The
Thar Desert of Rajasthan is situated partly in India and partly in
Pakistan. Bordering the desert on four sides are, Indus plains to the
west, Aravalli Range to the southeast, Rann of Kutch to the south, and
Punjab plains to the north and northeast. Also known as the "Great
Indian Desert", Thar covers an area of approximately 77,000 square
miles (200,000 square km). Thar constitutes one of the five major
physical divisions of India, the other being Himalayas, Northern Plains,
Central Plateau and the Eastern and Western Coastal Plains. It occupies
the western and northwestern parts of the state of Rajasthan. The other
states of India into which the Thar Desert stretches are Gujarat, Punjab
and Haryana.
High and low sand dunes, sandy plains, low barren hills, etc
characterize the landscape of the desert. Most of the sand dunes are
forever in motion and keep on changing their shapes and sizes. The older
dunes, however, have stabilized to quite an extent and may rise to a
height of almost 500 feet (150 m). Thar Desert is also dotted with
playas (saline lakes), locally known as dhands, which are scattered
throughout the region. The desert tract receives low and erratic
rainfall annually, ranging from about 4 inches (100 mm) or less in the
west to about 20 inches (500 mm) in the east. The maximum rainfall is
received during the period of July to September.
Thar Desert supports vegetation consisting of mainly stunted scrub and
a few sporadic trees. Gum arabic acacia and euphorbia on the hills and
khajri (Prosopis cineraria) tree in the plains are some other vegetation
in the desert. Black buck and chinkara (gazelle), amongst animals and
francolin, quail and great bustard, amongst birds can be seen inhabiting
this region. Sand grouse, ducks, and geese are the common migratory
birds to the area. A tour of the Rajasthan Thar Desert of India takes
you on a brilliant ride of the golden hues. The camel rides as well as
the beautiful sunsets of the desert enchant both your mind as well as
your soul. Don't forget to include this magnificent desert on your tour
to Rajasthan. You will definitely love every part of your trip to this
marvelous and outstanding destination.