BIKANER- If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in north west part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.

333 km north-east of Jaisalmer lies the desert town of Bikaner, established towards the end of the 15th century and named after its founder, Bika. For many decades a busy market town which throbbed with activity, Bikaner still manages to preserve an aura of medieval bustle- although its economic structure has changed somewhat. Camel caravans from West Asia do not pass through Bikaner any more, but the town produces some of the best sweets, savoury snacks and rugs in India.

This route starts at Bikaner, where you can see the magnificent old Junagarh fort and the lovely Lalgarh Palace, before you get on to your camel and set off.  The camel safari works its way southwards, passing through the hamlets of Naukh, Kansar, Baru, Chayan, Sataya and Tadana to Mohangarh. Mohangarh, although a small town, is dominated by an imposing sandstone fortress which deserves a visit. From the town, the trail continues to Dungri and then onto Jaisalmer, where it ends.

Another of the Bikaner-Jaisalmer camel safaris, but one which follows a different route. This one starts at Bikaner, and instead of heading directly south to Jaisalmer, makes a detour eastward into the neighbouring district of Jodhpur. Passing through the villages of Charkhada, Teliyan ki Dhani, Kanasar, Baru Bhala, Telansar, Chaku and Bharaiya along the way, the camel safari reaches the hamlet of Jambo, in Jodhpur district. From Jambo, it turns westward and goes to Jaisalmer, where it ends.