The Great Thar Desert of India
Also known as the Great Indian Desert, Thar Desert is located in Western India and South Eastern Pakistan. The landforms of Thar Desert is divided into three major regions - Sand Covered Thar, Plains and Hills. The Great Thar Desert spreads across the state of Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat in western India. Covering about 2,59,000sq km, the desert is interspersed with hillocks, gravel, salt marshes and some lakes.

However, the dexterous people of Rajasthan have transformed this scrubland into what is popularly known as 'the most colourful desert in the world', making Rajasthan the No.1 destination in India for tourism.

The only river that crosses these sands is the Luni, which joins the Arabian Sea through the Rann of Kutch. In 1996, discoveries made by paleontologists indicated that dinosaurs and their ancestors stalked the desert as long back as 300 million years.

The Great Indian Desert or Thar Desert is generally known, is a fascinating area. It has taken its name from the word Tahl that in local dialect is the term for the sandy ridges of the dunes. The Thar Desert in spite of the inhospitable climate is not an endless stretch of sand, devoid of life and vegetarian. It is a living and dynamic eco-system. It is actually one of the most populous deserts of the world. In order to preserve its geo-morphological features, fauna and flora and to continuously study and understand their ecology under undisturbed desert conditions, an area of about 3,126 sq. kilometers.

The plants in the desert also have to adopt various strategies to endure the intense heat, bitter cold and long dry spells. To reduce the water by evaporation the leaves of these plants are reduced in size, as is the case of khejri (Prosopis cinerara) with relatively few stomataon them. Some species like kair (Cappairs dedicua) and phog (Calligonum polkygonides) do away with the leaves altogether and develop stomata on the green stems which perform the work of photosynthesis. Sevan is one of the hardiest plants to grow in the Thar Desert. This perennial grass can stand long periods of drought.
Wildlife In Thar Desert
Some wildlife species, which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the great Indian bustard, the black buck, the Indian gazelle, and the wild ass in the Rann of Kutch. How these animals and insects survive in these harsh conditions, under such high temperature and without drinking water and green vegetation is amazing. They have evolved excellent survival strategies, their size is smaller than other similar animals living in different conditions, and they are mainly nocturnal. There are certain other factors responsible for the survival of these animals in the desert. Due to the lack of water in this region, transformation of the grasslands into cropland has been very slow.The protection provided to them by a local community, the Bishnois is also a factor.

Camel Safari
Nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of these desert cities. The camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as are the sunsets. These places boast of some very fine reminders of the glorious past - palaces, forts, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical value and unforgettable treat for any visitor taking this route.

The Thar's geological history; based on the study of fossils found in the area is interesting. The area has been in and out of sea at least four times during the last two hundred and eighty million years. It appears that this area was under sea in the early Triassic period. The sea withdrew after twenty five million years and the sediments were uplifted animal fossils of that period are found in the rocks in many areas.

Sam Sand Dunes
Located at a distance of 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.
The culture, the people, the way of life, and the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding desert landscape complement the adventurous spirit. If you've ever yearned to explore whole new worlds, to experience the ruggedness of the unlimited expanse of sand, then what could be a better place to satiate your adventurous spirit than the Sam Sand Dunes!
The Sam dunes are also the most picturesque spot around Jaisalmer, and perhaps the whole of western Rajasthan. Sitting there in the evening with the sun setting, listening to the ballads of the legendary lovers Moomal and Mahendra (see Moomal Ki Meri for details) on the jew's harp or the narh (a traditional musical instrument), you might feel that time has come to a grinding halt. The silken smooth sands of Sam look like a tale out of the Merchant of Venice and camel safaris are much in vogue here.

Tourists Best
The Great Indian Desert provides a unique opportunity for an all exciting and adventurous tour in India. A journey through the vast stretches of sands is an inspiring one. Desert Safari is one of the most sought after adventure tours. Out against the simmering sands, the sun on your back and laid out patchwork of sand dunes and eyes ending up at the sand horizon, is a great experience. The best part of it is the travel itself. Laid back in the jeep or on the ship of the desert, in the sand sea, is one journey that leaves an impression for long.

Exploring the Thar Desert
Jeep Safari in Thar Desert : Jeep Safari is fast, most convenient and adventurous way to explore the desert land of Rajasthan. A fine blend of fun and excitement, Jeep Safari in Thar Desert provides you a wonderful opportunity to explore the picturesque, tranquil and magical land of Rajasthan. Jeep Safari in Thar Desert takes you to some of the most popular tourist destinations of the state. From your open-roof jeep you can get the enchanting countryside view alongwith spectacular view of forts, palaces, havelis and temples of Rajasthan. Apart from exploring the tourist destinations, you will also get a good chance to meet the local people and experience the traditional Rajasthani hospitality at its best. Jeep Safari is available from cities like Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer which are connected to rest of the state with good roads.