
The excursions around Manvar are especially for
those tourists who want to experience the adventure of being "off
the beaten track" among the colorful desert people of Rajasthan.
At these little rural places there are no grand sights but that
is the point; here you will see a Rajasthan where way of life
little-changed over the centuries. The village tour will allow
you to share the fascinating culture of these friendly people
and show you the beauty and tranquillity of the vast desert. The
journey into the desert is an opportunity to come in proximity
of village life in one of the harshest conditions of the world.
The desert landscape is spellbinding. For miles altogether, there
is nothing, but from this aridness one can expect the unexpected
as groups of women appear and disappear in their colorful clothes,
apparently going nowhere. Visit the homes of the inhabitants living
in the desert ( bishnois, rajputs, meghwals) .Also see some homes
of the desert craftsmen ( carpenters, metal smiths ,,cobblers
) See unique desert adapted species of flora and fauna , Visit
the farms in the desert and learn about farming ( chilli, mustard
) in the desert , See & climb the untouched sand dunes .
For sheer excitement ,an outing in a rugged four - wheel drive vehicle
cannot be beaten.
Camel treks give guests an opportunity to see the splendour of the
THAR Desert from the back of its most famous and iconic inhabitant
– THE SHIP OF THE DESERT.
The Village walks in contrast to the Jeep & Camel safaris offer
a quieter and more informative way to experience the desert way
of life around MANVAR.
Longer safaris take you to Khichan ( 45 minutes from Manvar )where
thousands of migratory birds come every year from October to March
. The villagers of Khichan have a very special relationship with
these birds. During the winter season, over 8,000 - 10,000 birds
can be seen at Khichan. This phenomenon was nurtured by one villager
by the name of Ratan Lal Malu Jain, who began to feed these birds
twice a day, several years ago. As the number of birds began to
increase, he sought the help of his fellow villagers, who rallied
to 'adopt' these birds. The wealthier farmers were approached for
donations of grain or for money to purchase grain to feed these
birds.
Many folk songs are based on them. According to Marwari legend and
song, these birds were signs of good luck and also carried messages
to the local women from their lovers and loved ones in faraway lands..
The number of cranes that migrate here is said to be increasing
by 10 to 15% each year and currently it takes over 600 kgs. of grain
to feed these birds each day.
The grain is spread in the fields in the night for the early morning
feeding and once again in the afternoon before the cranes returns
for an evening meal. Khichan is a perfect example of how man can
co-exist with nature and even nurture the survival of a particular
species. It is a shining example of the conservation efforts of
a group of people driven by a sheer love of nature, without the
help or encouragement of any outside forces.