Sam Sand Dunes
Distance : 45 kms west of
Jaisalmer
¤ Desert Adventure
Undoubtedly the most well known destination in Jaisalmer after the ‘golden
fort’, the Sam Sand dunes are a tourist hot spot in more ways
than one. 3km long, 1km wide and as much as half a kilometer high, the
dunes are as treacherous as they are scenic. If you opt for a camel
ride stay very close to your raika (guide) as only he can manoeuvre
you through the quicksand, which has sucked many an unwary goat to its
gruesome death. There is no vegetation here and the swirling winds are
almost as intense as the khamsins (sandstorms) in the Sahara.
¤ Sam Sand Dunes-A Picturesque Spot
However, we don’t want to dissuade you too much from visiting
the area – the Sam dunes are also the most picturesque spot
around Jaisalmer, and perhaps the whole of western Rajasthan. Sitting
there in the evening with the sun setting, listening to the ballads of
the legendary lovers Moomal and Mahendra (see Moomal Ki Meri for
details) on the jew’s harp or the narh (a traditional musical
instrument), you might feel that time has come to a grinding halt. The
silken smooth sands of Sam look like a tale out of the Merchant of
Venice and camel safaris are much in vogue here. An overnight trip to
the area is a must if you really want to enjoy all the sights and
sounds, the ruins and the temples. Sleeping out in the open, stretched
out on the sands while facing the twinkling sky is an out of the world
experience. Many a tourist has fallen in love with the haunting beauty
of the dunes – there is a definite aura of romance about it.
¤ Desert Festival Attractions
The Sam Dunes really come alive during the desert festival with a
sound and light show, and gala spectacles of dance and music which
wiil reverberate in your ears long after you have heard it. |
