Though India is surrounded by water on three sides, it is also home to the 17th largest desert in the world. Also called Great Indian Desert, it forms a natural border of India and Pakistan. 90% of the Thar Desert is in Rajasthan.

You can get to enjoy the desert at these places of the state:

Jaisalmer: Set in the midst of the Thar Desert, Jaislamer is an important town in Rajasthan closest to the India-Pakistan border. It is also called the Golden City from the colour it gets from the yellow sandstone used in the construction of most of its buildings. Jaisalmer has many epic monuments depicting the Rajathani and Mughal reign. The monuments that awe are the Jaisalmer Fort, Fort Palace, PatwakiHaweli, Nathmalki Haveli, BadaBagh, Vyas Chhatri and Gadisar Lake.

Khimsar: Khimsar is located between Bikaner and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. This village has miles of sand dunes that seem to stretch to eternity. Access to this part of the TharDesert is only by jeep, horseback or camels. The village offers a camping experience to tourists. Watching the golden sands with the glow of the rising or setting sun and looking out at the bright star filled skies remain an unforgettable memory.

Khuri: Located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, Khuri is a less crowded place to enjoy sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The tranquil surroundings make you relish the wonders of nature as it opens out to you in the vast stretches of sand. It is fascinating to see the desert sands changing hues at different times of the day and the crimson colour of it throws a punch at sunset that will last a lifetime.

Sam Sand Dunes: At the northwest of Khuri are the more populated sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Quite popular for the desert safaris, Sam sand dunes are a major tourist attraction in recent times.

A visit to this mighty desert of India must feature on every Indian’s travel list.