When in Rajasthan, it's hard to avoid having the want to travel to the desert and see the amazing sand dunes. Jaisalmer is the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of India's deserts. The Jaisalmer sand dunes are undoubtedly beautiful and well worth the trip. However, there is another location that is less well-known and less travelled than Jaisalmer but might satisfy one's thirst for a desert experience. Osian is that location.
If you are in Jodhpur and want to desert safari then you can visit Osian, To visit Osian you can hire Jodhpur to Osian taxi service from Royal Rajasthan.
Osian Culture and History
Osian's biggest sorrow may be that despite being a town with a long history, most tourists don't appear to know it even exists.
Osian was a halting point on the silk road under the Gupta Dynasty's rule, despite the fact that it is now a small town. Osian also served as the Marwar kingdom's capital during its height. You now know that this town is somewhat significant!
Osian previously had a large Hindu population but starting in the ninth century, the city began to become more and more Jain. The various temples and ruins scattered around Osian serve as proof of this.
Because of the exquisite architecture and carvings on the Sun Temple in Osian, Rajasthan is also known as the "Khajuraho of Rajasthan," which you may find interesting. This desert village is the place to come if you enjoy mediaeval temples and architecture.
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How Can You Get To Osian?
Osian, a town in Rajasthan's desert, is located roughly 1.5 hours from Jodhpur. What makes it unique is how close it is to Jodhpur. Here are the several ways to go to this town:
Air Travel to Osian
Since Osian is a small town without its own airport, you will need to fly to Jodhpur Airport, which is 65 kilometres away. After that, you can take a taxi from the airport to Osian.
Taking the Train to Osian
Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Delhi, and Mumbai are just a few of the main cities with reasonable train connections to Osian.
How to Drive to Osian
Major adjacent cities are well-connected to Osian. To move around, buses and cabs are readily available.
Also read: Sam Sand Dunes Jaisalmer | Local Tourist Guide
Best Time to Visit Osian
Winters would obviously be the best season. The best time to visit the desert is from late October to early March. Osian is located in the Thar Desert, where summers may be quite hot. Even though it doesn't rain much, the monsoons do cause new bug species to emerge in the desert. Therefore, steer away from overnight stays during the monsoon as they won't be as enjoyable.
Arriving in October may also allow you to experience the Marwar Festival in nearby Jodhpur.
You have the option of visiting Osian as a day trip from Jodhpur or staying overnight in a tent in the desert. However, if you'd rather experience country life, another choice is to start your trip to Jodhpur in Osian and make a day trip to the city's attractions.
Things to Do In Osian
Camel Camp Reggie
The most well-known provider of desert adventure tours in Osian is Reggie's Camel Camp. You can reserve a private safari and camp stay, a one-night desert excursion, or a sunset camel ride with evening snacks or dinner. If you stayed at Reggie's, you wouldn't have to sacrifice comfort for a desert lifestyle!
Explore The Temples
Osian has long been a place of worship for Hindus and Jains, as evidenced by the abundance of temples there. The Sun Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple, and Mahavira Temple are three of them that stand out in particular. You will undoubtedly be fascinated by the temples' unusual and exquisite construction!
Osian is undoubtedly worthwhile to visit despite being somewhat unknown. The best way of transportation is to rent a private vehicle. If Jaisalmer is not on your itinerary while you are in Jodhpur, go to Osian by hiring Jodhpur to Osian taxi instead to discover the wonder of the desert!
Also read: Interesting Facts of Jaipur | Amazing Facts In Jaipur
