7 Stunning Desert Destinations in India You Should Visit

Think deserts in India are just vast stretches of sand? Think again! India's deserts are full of life, history, and breathtaking landscapes. From the golden dunes of the Thar to the stark beauty of Ladakh's cold desert and the surreal white expanse of the Rann of Kutch, each destination offers a unique travel experience. Immerse yourself in local cultures, witness mesmerising sunsets, and explore hidden gems many travellers overlook.

Worried about expenses? With Hero FinCorp's personal loan for travel, you can plan your desert adventure without financial stress. Now, let's dive into the best-unexplored desert destinations in India.

Must Visit Desert in India

India has several hot and cold desert tourist spots. Many of these places are spread across the Rajasthan desert. Others are in the Rann of Kutch and up north in the middle of the mountains of Leh and Ladakh. Here are some places you should put on your next holiday itinerary.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a small city in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. While you're in the city, take some time to wander through the stunning yellow sandstone fort and explore the beautifully carved Jain temples and the historic Patwon Ki Haveli. If you're in the mood for shopping, there are plenty of local markets where you can pick up handicrafts and souvenirs. Just a short drive from the city, you'll find the famous Sam dunes—perfect for a camel ride, a thrilling jeep safari, or spending the night under the stars in a desert camp. You can also check out nearby spots like the abandoned village of Kuldhara, the Longewala War Memorial, and the Tanot Mata Temple for a deeper dive into the region's history and culture.

Bikaner

The Thar Desert is the largest desert in India. Bikaner is one of the other popular holiday spots on the Thar desert map. The majestic Junagarh Fort and the Karni Mata Temple are the city's most talked-about highlights. There are also several Jain temples, royal cenotaphs, historic havelis, and the Gajner Palace. There are a few sand dunes around Bikaner, too. A camel or jeep safari is the best way to see these dunes.

Osian

Osian is an old town that sits a few kilometres away from Jodhpur. Many consider the dunes of Osian to be a miniature version of Jaisalmer's Sam desert. There are several desert camps to enjoy sunset camel safaris and folk performances around a bonfire. In addition to these activities, you can also visit the famous temples of Osian. Even if you're not religious, the architecture of these temples will hold you in awe.

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Hunder

The Rajasthan desert may be India's most well-known desert, but it isn't the only one. Further north, in Ladakh, lies the cold desert of the Nubra valley. It's quite a unique sight—picture low, pale grey sand dunes flanked by tall, snow-capped mountains!

Unlike the Rajasthan desert here, you'll need a jacket instead of shorts. The camels are different, too. The Bactrian camels of the Hunder desert are shorter and have a double hump. You can ride one or zip over the dunes on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). While you're there, don't forget to visit the Diskit monastery.

Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is another unique desert in India. This salty marshland covers a large part of Gujarat. Many consider it to be the world's largest salt desert. When the summer temperatures rise, the marshland dries up, exposing a seemingly infinite white desert. These salt flats starkly contrast the blue skies, a sight that draws photographers worldwide. There isn't much to do in the Rann of Kutch unless you time your visit to coincide with the Rann Utsav. This is a 3-month-long celebration of Kutch culture. You can stay in a tent just off the desert, enjoy the local cuisine, and watch folk performances.

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Khimsar

Khimsar may be a small village, but it is a great place to experience the majesty of the Rajasthan desert. This village is best known for the Khimsar Fort, the Panchala Black Buck Reserve, and the Nagaur Fort. Picturesque sand dunes and a small oasis surround it. Book a tent in this oasis to enjoy fun activities like ATV rides, camel races, and night safaris. You can also shop for handcrafted goods and Rajasthan's famous red chillies. The best time to visit Khimsar is during the Nagaur Festival in January and February.

Pushkar

Pushkar is a popular holiday destination in the Rajasthan desert. It is best known for its annual Desert Festival and the Brahma Temple. There are also the famous Pushkar desert camps. The Pushkar desert festival mainly centres around livestock sales but includes several cultural events. There are many activities you can participate in around Pushkar. The fun ranges from camel cart safaris and ATV rides to midnight picnics on the dunes. There's also a rose garden nearby.

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Funding Your Trip to The Best Desert Destinations in India

Exploring a desert in India is fairly easy today. Even the cold deserts of Hunder are connected by daily flights to Leh. Hunder is a short drive away from the airport. For the Rajasthan desert, you can fly directly to Jodhpur, Jaipur, and other cities in the state. You'll also find plenty of hotels and restaurants around these tourist spots. But, planning a holiday in any of these places can get expensive.

That's where an instant personal loan comes in. It's a loan that's easy to get and you can use the funds any way you like. You can use it to pay for your air tickets or to elevate your holiday experience by booking a room in a luxury hotel instead of a budget motel. The choice is yours.

Getting an Instant Personal Loan from Hero FinCorp

Getting an instant personal loan is not only easy but quick, too. You can apply for an instant personal loan at the Hero FinCorp website. The application process can be completed online, from filling in forms to document submission.

Based on your credit score, instant personal loans are available for amounts ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 at 19% per annum or 1.58% per month. You can pay it back in easy monthly EMIs over a 12-36-month tenure.

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Conclusion

Whether visiting the Sam sand dunes around Jaisalmer or the Hunder desert in Leh, visiting a desert in India is a beautiful experience. A holiday in these deserts exposes you to local culture, history, and a landscape brimming with unique flora and fauna. It's educational yet invigorating for the whole family—an experience you must have at least once in your lifetime.

Everyone deserves a holiday. If you're finding it difficult to fund your desert dream vacation, consider Hero FinCorp's instant personal loan for travel. The loan gives you access to funds that can be used any way you like to make your holiday a more enriching experience. It's simple to apply for and can be paid back in easy instalments. So, which desert in India will you put on your next travel itinerary?

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