As the owner of a wonderful camping retreat ourselves, we believe while choosing a camping destination, location of the campsite is extremely important. It is what could make or break your camping experience. India is full of camps and some of the best camps in India, we find are situated right in the middle of sand dunes. Rajasthan itself has some amazing luxury camping resorts. These are not exactly summer camps but are definitely a must visit if you’re camping in India. Expect camel safaris, local cuisines, ethnic culture & an unforgettable hospitality experience. In our opinion, these are the top 5 desert camps in India worth hitting this year:
1. Samsara Luxury Resort & Camp
The Samsara Camping experience cannot be compared to any other. Tucked away in a safe corner of the Thar desert, the camping experience includes dining in the dunes, entertaining local folk dances in the evening, a huge swimming pool for cooling yourself in the day time & thrilling camel safaris on request. Samsara campsite is a fantastic, luxurious getaway for those looking to run away from the humdrum of daily city life & office schedules. The landscape & friendly hospitality make you never want to come back. With a complete set of other amenities like restaurant area, conference hall, spa & a Pavillion bar, this campsite should be on your list of must visit places this year!
2. Mirvana Nature Resort
Mirvana Nature Resort & Camp can take your heart away in just a moment of fascination. Located in Sodakore, just 55 kms ahead of Pokhran & 55 kms before Jaisalmer, this is a nature retreat is spread in over 106 acres & is quite unlike any other in that area. The retreat has its own organic farm where they grow continental as well as Indian vegetables. You could begin your day here by heading for a relaxing herbal spa then moving on for a half day jeep safari on a private sand dune called “Maulana Sand Dune”, maintained by the resort itself. You can expect to see the Siberian Crane, Chinkara & others of the ilk, followed by the evening camel ride and then a splendid local folk music & dance show by the locals. We recommend this one for anyone willing to take a break, be it with alone, with family or friends!
3. The Serai Tented Suites
The Serai is a mix of luxury hotel cum resort cum camp, all in one. This is perhaps one of the best examples of successful “Glamps” in India. The Sujan Luxury Hotels come fully backed with a spa by Raison d’Etre, a fine dining area & bar, excursion & local sight seeing arrangements, and of course, the good ole’ swiss tents accommodation. There is also a boutique with a complete range of some of the most unique designer dresses, paintings from Madhubani (Bihar) where you can shop when one is at ease. Based in the The Great Thar Desert in over 100 acres of barren desert land, this resort has been handcrafted to perfection. The campsite is committed to good eco & social practices which makes it stand out from the ones in surrounding areas. This one is surely to be a gift for your better half if any special occasions are round the corner, Do NOT miss it!!
4. The Wilderness Camp
Nothing too big about this camp except the experience it offers while still resting its base on a small sand dune. With only 6 swiss cottage tents, this campsite offers some spectacular views otherwise tough to find anywhere in India. The sunrise & the sunset itself can leave you gasping for more. Situated only 17 kms from Rohetgarh, the campsite uses minimal lighting by using candle light in most of the areas. The guests staying at the camp also offers an option of taking a “village safari” via jeep or on a horse. FYI, the campsite offers an Equestrian Program at Rohetgarh which has one of the finest stables of Marwari horses in the country. An ethnic experience not all camps around Delhi can boast of!
5. Manvar Desert Camp & Resort
The Manvar Desert Camp & Resort, in our opinion is easily one of the best desert camp setups in India we have witnessed till date. Glamping or Glamorous Camping/Luxury Camping as it’s called is perhaps one of the trendiest ways of tasting cultures that have heritage significance dating back to as early as 17th century. The Manvar Camping experience offers just about the best camping experience in Rajasthan, hands down! The safari style tents are arranged in a semi-circle in the middle of which you will see & feel the colors of Rajasthan with folk dances, folk music, mashaals, camp fire & everything that could make a camping experience “ROYALE”!! The centrally located “Durbar Hall” (Dining Area) offers local cuisines tailored to the taste & preference of its exclusive guests. Private camping, wildlife desert safaris, amazing food, all with a touch of local Rajasthani hospitality!
We plan to be back soon with a list of some other desert camps that we feel should have made it to the list. Although, this does raise one vital question…how many of these camps have you personally visited? When it comes to traveling to places far & beyond, have you considered sacrificing the luxury of your sofa set & undergoing an experience that can literally alter the way you perceive life & its stories. Do something this weekend, pack your bags & head out with your buds for an adventure that can never be experienced on your smart, 3D television set!
