The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is 496 miles long and 248 miles wide, and is divided into the regions of Hills, Plains and Sand Covered Thar. It stretches from the northwestern state of Rajasthan to southeast Pakistan and some of Gujarat. The annual rainfall is less than 10 inches. The Thar desert is home to the cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, all of which are popular tourist destinations. Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, is home to the historical palace Mehrangarh. This desert, commonly know as "the most colorful desert in the world," contains sand dunes, marshes, gravel and hillocks. Paleontologists have discovered fossils as old as 300 million years in the Thar desert.
The Kutch deserts lie in the western tip of the state of Gujrat. These deserts are unique in that they are not comprised of very much sand. Bordered by the Arabian Sea, the Kutch deserts are salty, muddy grasslands and swamps that flood in monsoon season. The Kutch deserts contain myriad wildlife, including desert cats, gazelles, cranes, falcons, pelicans and the wild Asiatic ass. The Raan of Kutch, a wetland within the desert, is crossed by the river Lun and is home to 18 tribes of indigenous people. Because of rapid deforestation and salt extraction, the ecosystem of the Kutch has come under threat. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary of Gujarat, the largest in the country, and a biosphere reserve house many rare and endangered animals including vultures and eagles.
Camel and jeep safaris through both deserts are popular tourist attractions. Visitors travel from city to city, taking in the beauty of the desert, historic buildings and sites, meeting residents and immersing themselves in India's ancient culture. Tourists often camp in mud huts or tents and participate in local festivals and activities. The most popular safari circuit takes visitors to the cities of Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur, encompassing villages, palaces, lakes and historic forts and other sites along the way. The Desert National Park, which is 20 percent sand dunes, provides a glimpse into the deserts' ecosystems. Travelers should be prepared for very hot temperatures during the day and very cold nights and should bring a large supply of water.
