Western India is the more arid landscape of India with a large part of Gujarat and Rajasthan being part of the Thar Desert. The region offers a diverse landscape from dry deciduous forests to savanna grassland to huge flat salt pans.
Wildlife Highlights
- A number of great spots to see including Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Striped Hyena, India Wolf, Desert Fox and the Asiatic Wild Ass.
- There are a number of reptiles to sight as well and these could be Marsh Crocodile, Rock Monitor Lizard and the Spiny-tailed Lizard.
- There are a massive number of birds here as well: The Great Indian Bustard, Greater Flamingo, Pelicans, Short-eared Owl, Indian Coarser and also has the largest Harrier roost.
Cultural Highlights
- Rajasthan, rich in magnificent palaces and forts, colourful festivals and bazaars.
- The 1600km coastline of the Arabian Sea.
- The Jain temples and unique culture
- The Flavours of Western India, some say the area has the best cuisine in India, try it for yourself.
- Jaisalmer located on the once busy caravan route through the Thar Desert, take a camel safari along part of the route, sleeping under the stars.
- Visit Udaipur with its fairy tale lake palaces and forts and wander through the havelis of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
- The Jantar Mantar observatory at Jaipur which is built in 1728 on a monolithic scale.
- The magnificent Amber Fort and old Jaipur. which is nestled in the lakes and hills of the most wonderful landscape.
- The ancient trading city of Pushkar and its annual camel fair.
- Why not take in a polo match in Jodhpur?
- Take a dat to explore the craft villages of Mawar, home to the Bishnois and skilled weavers and potters.
- Spend some time in the calico museum in Ahmedabad and learn about the Gujarat textile industry.
- Sink into the stepwells of Adalaj Vavan ingenious and beautiful solution to the water scarcity of Gujarat.
- Built in 1026 the Mother Sun temple is precisely laid out in and east-west direction, watch the sun strikes the centre of the inner sanctum at high noon everyday.
- Explore the wonderfully named Little Rann of Kutch, a massive expanse of grassland and experience its rural and artistic life.
