Unbelievable Pooja Desert Camp: Jaisalmer's BEST Kept Secret!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the sandy wonderland that is Unbelievable Pooja Desert Camp: Jaisalmer's BEST Kept Secret! And I mean dive. Forget the brochure, forget the polished PR – this is the raw, unfiltered truth from a traveler who's been there, done that, and probably still has sand in their shoes.
First Impressions: Okay, maybe not so "Unbelievable" upon arrival… or are they?
Right, so the name. "Unbelievable Pooja Desert Camp." High expectations, right? Frankly, when I pulled up (and I'll get to the how later, because that's a whole saga), I was like, "Hm, okay. A desert camp." It looked like a desert camp. Tents, dunes… the usual. No flying carpets, no genies (disappointing, I admit). But the thing about Jaisalmer, and about this camp specifically, is that the magic slowly, subtly creeps in. It's like a good curry – takes time to build the flavour, and then BAM! You're hooked.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But They're Trying (and That Matters)
Okay, let's be real. This is the desert. In a place like this, wheelchair accessibility is… a challenge. While they say "Facilities for disabled guests," remember, this is India. Be prepared for some… interpretations of accessibility. Getting around the camp itself would be tough with a wheelchair. However, they do have an elevator.
Getting There & Away: A Desert Marathon!
Okay, the airport transfer… that's a well-oiled machine. They were waiting, which is always a good start. They have Airport transfer, Car park (free of charge), Car park (on-site), Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking. The real adventure starts when you get closer to the camp. The last stretch is a bumpy off-road ride, and let me tell you, I was praying my fillings stayed inside. (Pro-tip: Take Gravol. Seriously.)
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink) - My Stomach's Guide to Paradise
This is where Unbelievable Pooja truly shines. I'm a foodie; I live to eat. And let me tell you, the food here is an experience. Forget bland hotel buffet fare. This is authentic Rajasthani cuisine, bursting with flavour.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Extravaganza: The camp offers everything from A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant,
- The Restaurant Magic: The restaurant itself is stunning – open-air, with a view of the dunes. They have a poolside bar. I spent countless hours there – sipping my coffee or beer and watching the sunset.
- The Breakfast Revelation!: The Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight. Seriously, this is not your average continental spread. Think fresh parathas, spicy curries, and the most amazing chai I've ever tasted.
- The Dinner Dilemma: Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, options that will greatly impress you.
Wellness & Relaxation: Sand Therapy, Anyone?
Right, so I'm not usually a spa person. But when you're in the desert, sometimes you just gotta indulge.
- The Pool with view is an absolute must. Lounging by the pool, drink in hand, watching the sunset over the dunes… pure bliss.
- They have a Sauna and Steamroom too.
- Didn't feel the need for a Gym/fitness.
- It's a great way to relax through Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized, Safe, and Somewhat Sterile (but in a Good Way!)
Okay, so this is a big one. Post-pandemic, we're all a bit obsessed with cleanliness. And Unbelievable Pooja gets it.
- All the Sanitizing!: They're all over it. Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer.
- Staff Training: The staff wear masks, and they're clearly trained in safety protocols. It's reassuring.
- The Kitchen: Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup.
Rooms & Amenities: Luxury Under Canvas (Mostly)
The tents are where the "unbelievable" part really comes in. Forget roughing it!
- Room Features: The Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- The Bed: The bed was divine. Honestly, I slept like a baby.
Service & Convenience: They Really Do Care
The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. They go the extra mile.
For the Kids (or the Inner Kid in You)
I don't have kids, but I saw families there having an absolute blast. They had Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, that can be used.
Things To Do (Beyond Sunbathing):
- Camel Safari: Yes, it's touristy. But it's also awesome. The sunset over the dunes from the back of a camel? Unforgettable.
- Cultural Evening: They organize traditional Rajasthani dance and music performances. It's loud, colourful, and a lot of fun.
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort: Go see the fort!
My Takeaway: It's More Than Just a Desert Camp, It's an Experience
Look, Unbelievable Pooja Desert Camp isn't perfect. No place is. But it's got heart. It's got character. And it's got the kind of magic that creeps up on you and whispers, "You're in paradise."
My Booking Offer: Book Now, Get a Free Camel Ride & a Sunset Cocktail!
Okay, here's the kicker. Seriously, don't sleep on this place. Book your stay at Unbelievable Pooja Desert Camp within the next two weeks, and you'll get a FREE camel ride and a sunset cocktail at the pool bar! Just mention the code "SANDMAGIC" when booking.
Don't wait. The desert is calling… what are you waiting for?
Escape to Paradise: Sana Vie Villa Seminyak - Your Bali Dream Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your beige-on-beige, perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is me, getting absolutely sandblasted with the Jaisalmer sun, while trying not to spontaneously combust from sheer beauty. Welcome to the Pooja Desert Camp & Resort itinerary, with a side of existential dread and questionable life choices.
Day 1: Arrival… and the Glorious Sand of Existential Dread
- 14:00 - 15:00: Landfall! (Okay, "landfall" makes it sound like I'm Columbus. More like, awkwardly disembark from a very rickety taxi after a long-ass train ride from… well, who cares? I'm here!) The reception at Pooja Camp is this charming chaos – dusty, slightly disheveled, but with these incredible smiles that immediately melt away the grumpiness of travel. Checking in is easy.
- Quirky Observation: The welcome drink is a vibrant mango lassi. Seriously, it's practically the color of the sunset. It's also HUGE. Am I supposed to drink an entire pitcher? Do I want to drink an entire pitcher? Yes. The answer is always yes.
- 15:00 - 16:00: Room Reconnaissance and the "Did I Pack Enough Sunscreen?" Panic. My tent (it's glamping, fancy that) is surprisingly spacious, almost too spacious. I have this gorgeous, draped bed and a tiny washroom. The real question is how much sunscreen did I pack? A quick inventory reveals…not nearly enough. Ugh. Rookie mistake.
- Emotional Reaction: The sheer vastness of the desert, visible from my "room," is overwhelming. There's a weird mix of awe and panic. This is it. Absolutely, I am in the middle of nowhere.
- 16:00 - 17:30: Camel Safari (Or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Humps"). This is the main event. And, man, it was… something. This, folks, is where the 'real' trip begins. I’m pretty sure I was riding a camel that has a personal vendetta against me. It swayed, it groaned, and for a moment, I got the feeling it would gladly throw me off, straight into a sand dune. I was screaming to myself "Get off! You can't handle it!" But it was also magnificent.
- Messier Structure: The camel ride was probably the absolute best part. I’m still not entirely sure why, maybe it was the vastness of the desert.
- Opinionated Language: Honestly, I was terrified, but the views! The wind in my hair! The feeling of being utterly and completely insignificant in the face of a massive desert! It was truly a unique experience.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Sunset… and the Descent into Bedouin Bliss. The sunset. Oh. My. God. I took a thousand pictures. I'm not even kidding. The sky exploded in fiery hues of orange, pink, and purple. It looked like something the gods themselves were painting. The campsite quickly felt like a cozy little cave, after the hot sun-scorched desert. We huddled around a bonfire, a vast expanse of stars above us.
- Anecdote: We had this amazing storyteller who brought alive the desert with his tales of romance and conquest of the kings. He was this tiny guy with a voice like a rusty violin, and he practically embodied the desert. At one point, he told a joke about a camel. I didn't understand it. Laughed anyway.
- 20:00 - 21:00: Dinner Delight? Maybe… Dinner was a buffet situation. It was delicious, but I was also so exhausted from the day's sun and emotional rollercoaster that I barely remember what I ate. I know there was a lovely dal makhani. Good lord, if I could bring that back to be home, I would.
- Imperfection: I got into a minor argument with a mosquito that was determined to make me its midnight snack. That mosquito won.
- 21:00 Onwards: Stargazing and Sudden Existential Crisis. The stars. Holy crap, the stars. I’ve never seen anything like it. They were so bright, so clear, it's like you could reach out and touch them. It made me feel absurdly small, which, I guess, is what the desert is all about. The thought of everything, the universe, being so large overwhelmed me. I think I want to go home now, but then I am reminded of the sand.
Day 2: Desert Awakening and the Quest for Shade.
- 07:00 - 08:00: Sunrise (Or, "Why Did I Think This Was a Good Idea?") Sunrise. Again, a visual spectacle. Beautiful as hell, but you have to decide whether waking up EARLY is worth it.
- Opinionated Language: My sleep was disrupted all night, by my mind racing and thoughts. That, and the fact that the desert gets freezing cold at night.
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast – The Carb Coma Cometh. Breakfast buffet – a much-needed carb-loading session after yesterday's emotional marathon.
- Rambling: Today, I got to eat some of the best paratha in the world. I sat outside, watching the desert sunrise, which was a beautiful sight.
- 09:00 - 12:00: Jeep Safari – The Sandstorm Tango. Off-roading in a jeep – faster and more thrilling than the camel ride, I think. The wind in my hair, the sand blasting against my face… I actually loved it.
- Doubling Down on Experience: We went fast. Really fast. I swear I saw my life flash before my eyes. And then, in the middle of nowhere our jeep got stuck in the sand. We all began to laugh: it felt like the only thing you could do.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch and the Sunburn Struggle. Lunch at the camp – delicious, but I was starting to resemble a lobster. Need. More. Sunscreen.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm covered in sand, sunburnt, and probably haven't showered in like… ever. But this is incredible.
- 13:00 - 17:00: Leisure Time, Desert Meditation and Deep Thought. I spent the afternoon hiding in the shade, reading a book. It was actually a perfect day.
- 17:00 - 18:00: High Tea – And a Brief Reunion with the Mosquito. High tea – delicious. I have to admit, I got a little too comfy and then the mosquito made a comeback. I lost.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Cultural Program – Dance, Music, and a Whole Lotta Enthusiasm. Traditional dancing and music. I loved it. The energy was infectious.
- 20:00 - 21:00: Dinner – Repeated, But Still Awesome.
- 21:00 - 22:00: A Final Stargazing Session – Goodbye, Desert! A last look at the stars. A bittersweet feeling. I’m ready to leave. But a part of me will always remember this chaotic, beautiful corner of the world.
Day 3: Departure… and the Promise of a Shower!
- 08:00: Breakfast – A Final Farewell to the Buffet.
- 09:00: Pack, check out, and the long ride out of town.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was hot, dirty, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable. Pooja Desert Camp & Resort is certainly not perfect, but it’s got heart and authenticity. It's a place that sticks with you. And yes, I'm still contemplating the existential implications of the desert. And, for the love of all that is holy, next time, I'm bringing enough sunscreen.
Escape to Paradise: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge & Oudtshoorn's Luxury Hotel Awaits
Okay, seriously... Is this place *actually* a secret? Because "best-kept" usually means, like, everyone knows about it.
Alright, alright, you got me. "Secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. But trust me, compared to the heaving masses of some of the more... *ahem*... aggressively advertised camps, Pooja's is still a haven. We're talking more chilled-out vibes, fewer selfie sticks, and more actual stargazing (without the constant flash of your neighbor's phone). Think of it like finding a hidden speakeasy in a city overrun with flashy cocktail bars. You *know* you're in the right place when you stumble upon it.
What *actually* makes it "unbelievable"? I've seen the Instagram pics, and they all look the same.
Ha! Instagram. The great pretender. Look, the pictures *are* pretty, don't get me wrong. But the *unbelievable* part? That's in the feeling. It's the absolute, utter silence of the desert at night, broken only by the crackling fire and the stories the guides tell. It's the unexpected warmth of the staff (they are GENUINE). It's the fact that the food is *insanely* good – and I’m saying this as someone who normally survives on takeout. Then there's that one time, I was certain I would get the worst sandstorm of my life, the feeling of abject terror but also *stunning* beauty. The wind screaming, the sand stinging...and then, *peace* suddenly. The sky went orange, electric orange, and the wind died. The view… unreal! The memory of it still gives me goosebumps!
Let's talk "the basics." Tented or hut situation? Air con or...not?
Tented. Glamorous, spacious tents. Think of them like luxury camping… but without the actual *camping* part. You know, the struggling with poles, the questionable groundsheets, the cold. These are proper tents, with proper everything. Beds with actual mattresses, proper bathrooms (with running water!), and even… *ahem*… air conditioning. Yes, folks. In the desert! Now, don't get your hopes up for a palace, it's not the Four Seasons, but it's comfortable. You can actually sleep through the night without feeling like you're roasting on a spit.
What's the deal with the camel rides? Are they… touristy?
Okay, full disclosure: I *hate* the idea of anything too touristy. But, the camel ride? Surprisingly, not awful. Yes, it's touristy, sure, but it's also… well, pretty darn cool. You feel like you're in a movie (Lawrence of Arabia, anyone?). Plus, the camels are pretty chill (and much less likely to bite you than a grumpy donkey). They're well looked after and not forced to work like some others. They are kind of cute. Now, the "camel *safari*," on the other hand… that can get a little long and a little... *sore*. But the basic ride? Do it. Just embrace the cliché.
The food. Tell me *everything* about the food! My stomach's already rumbling.
Oh. My. God. The food. It’s a *culinary adventure*. I’m being serious. Forget whatever preconceived notions you have about “camp food.” This is a feast. Dhal, curries, tandoori chicken that melts in your mouth, roti baked right in front of you… and the breakfasts! Fresh parathas, crispy aloo parathas, yoghurt… I swear, I gained five pounds in two days. I actually *dream* about the food. I started a food diary so that I could remember everything. It's *that* good. Just be prepared to loosen your belt a notch... or two.
What's the vibe like? Are we talking loud tourists, non-stop Bollywood music, and a forced "fun" experience?
Thank. God. No. Pooja’s, THANK GOD, understands the value of genuine hospitality. It’s more about relaxed communal eating. No forced smiles, no cheesy dance routines. They're attentive, but not overbearing. The entertainment is subtle – traditional music and dance, but without the aggressive sales pitch. You're free to chill, read a book, soak up the peace, and actually *connect* with the place. If you *want* to party, you can, but it's not the primary agenda. The main agenda? Actually enjoying the desert. It's rare these days. I think the staff’s passion for their home really shines through.
Any downsides? (Come on, there *has* to be something!)
Okay, okay, you got me. It's not all perfect rainbows and unicorns (though it’s close!).
- The wi-fi can be… patchy. Embrace the digital detox and actually *look* at the landscape.
- The sand *gets everywhere*. Be prepared to find it in your shoes, in your hair, probably in your soul after a while.
- It can get *cold* at night, so pack warm layers. I didn't, and I ended up borrowing a blanket the size of a small building. Mortifying.
Would you go back? And with whom?
Without a doubt. I've already started nagging my friends to get ready for *another* trip. I'd take anyone who appreciates natural beauty, genuinely good food, and the ability to just *be*. Someone who doesn’t need constant entertainment. Someone who can appreciate the magic of a desert. I would go back with my grandma, my grumpy uncle, my super high-maintenance friend, and even my ex-boyfriend. They all can appreciate the simple joys in life that this place offers. Seriously. Go. Just go. You won't regret it.
