Crafts In Barmer

This arid desert town in western Rajasthan, with just a handful of ruins, does not seem to have anything that will interest a visitor. But there is beauty even in this wasteland. Beautiful block-printed fabrics, delicate handcrafted wood furniture, pottery, carpets, and fine embroidery add colour to this otherwise monochromatic town. Even the houses here are decorated with pictures and motifs. These crafts are the lifeline in a region where almost nothing grows. Anad its not just crafts that draw people to this town; the songs of the Bhopas or priest singers and the music of the Musline dholis are also famous. Visitors can start craft-hunting in the tiny shops that crowd Sadar Bazaar. But don't restrict youself to the bazaar-there are artisons at work in almost every bylane in the town.

Barmer is 153km south of Jaisalmer and 224km west of Jodhpur.
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Devi Bhawan

At this serene retreat, don't expect the ancient trappings of your classic heritage hotel. Jodhpur's Devi Bhawan melds the amenities of a modern hotel with an intimate sense of being a Rajput family's guest. The cottages are threaded amidst lush gardens: divided into garden rooms, bunglaws and suites, each emphasises the peaceful surrounds. No fussiness and ornate fittings here: each room is cleanly designed, its simple period furniture creating a minimal, spacious atmosphere, TVs, Internet, room service, and massages-what more do you need? Lay out by the pool, lounge in the gazebo and take your meals out in the gardens: the beautiful lawns are the true hightlight of this peaceful sanctuary. Best of all, a stay at this oasis comes at super rates.

Desert National Park

If you thought deserts were dry and therefore boring, try walking through the Desert National Park near Jaisalmer. It covers over 3,162 km and is one of the best examples of desert habitat in the country. The animal and bird life here ranges from the endangered Great Indian Bustard to herds of chinkara, desert cat, desert fox, bird like sand grouses, buzzards, owls, and reptiles like the monitor lizard, saw-scaled viper and the spiny tailed lizard. A few areas of the park, like Sudashri, are enclosed with barbed wire to prevent grazing by cattle. The forest department has demarcated a few trails in this area-which make for a good 3-4 hour walk. To see the rest of the sanctuary, walk through, from Khuri towards Miajalar, Girab, Gadra, and back towards Munabao. You can stay at these villages.

Contact Deputy Director, Desert NP-02922-252498 for permissions. Gangaur Guest House in Khuri can organise 3-4 day Safaris.