The Sam Sand Dunes located at a distance of 42 kms from the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, is a glorious stretch of sweeping, bushless desert. The Sam Sand Dunes are very well-known in Jaisalmer after the ‘golden fort’ and hence is a tourist hot spot. Since there is no vegetation, the swirling wind here is as intense as the ‘khamsins’ or sandstorms of the Sahara desert.
Since there is no particular monument or fort at this spot, there is not much to be written about the history of this area. Yet its proximity to Jaisalmer, the ‘Golden City’ automatically lends it a touch of magic as the city was founded in 1156. Legends, tales and songs of the bards often focus on the valorous acts and heroic deeds of the former rulers. This area was repeatedly attacked between the 13th and 14th centuries and later, from the 16th to the 18th century, featured as a strategic position on the camel-train routes between India and Central Asia.
Best For:
Best for Camel safaris and photography as the Sam Sand Dunes offer a panoramic view of the nearest real Sahara-like desert experience from Jaisalmer. Performances of the ‘Kal Beliya’ dance and cultural programmes are arranged against the backdrop of the dunes and it is possible to frame pictures of solitary camels against lonely dunes
The summer temperatures range from a scorching 45 C to a minimum of 26 C while the winter temperatures vary from a maximum of 25 C to a minimum of 9 C. Sporadic rainfall often occurs between the months of October to February and it is best to visit Sam during the Desert Festival, (last week of January or first two weeks of February) when the Sam Sand Dunes come alive with sound and light shows. It is a gala spectacle of dance and music which reverberates in your mind long after you have experienced it.
It is best to get foreign currency exchanged at Jaisalmer or at any of the major cities of Rajasthan. The Bank of Baroda and LKP Forex at Gandhi Chowk in Jaisalmer exchange travelers cheques. The State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur located near the bus stand also changes major currencies.
Getting Around – Domestic Flights The nearest domestic airport is at Jaisalmer.
International Flight :
The nearest international airport is at Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur Airport offers sporadic service to London, Dublin, Singapore and Dubai.
Getting Around – Road Travel Sam Sand Dunes is 42 kms from the city of Jaisalmer, along a very good sealed road which is maintained by the Indian Army. There are three daily buses to Sam from Jaisalmer.
The 3 kms long, 1 km wide and half km high dunes are the highlight of a visit to Sam. The dunes can be as treacherous as they are scenic. An overnight trip to the Sam Sand Dunes is a must to enjoy the sights and sounds of the desert. Sitting on a dune at sunset time, listening to the ballads of the legendary lovers – Moomal and Mahendra to the accompaniment of the Jew’s harp called the ‘narh’ lends an aura of romance. It is an out of the world experience sleeping in the open sand, facing the twinkling stars above, soaking in the haunting beauty of the dunes.
Shopping:
There are lots of vendors at the dunes. Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, rugs, mirror work wall hangings and antiques. These can be seen on display at Sam as well.
Where To Eat:
There is a straggling line of restaurants and tea shops at the dunes.
Where To Stay:
There are numerous places to stay at while visiting the dunes but most people prefer to visit the dunes as a day trip while staying at Jaisalmer. RTDC (Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation). Hotel Sam Dhani- consists of huts that overlook the dunes. It is essential to book in advance to avoid disappointment as there is a constant flow of visitors. DuneSafari Camp is a spacious camp located close to the dunes with comfortable Swiss tents.
Due to the increasing number of visitors, a fee is now charged to visit the dunes. The money is used to clean and maintain the dunes
Khuri, a small village to the southeast of Sam, has its own desert sand dunes. It houses numerous camps of mud huts and eager camel drivers but there are no shop-lined streets or restaurants so it is best visited as a half day tour.
Mool Sagar is a small, pleasant but neglected garden and tank to the northeast of Sam. It has a quaint Shiv temple carved out of two pieces of sandstone.
Kuldhara is a small village 25 kms west of Jaisalmer and to the east of Sam. Around 400 years ago, all the inhabitants of the 84 villages in the area left after a dispute with the Prime Minister, Salim Singh. Some of the houses have been restored for use as film sets and this has become a popular movie location. An entrance fee is charged at the gate of the village.
Recommended Circuits:
Sam is often visited on way from Jaisalmer to the Desert National Park. It is visited as part of a camel safari or day trip from Jaisalmer.
Since the Sam Sand Dunes have become a massive tourist attraction, there are hordes of people, especially at sunset, so one should expect nothing less than a carnival atmosphere. For a peaceful alternative, it is better to go to Khuri.
