Jodhpur has long been known as the 'Gateway to the Thar' as it is perched on the edge of the desert. The historic city is accustomed to year round sunshine and while a large extent of it is dry, the city is surprisingly green. Jodhpur is home to many historical monuments that still glimmer with the splendour of past times. There are numerous attractions within the city, but tourists visiting Jodhpur should also consider taking a safari to the Bishnoi village.
The Bishnoi Tribal Village is situated a mere 25 kilometres away from Jodhpur. The idyllic village has long held the fascination of tourists due to the beliefs and practices of its inhabitants. The Bishnoi people are devout worshippers of nature in every form and even the felling of trees is banned. Instead the villagers wait till a tree dies before harvesting it for its wood. Both animals and humans subsist side by side and the sense of harmony may feel like it has been lifted from a fairy tale. Such is the bond between the villagers and the wildlife, that often they would go hungry themselves so that the animals maybe fed.
The Bishnoi's follow the teachings of Jambaji, a warrior who was sickened of war and decided to start a religion of peace and tolerance. Not only did Jambaji declare all of nature sacred and to be revered, prior to his death he said that he would manifest in the form of the black buck. As tourists approach the village, they will be captivated by the sight of black buck, spotted deer and blue bulls grazing freely. While elsewhere the animals maybe in danger of being hunted, they are completely safe here and indeed it is the would-be-hunters who should beware. Tourists should take care not to harm nature in anyway while visiting the village. It is best to visit with a tour guide to facilitate communication.
The drive to the village is not very long and travellers will be able to continue their
Jodhpur sightseeing upon their return. Tourists looking for a
Jodhpur hotel where they can rest after a tiring day of travelling can try The Gateway Hotel Jodhpur. The luxury hotel offers excellent accommodation and services, and is sure to help guests make their stay in Jodhpur more memorable.
