Trek Along Kumbhalgarh

Much of Rajasthan is pretty, almost ephemeral in its dependence on light and hue for its attraction. The massive 600-year-old ramparts of Kumbalgarh Fort offer altogether more immense substance. The sheer size of it makes one want to believe the local legend that the fortress was impregnable, though it was actually taken once, by a powerful army of Emperor Akbar's Mughal-Rajput alliance. Its walls snake over the rolling Aravalli hills for 36km, like some gargatuan shone python. Its one of teh longest walls anywhere on earth outside China's Great Wall, and if you are feeling adventurous, try hiking along the periphery. It's a two-day trek, and the only places you can stay the night are in some of the many temples along your route. you won't need a guide, but the men selling entry tickets at the fort entrance will find you someone who can cook and lug your load for you, at about Rs 300-400 a day. You will need to haggle, of course. But what price the awesome beauty of that rugged landscape?

Kumbhalgarh is 84km north of Udaipur.

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.