of this area. It is one of the biggest national parks in India, and it covers an estimated area of around 3,162 square kilometers. The park has a range of wildlife species such as Great Indian Bustard, foxes, and some reptiles.
4. Lodhruva
Lodhruva was the capital city of Bhati Dynasty before Jaisalmer came into being and lies about 15 kilometers northwestward away from it. This village is known for its Jain temples as well as historical ruins. Trekking in Lodhruva will offer you history, culture, nature all rolled into one experience.
5. Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara is an uninhabited village located approximately 18 kilometers west of Jaisalmer. It has a spooky atmosphere and deserted lanes that make this place perfect for treks with an unusual flavor where tourists can walk on abandoned street or visit remains of buildings here and there. People fled leaving everything they had behind overnight over two centuries ago but why still puzzles everybody till today?
Conclusion
Jaisalmer is an adventurer's paradise with its rich history, vibrant culture and breath-taking desert landscapes. Each trekking destination, be it rolling sand dunes of Khuri and Sam or historic ruins of Kuldhara and Lodhruva, offers something that is special to each one. Jaisalmer's treks cater for both experienced trekkers seeking a challenge as well as beginners hoping to have their first taste of trekking in one of India's most magical regions. Therefore pack your bags; let us embark on this journey with our heads held high through the fascinating pathways in Jaisalmer.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Water seepage in Ellora cave poses threat to 9th-century paintings
Water seepage in Ellora cave poses threat to 9th-century paintings

New Indian Express

timea day ago

  • New Indian Express

Water seepage in Ellora cave poses threat to 9th-century paintings

The Ellora cave complex, 30 kilometers away from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of a group of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves. A tourist guide who recently visited the Jain cave no 32 said some work was carried out when a similar problem was noticed last year. "But more work is needed to stop the seepage as it can damage the paintings," he said. A local ASI official said, "The seepage has developed naturally. We have written to the conservation section earlier to address this issue. A review will be conducted." Another official told PTI that an inspection was conducted earlier to find the source of the seepage, but it was difficult to pinpoint because the area is large. Swapnil Joshi, co-convenor of the heritage organisation INTACH, said, "Ellora is different from Ajanta caves. In Ellora, there are very few caves with such have written to the ASI earlier. If water is still coming down, it has to be dealt with at the earliest."

Neglected Necessity: Public toilets for women in Walled City markets
Neglected Necessity: Public toilets for women in Walled City markets

Time of India

time3 days ago

  • Time of India

Neglected Necessity: Public toilets for women in Walled City markets

1 2 Jaipur: In the heart of Jaipur's historic Walled City, where vibrant bazaars burst with colour and culture, a glaring contradiction exists. While women make up the majority of shoppers and tourists in these bustling markets, they face a daily struggle that few notice: safe and accessible public toilets. Even so, authorities at the civic bodies and the tourism department boast of the city being tourist-friendly. From Tripolia Gate to Chhoti Chaupar, not a single functional public toilet exists for women. This is despite the area being dotted with shops selling women's clothing, bangles and bridal wear. In Maniharon Ka Rasta, known for its handcrafted lac bangles, 65-year-old shop owner Shabnam Kauser says, "I have been working at this shop for over 50 years but there has never been a toilet for women. I have to walk 700 metres to my house just to use one. Sometimes I hold it in for over three hours, which has begun to affect my health." Her brother adds, "Many women customers request us to suggest a toilet nearby. We try sending them to a nearby Jain temple but the priests often argue and ask us not to send anyone there." Atish Market, close to the iconic Hawa Mahal, has a public toilet but it not only lacks cleanliness, the sanitary napkin vending machines there are non-functional. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn 57+ Languages Easily with AI [Join] Talkpal AI Undo The situation is the same in Khejron Ka Rasta—public urinals for men are right at the entrance, but for women, finding a toilet means wandering through narrow lanes. And even when they find one, it's filthy. Khazane Walon Ka Rasta, famous for bargain shopping, does have a public toilet near the main road but it is almost invisible. The entrance is hidden behind illegal street vendors and dangerously close to an open transformer. Tipu Kanwar, who works at a garment shop just across the toilet, says, "The toilet is there but a transformer in front of it exploded just six days ago. Now it's covered but most days you can't even see the 'women' sign on the wall because hawkers block the view." Further ahead, in Purohit Ji Ka Katla, another bridal shopping hub, the scene is just as bleak. Most shopkeepers advised against using the nearby toilet, citing unbearable stench and lack of maintenance. Even the one inside Diggi Katla, built by JMC-Heritage, has not been cleaned in months – according to shopkeepers who sit next to it. In Bapu Bazaar, the only accessible public toilet is near the Saraogi Mansion. For a market brimming with tourists, especially women, this speaks volumes. Suresh Saini, vice-president of the market traders' association, said, "We've complained to JMC-H multiple times. They simply counter-question, saying, tell us where to build (toilets)? If that's the approach of civic officials, neither customers will come, nor will businesses survive for long. " Commissioner of JMC-H, Nidhi Patel, said, "We have not received any complaints about toilet shortages for women. We did get complaints regarding poor cleanliness. We've held meetings with Sulabh to address this issue. They have been asked to focus more on tourist areas."

10 Facts About Tripura That'll Make You Question Everything You Knew About India
10 Facts About Tripura That'll Make You Question Everything You Knew About India

India.com

time5 days ago

  • India.com

10 Facts About Tripura That'll Make You Question Everything You Knew About India

Tripura isn't just Agartala and royal palaces. It's a living mosaic of hills, rivers, forests and ancient tales that quietly beckon the curious traveller. When you step into this small northeastern state, something shifts. The ordinary maps blur and a world of culture, nature and history unfolds at every turn. Most visitors rush to Ujjayanta Palace or the bustling markets in Agartala. But what if we told you that Tripura's magic lies beyond these familiar sights? It's in the tiny villages where tribal art lives on, in the secret lakes that mirror the sky, and in the old stone carvings that whisper legends of bygone kingdoms. Let's embark on a journey through ten remarkable facts about Tripura that go far beyond the guidebook highlights. These are the hidden gems, the soulful corners and the curious quirks that make Tripura unforgettable. What makes Tripura stand out from anywhere else in India? It's not just the geography or the people. It's the sense of discovery. Tripura is where the plains meet the hills, and where ancient royal lore meets vibrant tribal art. Here rivers wind through dense bamboo groves and palaces share space with thatched huts. Agartala's city buzz blends seamlessly with remote hamlets where smiles are as warm as the afternoon sun. This is a land of firsts and lasts. First tribal councils established by kings. Last royal horse stables still echoing hoofbeats. It's a place where traditional dances and modern festivals coexist. And through it all, you feel a quiet confidence—as if Tripura knows it has stories that deserve to be told. 1. Tripura Was an Independent Kingdom Until 1949 Long before joining India in 1949, Tripura was a princely state ruled by the Manikya dynasty for over a thousand years. The kings built grand palaces, temples and stone carvings that still stand proudly in places like Udaipur and Unakoti. Walking among these ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of royal processions and the clang of ancient armour. 2. Home to 19 Recognised Tribes with Unique Cultures Tripura's real treasure lies in its tribal diversity. From the Reang to the Jamatia, each of the 19 tribes brings its own language, music, dance and traditional crafts. The bamboo and cane crafts of the Tripuri people are world famous. Their handwoven mats, baskets and pots are not just souvenirs—they are pieces of living heritage. 3. The Oldest Jain Temples Outside Mainland India Nestled in the hills of Udaipur, you'll find four ancient Jain temples dating back to the 15th century. These stone shrines with intricate carvings are a quiet contrast to the bustling city below. Pilgrims come from far and wide, but few know the tales behind each statue and pillar. 4. Unakoti's Gigantic Stone Carvings Unakoti is often called India's own Moai site. Hundreds of huge stone faces and figures carved into a mountain side rest in silent vigil. Local legend says the carvings are pilgrims turned to stone overnight. Whatever the story, standing before a ten-meter tall Bas-relief of Shiva leaves you both awed and puzzled. 5. Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary—Where the Clouded Leopard Roams Beyond the cultivated fields and villages, the Sipahijola Sanctuary shelters rare wildlife like the clouded leopard, hoolock gibbons and endangered brow-antlered deer. A small lake in the park is ringed by watchtowers, perfect for spotting animals at dawn. It's one of the few places in India where you can admire these elusive creatures in their natural home. 6. The Bamboo Cathedral of Pilak In the sleepy town of Pilak you can wander through groves of bamboo that form natural arches overhead. Ancient Buddhist sculptures hide among the stems, their stone faces peering out at the dappled light. Few tourists find this spot, making it feel like your own private sanctuary. 7. Neermahal—The Lake Palace of the East Rising from the heart of Rudrasagar Lake, Neermahal is a stunning water palace built by Maharaja Bir Bikram in the 1930s. Moor your boat at its feet and walk the marble halls where kings once held court. As the sun sets, the red sandstone glow seems almost surreal, as if the palace itself is floating on water. 8. Agartala's Lush Ujjayanta Gardens Surrounding the majestic Ujjayanta Palace are manicured lawns dotted with fountains, flowerbeds and shaded paths. Stroll here early in the morning to hear migratory birds singing. Later, centuries-old temple relics peek through the foliage, reminding you that history is just around the corner. 9. Litki or Gomati River—Tripura's Life Line The Gomati River, locally called Litki, meanders gently through Tripura's plains. It nourishes paddy fields, supports fishing villages and offers serene boat rides. Watching the sun rise over its calm waters, you'll see fishermen casting nets by oar and simple boats carrying fresh produce downstream. 10. Festivals that Blend Royalty and Rural Joy Tripura's cultural calendar is rich with festivals. The colourful Kharchi Puja honors village deities with lively dances. Garia Puja celebrates the harvest under starlit skies. And the royal Durga Puja at Ujjayanta Palace brings the city together in a grand blend of tradition and splendour. Each festival is a window into the soul of Tripura's people. Why explore Tripura's hidden sides? Tripura is more than a dot on the map. It's a place where every hill has a story, and every river bend reveals new wonders. When you stray from the main roads, you help local artisans, small tea growers and homestay families thrive. Your steps support conservation of sacred forests, wildlife refuges and centuries-old temples. Practical Tips for the Curious Traveller Dress Light Yet RespectfulLoose cotton clothes, a scarf for temple visits and comfortable walking shoes will keep you ready for both forest trails and royal palaces. Pack Local SnacksCarry rusks, local rice cakes (chire) and tea leaves from a Tripura market. Snack breaks taste better with regional flavours. Hire Local GuidesA village elder or a forest ranger can show you trails, share folk tales and help spot rare birds or animals. Plan for Slow DaysTripura isn't about tick-box tourism. Take a day to watch village life by the river or a boat ride on Rudrasagar Lake. That's when the real magic happens. Final Thoughts Tripura invites you not just to see, but to feel. To listen to monks chanting in ancient temples, to learn a bamboo craft from a tribal artisan, to watch deer wander through misty forests at dawn. It is an experience as varied as its landscape, and as deep as its history. So the next time you plan an Indian journey, don't just glance at the northeast—wander into Tripura. Because here, every small road and hidden corner has a story waiting for you.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store