Camel and Rajasthan are synonyms. It is the official state animal of the state. It is part of cultural identity of the state. Camel has been referred to as Ship of the Desert. It helps locals in many ways…. it is used for transport, it provided milk and meat though it is very restricted and recently a legislation has been passed to protect the historical animal. Its wool is used to make rugs and blankets. Its leather is used to make various items like handbags, jackets, belts etc and its Dung is used in many ways.

In ancient times owning a camel represented royalty and was a mark of prosperity for the family. Livelihood of many families depend on camel nowadays. Today it is also used in tourism. Camel rides are very popular in desert areas of Rajasthan.

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Camel Safari in Binkaner

In Bikaner there is world Famous Camel Breeding Centre known as National Research Centre for Camel (NRCC)  on Jodhpur Bypass Road and a must visit place in Bikaner.

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Camels of different breed can be seen here. Every year camel fare is organised in Bikaner in the month of January. In the festival there is a event called Mr. Bikaner (this event is only for camels), in which various events are organised and the winning camel is awarded the crown of Mr. Bikaner. in 2016 it was won by camel from this center only.

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He is Mr. Bikaner 2016

You also can enjoy camel ride in the center. The camels in the center are trained in various aspects.

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This one will take you to ride…. it was happy when I touched him…

There are predominantly four breeds of camel in Rajasthan… Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi Camel and Mewari Camel.  The Bikaneri camel are considered to have royal look and are heavily built. These are considered stronger. These are either black or brown in color. Jaisalmeri camel are tall with long legs. These are light brown in color. Kachchhi camel are stout and are shorter, these are also blackish or brown in color, these are considered to be dull. Mewari camel are nit shorter than Bikaneri and some of them are white in color, though mainly are brown. They are strong and heavily built.

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Female Camels are kept separately

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Male Camels also called Bull
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Jaisalmeri Camel

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Camel Milk Parlor at the center

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There is a milk parlor at the center. you can enjoy camel milk, tea and coffee made of camel milk, ice cream etc.

There is also a souvenir shop inside the campus. You can purchase souvenir, belts, purse made of camel leather ans shawls made of camel wool.

I am highly inspired by this animal and that was the reason I wrote a separate post on the same. This animal was once the lifeline of Rajasthan (Deserts) and deserves respect from all of us.