Table of Contents
India is endowed with all kinds of terrains and ecosystems. However, the most vibrant ecosystem in the country can be found in its wide range of deserts. Ranging from cold valleys to expansive, golden dunes, the deserts of India provide a glimpse of how life and natural beauty can bloom where there is little or no water.
Here are the best deserts in India that you should check out
The Great Rann of Kutch is one of the most spectacular deserts in India. Also known as the White Rann, the desert is spread over 7505 square kilometres and is coated with a thick layer of salt, making it one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The White Desert is also rich in ecological beauty, and you can spot flamingos there.
The only way to reach Kutch is by road. The roads leading to Kutch are well connected, which can take you to and from major cities across the state. The nearest city is Bhuj, which has a dedicated railway station and airport. So, if you are travelling by flight or train, you need to take a cab or a bus to Kutch, which is 53 km away.
A cold, dry valley separating India from Tibet, the Spiti Valley Cold Desert has mountains clad in beautiful blankets of snow. It is also a popular travel destination for trekking enthusiasts who travel to the Spiti Valley for its amazing mountains and vastness. Here, you will also find some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring Buddhist monasteries.
While there are regular buses from Manali and Shimla that take you to the Spiti Valley, many tourists prefer to travel by road. You can take a flight or train to Shimla, which is the nearest destination that has an airport and a railway station.
Situated in the north-western region of India, Jaisalmer is one of the most magnificent places in Rajasthan. It is located at the heart of the Thar desert. Jaisalmer is also popularly known as the Golden City of India. The shimmering ‘Golden City’ gets its name from the yellow-stoned houses and the majestic dunes of the Thar desert. You should also take a desert safari tour to explore the entirety of the desert.
While the city has an airport, it is connected to only a select few domestic destinations. It is, however, well-connected via roads and railways to help you reach wherever you want. You can take a cab or a bus from the airport or railway station to your selected location in and around Jaisalmer.
Bikaner is a fortified city in the northern part of Rajasthan, situated on comparatively elevated terrain. The town is surrounded by a 7 km long wall, which has five entrances. Providing an eclectic experience of Rajasthan, Bikaner is gifted with a diverse range of lands – ranging from dunes to lush grasslands. It caters to a wide range of travellers from across the country.
While the city has an airport, it is connected to only a select few domestic destinations.
Also known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is another popular tourist destination in Rajasthan, situated in the Thar desert. With most of the city consisting of large fort walls and heritage buildings of the Rajput dynasty, the city provides a traditional experience to its travellers, making it an ideal destination for a luxurious desert tour.
Jodhpur has a dedicated airport and railway station, which allows you to connect to it from any major city in the country.
Chittorgarh is a sprawling city in a deserted area of Rajasthan, which is famous for its amazing forts and citadels. The Chittorgarh fort is one of the most precious monuments of the Rajput dynasty, which has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage tag.
The city does not have a dedicated airport. The nearest airport is in Udaipur, which is approximately 70 km away.
Also known as the Deccan Plateau, the Deccan Thorn Scrub Forests are a huge dry patch in the South Indian region, covering certain territories of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. This 3,30,000 sq. km area of xeric shrubland is filled with dry trees and shrubs that receive very little moisture throughout the year. The Deccan Plateau has almost no moisture from November to April, making it a pure dry land.
As the Deccan Thorn Scrub Forests are spread over such a large area, you can explore certain regions of the dry forest from any of the states that fall under its area. There are no trains and flights that will take you directly to the forests, so you need to go to one of the major cities in the states, from where you can take a cab or bus.
A sprawling city on a hilltop that provides you with a vibrant experience of the surrounding desert area, Pushkar is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Also known as the ‘rose garden of Rajasthan’, Pushkar is a part of the Thar desert surrounded by golden dunes and craggy rocks.
There are no airports and railway stations in Pushkar, so you will have to reach one of the nearby cities and take a cab, car or bus from there. The nearest railway station is in Ajmer, which is 15 km away, and the nearest airport is in Jaipur, which is 146 km away.
Situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet, the Nubra Valley is another prominent cold desert in the Himalayan region, consisting of barren mountains and white dunes. Compared with the Spiti Valley, the Nubra Valley is more isolated from any inhabited land and provides a secluded experience to travellers. It is amongst the most challenging trekking grounds and has attracted thrill-seekers worldwide.
Being secluded from the hustle-bustle of cities, the nearest town to Nubra Valley is Leh, which is roughly 150 km away. You can take a flight or train to the Leh town, and from there you can take a cab or bus to reach the Valley.
A small and secluded village in the vast Thar desert, Khimsar is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan, which allows you to explore the beautiful golden dunes in a luxurious and relaxed environment. The town becomes a major tourist attraction during the Nagaur Festival, which is the second-largest cattle festival in the country. The city also allows travellers to explore Thar through a luxurious desert safari tour.
As Khimsar is a secluded town, it doesn’t have a dedicated railway station or airport. You can take a flight or train to Jodhpur, which is the closest city, and take a cab or bus from there to reach Khimsar.
From cold and dry stretches to crystal white ranns, India has a diverse range of deserts that can provide a superb safari tour. Explore the magnificence of Indian deserts that offer travellers a wide range of experiences.
If you are convinced, check out Cleartrip’s amazing offers on travel bookings that can streamline your trip. You can not only book various aspects of your journey, but select flights from an array of options to conveniently schedule your travel. Check out our blog for the latest travel news while you’re at it!
The Rann of Kutch is spread over 27000 sq. km, and it is a part of the Thar desert.
Covering a major part of Rajasthan and Gujarat, the Thar desert is located in the westernmost region of India.
The Sahara Desert is the largest, spanning over 9.2 million sq. km.
Make sure that you carry loads of water, as water is extremely scarce in deserts. Also, take a light scarf or handkerchief to cover your mouth in case of sandstorms.
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March. The cool winter breeze accentuates your experience of living amongst the vast golden sand dunes.
