Chandelao Village offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience rural life in Western Rajasthan, still largely untouched by the hustle of modernity. You can take a leisurely walk through the village, guided by one of our knowledgeable staff members, to gain an authentic insight into the daily rhythms of life in this vibrant community. Alternatively, set off on your own adventure through the village’s picturesque lanes, peaceful lakes, and surrounding countryside. With the Garh and its neighbouring temple serving as landmarks, it’s easy to navigate your way around. Along the way, friendly local children are always happy to assist and share their love for their village, making it an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Chandelao Village offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience rural life in Western Rajasthan, still largely untouched by the hustle of modernity. You can take a leisurely walk through the village, guided by one of our knowledgeable staff members, to gain an authentic insight into the daily rhythms of life in this vibrant community. Alternatively, set off on your own adventure through the village’s picturesque lanes, peaceful lakes, and surrounding countryside. With the Garh and its neighbouring temple serving as landmarks, it’s easy to navigate your way around. Along the way, friendly local children are always happy to assist and share their love for their village, making it an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Embark on a jeep safari and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Rajasthan’s countryside. Journey through picturesque fields where goats graze alongside crops tended by local farmers. Along the way, you’ll see camels and buffaloes, age-old homes, and friendly, welcoming locals, each scene telling the story of life in rural India.
As we visit traditional artisans, you’ll witness the creation of hand woven camel-hair rugs and beautifully crafted clay water pots. You can even trying your hand at “throwing” a pot on a hand-driven potter’s wheel. The surrounding villages are a hub of age-old skills and traditions, a captivating blend of craftsmanship and heritage.
In the lands near the villages of the Bishnoi community—renowned for their deep-seated commitment to conserving wildlife—you’ll encounter Rajasthan’s majestic fauna. Spot the noble nilgai, Asia’s largest antelope, along with endangered spiral-horned blackbucks and the graceful chinkara gazelles. For bird enthusiasts, the safari offers sightings of a colourful array of local and migratory birds that grace Western Rajasthan each winter, including the endangered Egyptian vulture.
The journey continues with a visit to a traditional Bishnoi homestead, where you’ll gain insight into their unique customs and conservationist ethos, leaving you with a profound appreciation for Rajasthan’s natural and cultural riches.
Bird Watching at Chandelao: A paradise for Enthusiasts
From October to March, Chandelao transforms into a paradise for birdwatchers, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe. Thanks to a longstanding tradition of respect for nature among the local communities, pesticide-free agriculture, and the area’s ideal position on migratory routes, Chandelao boasts a rich and diverse avifauna.
Within walking distance of Chandelao Garh, birdwatchers can spot vibrant parakeets, playful bulbuls, stunning bee-eaters, majestic peafowl, and many other resident species. For a deeper exploration, our guided jeep trips take you to nearby birdwatching hotspots, including the tranquil Olvi Lake. Here, you’ll encounter a vast array of waterfowl, herons, kingfishers, grebes, and waders in their natural habitat.
Three species of cranes—demoiselle, common, and the endangered sarus crane—are regularly sighted in the area, offering a rare opportunity for close observation of these graceful birds. Our birdwatching excursions are led by experienced guides who provide binoculars and a bird identification guide to enrich the experience, ensuring an unforgettable journey into the avian wonders of Rajasthan.
Sunset Safari and Desert Barbeque
Embark on a scenic drive in one of our comfortable vehicles or on camel cart (whatever you fancy!) to a stunning outcrop of rocks, perfectly situated to watch the sun set over the enchanting Thar Desert. As the horizon transforms with brilliant hues, relax with a refreshing beverage in hand and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Rajasthan’s rugged landscape. Along the way, you may spot local wildlife and a variety of birds, adding to the magic of the experience.
As dusk gives way to night, witness the breathtaking spectacle of the desert sky, where the moon, stars, and planets shine brightly, unobstructed by city lights. To make this evening even more memorable, you may choose to extend your stay with a full dinner barbecue under the stars, prepared over wood fires by our staff. This delicious meal is the perfect way to end an unforgettable night in the heart of the desert.
Exploring the Bazars of Pipar: A Hidden Gem of Local Crafts
Just a short 20-kilometer journey from Chandelao lie the bustling Bazaars of Pipar, which offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of local people who continue age-old traditions.
In the vibrant stalls, you’ll find an array of ethnic goods and traditional crafts, each piece telling a story of Rajasthan’s rich heritage. Among the highlights is a visit to Pipar’s famous block printers, artisans who use hand-carved wooden blocks to create intricate, colourful patterns on fabric. This ancient art form brings together creativity and craftsmanship, allowing you to witness the remarkable skill behind each design.
A trip to Pipar is an opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s authentic culture up close, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a community that has remained true to its roots for centuries.
