Top 5 Deserts To Visit In India

Located amidst the Thar Desert, the largest desert in India is the Golden city of Jaisalmer! Let’s start the journey with this desert. You will find yourself in a land dotted with golden dunes and castles clad in red, things that are pretty normal in this destination. Fun fact? You can see your clear reflection in the clear, ornate lakes and get lost inside the mammoth archaic Havelis. If you feel like exploring the unending plane, you can surely do so on a camel’s back. And if you don’t like the image of bobbing up and down, you can always rent a jeep and drive through the sands.

Want to do something to make for an unforgettable experience? Camping under the glittery night sky in the middle of the desert ought to do it. Some of the main attractions that will particularly catch your eye include the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, which stands tall around the alleys where people have been residing for generations. Through the many shops and markets, you can interact with the locals and bask in the Rajasthani culture. You can also spend some quality time in the Desert National Park, especially if you are into birdwatching. What birds can you find there? The likes of the Great Indian Bustard and the Indian Gazelle!

When we read about deserts in our school books, didn’t we picture a desert as a never-ending land of golden sand? Here in India, you get a white one too! Located in the state of Gujarat, the Great Rann of Kutch comprises the largest salt plain in the country and is often called the white salt desert. When the temperature drops, the desert transforms into this vibrant and colourful place, waiting just for you to come and experience it all. What makes it even more interesting is the Rann festival. You can be a part of the famous Rann festival, with locals and other visitors, and immerse in the culture through various cultural activities.

Not your cup of tea? No issues! You can always leave the crowd and bask in the solace one gets in the sky, on a hot-air balloon! What else? Instead of enjoying the sun on the shore, you can take a camel ride along the shoreline at Mandvi Beach. If you are done with all the fun and frolic of the hot-air balloon rides and camel rides and seek some knowledge, head to the Dholavira excavations to get a live history lesson. So many things to explore. Don’t you think iis is one of the top 5 desert in India? We almost forgot! Do buy some authentic pieces of handicrafts and embroidered goods from the many shops there. They are beautiful!

An addition to the cold desert category is Spiti, a famous desert in India. Where is this one situated? In Himachal Pradesh. Long winding roads welcome you into Spiti as you catch glimpses of the snow-capped mountain peaks. So, you know, a journey to Spiti is going to be beautiful! If you are an adventure freak and want to visit a desert, this is the best choice for you. The valley offers a variety of trekking trails that take you through the unexplored and untouched landscapes that are beautiful, to say the least.

If you look for some peace, you can head to the many monasteries as the valley is known to be a religious centre for Buddhists. You can visit the Kye Gompa monastery to experience the sacred while you revel in the sheer size of the structure. If the sensational views from down below are not enough, get on the mountain ropeway from Kibber to Chichum as you glide mid-air and enjoy the panoramic views of the gorgeous gorge below you.

This name was bound to appear on our list. After all, many consider it to be the best desert in India! Ladakh is replete with picturesque landscapes and the perfect weather for summer respite. When you are in the serene land, stop at Pangong Lake. It is a unique attraction as it is considered a colour-changing lake. It would be a rather suspenseful visit as you keep guessing which colour you will come across! After the lake, or before visiting the lake, a stop at the Khardung La Pass can be worthwhile, especially if you want to do some mountain biking around the snowy plains. What else? The many gompas, adorned by prayer flags fluttering in the chilly wind, will offer you the perfect spot to spend some quality hours in peace and serenity.

Time for some fun! You can indulge in many adventure activities like climbing, jeep tours, rafting, and trekking. A fun fact? The Magnetic Hill is famous for its anti-gravity forces. So, take your car, put it in neutral, and experience yourself defying the laws of physics!

Another city that is nestled in the Great Thar Desert, Jodhpur. If you can scale to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, you will be able to see the diminutive town draped in blue, hence its nickname ‘Blue City of India’. After capturing a snapshot of the blue landscape for your Instagram, you can head to Osian for the perfect desert safari experience. It is also adorned by the presence of some ancient ruins, which certainly adds to the charm.

Despite all these wonderful spots to visit in Jodhpur, the actual magic remains in the archaic charm that exudes from the people and the little markets. The little shops around the clock tower and Sardar Market, bustling with locals and tourists alike, is what you will take away from this trip. So be sure to visit this beautiful part of the biggest desert in India, Thar!

We told you, deserts are beautiful! What are you waiting for? Plan a trip to any of these deserts and get going. You won’t regret it.