Camel Man [Vijay Guest House]

My son and I went backpacking in India for five weeks during July and August 2024. We stayed in the Vijay Camel Man Guesthouse and were treated like kings by Vijay’s son, Hitu, and his lovely family. It was the tourist off-season so we were fortunate enough to have the guesthouse to ourselves and were invited to eat in the family home. Oh my, what delicious food the family cooked for us! We learned a lot about local Bikaner delicacies. Hitu also took us on an overnight camel trek in the desert which was great fun. We slept outside under the stars and were woken at 5am by a monsoon shower, which quickly became a downpour. The staff helped us get under the shelter and we sat on charpoys drinking chai and eating breakfast, watching the light rise and an oasis appear at the bottom of the dunes, while antelopes stood solitary in the fields nearby silhouetted against the silvery rain. Magical! Thank you Hitu for a wonderful experience.

This was the best camel trekking business we could have chosen. Hitu and his family are so nice and especially as we came during monsoon season when there are no tourists. Preeti and Hitu’s mother cooked for us and treated us like we were part of the family, and the owners of the camels we rode were really chatty and overall everyone was kind. I could not recommend a better business than this for going camel trekking and i will definitely go back in the future!

We had such a wonderful time here… we stayed initially in the guest house which is very much a home from home experience… delicious breakfast everyone morning and a lovely start to the day. We then went on a camel trip for a night… the food was exceptional - unexpectedly good - this wasn’t sold as a gourmet trip but the attention to detail, especially the food was remarkable without being expensive too. We ate so well, whilst local musicians played. We slept under the stars on extremely comfortable camp beds and after breakfast, went on our 2 hour camel trek through the desert to a local village where we had chai and started to process the lovely experience we had had. We could not thank Vijay, Hitou and Preeti (and team) enough for such a wonderful experience. We hope to return one day.

Camel man is the most friendly, reliable and supportive guest house we have stayed at ever! Not only did they make our stay wonderful, but they were also very helpful when our flight was canceled and in suggesting and joining in on activities in Bikaner. During our stays in India we have never before experienced such honest, kind and service minded crew! The rooms were clean and neat, and the food was homemade, fresh and very tasty! ||We joined in for their Camel Safari, which was an extraordinary experience and the Bikaner byCycle tour. This was a great way to get closer to the every-day-life in Bikaner and to learn more about it’s history. We also celebrities Holi at Vijay’s guest house which was fun and crazy but still safe and well organized.

Vijay's guest house in Bikaner was very comfortable and welcoming. We (two couples) were there for Holi and had the most amazing fun but safe time. Excellent food, music, dancing and drinks.|My partner and I then went with Vijay on tour around Shekhawati, staying in his quiet but pleasant farmhouse in Thelasar village. Vijay drove us around the area showing us wonderful mausoleums, step wells, havelis and Tar Chappel sanctuary. He was an interesting and knowledgable guide who seemed to know everyone in the area! This experience was definitely one of the highlights of our 10 week visit to India and we would thoroughly recommend this trip round Shethawati.

Amazing stay and a nice camping trip in the desert. Vijay, his son Hitu and the whole family will make you feel completely at home. Make sure to try their delicious dinner and you can even get a free cookery class while it is made! The location is nice and quiet and right next to the fantastic Pahalwan gym which has 3 floors and a swimming pool. Thanks again Camel family! :)

Vijay and son Hiteshwar are friendly, outgoing, knowledgeable and extremely honest. Guesthouse and meals(extra charge) are excellent. Note people complain about waiting 20-30 minutes for hot water in the bath room - this is normal in India. |Birdwatching and nature are our main interests. Jorbeer Conservation Reserve - vulture sanctuary. Not to be missed. |We booked a three days/two nights jeep safari with Vijay. Extended to four days/three nights due to visit to Tal Chhapar Blackbuck Sanctuary - not to be missed to see wildlife. |Accommodation was at Vijay’s farm approx 200 kilometres from Bikaner. Our room had an ensuite bathroom. Meals served on outside verandah. |We visited havelis, old castles, forts, a magnificent Chhatri (Seth Ramgopol Poddar Chhatris), historic wells, and drove through many small villages. All of these places are not on a regular tourist path. Vijay provided historical, social and environmental background and picnic lunches when out touring. He is extremely knowledgeable. |We highly recommend services provided by Hiteshwar and Vijay.

A very enjoyable stay. Vijay and his family were very welcoming, the room was large and clean, the home - cooked meals were excellent (and ample, as the photo attached shows!). I appreciated the complimentary transfer to and from the station, and the packed lunch to take with me for my train trip when I left.