#TravelBytes: Top 5 deserts in India that you must visit
Deserts are often and unconventional choice for those seeking to go on relaxing vacations, but what's the point of traveling if you're not willing to step out of comfort zones? Deserts can be spell-bindingly serene, and luckily for us, India has no dearth of them. Here are the 5 most spectacular deserts in India that you must visit.
The holy desert city of Pushkar in Rajasthan
One of the oldest cities in India, Pushkar is a famous pilgrim town in Rajasthan, with many a temple devoted to Lord Brahma. When in Pushkar, visit the holy Hindu temples, take a camel safari, and enjoy the Rajasthani cuisine. The best time to visit Pushkar is during November, when you can witness the grandeur and bustle of the annual Pushkar camel fair.
The white salt desert land of Kutch in Gujarat
Experience the beauty and cultural richness of the white salt desert of Kutch in the western Indian state of Gujarat. When in Kutch, do not miss out on the Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch museum, and the Mandvi beach. The best time to go is from November to February, mainly due to optimal weather conditions, and the famous Rann Mahotsav. Don't miss handicraft shopping.
An experience-of-a-lifetime in the cold desert of Spiti in Himachal
A heavily underrated and unexplored destination in Himachal, the Spiti valley, located at a high altitude offers spectacular views, beautiful Buddhist monasteries, and Tibetan culture and cuisine. With so much on the plate, it's truly a paradise for adventure seekers viz. bikers, trekkers, and hikers. Winters are unbearably cold in the valley, thus May to October makes for the best time to go.
The Golden city of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer
The Golden City of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer, situated in the close proximity to the great Thar desert, is the go-to place if you're looking for an authentic Rajasthani-style desert getaway. The major attractions of the city are the Jaisalmer Fort, Gadiyar lake and the Jaisalmer desert festival. You can also try camping, and camel safaris on the sand dunes. Best time to go is November-March.
Those much-hyped road trips are actually worth it
The high-altitude passes, beautiful lakes, and the spectacular landscapes of the cold desert of Ladakh will stay with you for a lifetime. Do not miss out on the Pangong Lake, the Disk and Ensa monasteries, and Khardung La pass. A road trip from Manali is highly recommended, and May-August is the best time to go. Super-delicious momos and thupkas come as a bonus.
