Osian Desert - Located at the eastern edge of the Thar at the distance of 65km from Jodhpur, Osian desert camps is Ideal alternative of Jaisalmer for jeep and camel safari tours in Rajasthan. In other hand Osian temples will take your back in historically journey when you enter in the courtyard of Jain temple. Osian also known as temple-town or some call it place of camel & Jeep safari since its surrounded by sand dunes, traditional villages with thached roof huts-home, camels and Chinkaras!. No doubt, this ancient desert town will surprise you to the core.
Osian is an ancient town in the Jodhpur District of Rajasthan. It is a desert oasis. Osian desert is famous for camping as well as home to the cluster of ruined Hindu and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 12th centuries, The wonderful sculptures depicting various mythological tales grab one's attention. Hence, Osian is called as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan'.
Osian’s location in Thar desert between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer makes it an ideal one or two night stop and it’s also close to Kheechan a bird sanctuary famous for winter visitors Demoiselle cranes (migratory birds). Its one of a kind sight in the world where these cranes birds get fed by local villagers and traders organization every morning in number of thousand birds in a small in-closer purposely build for birds in the center of Khichan village.| Jodhpur to Osian desert distance | 65 km. |
| Osian to Kheechan distance | 80 km |
| Bikaner to Osian distance | 190 km |
| Osian to Khimsar distance | 71 km |
| Osian to Jaisalmer distance | 250 km |
Sachiyan Matta Temple Originally built in the 8th century, the majority of the Sachiya Mata temple in Osian (Osian Matta Ji) that can be seen today dates to the 12th century A.D. Built on a hilltop, the temple receives crowds of pilgrims both Hindu and Jain during peak Hindu festivals season.
The main chamber (Grabhgrah) enshrines an idol of the presiding deity, Sachiya Matta along with images of other Hindu deities.
The carvings on the exterior of both the main temple and the peripheral shrines is simply stunning.
At Osian Mahaveera Jain temple and Sachiyan Matta hindu Goddess temple well worth visiting one or both of these temples if travelling between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur by car.
The Mahavira Jain Temple in Osian (Osiyan) is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara visited by both Jain and Hindu The sand stone built temple is an important pilgrimage of the Oswal Jain community who lives all over India. The walls and pillars of the temple display carved images of countless Gods and Goddesses, in addition to depictions of the different stages of the life of Lord Neminath (22nd Jain Tirthankara). A 32 inch high statue of Lord Mahavira in the padmasana posture is placed on a high platform made of cow milk and sandstone (by local legends). The temple is both on the other hand, is known for its spectacular and intricate marble Jain temple. The sight dates back to the 1400’s and its ornate carved pillars make it one of the world’s most impressive Jain temples.
Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari and sunset camel safari in Osian desert (Jodhpur), covering beautiful desert countryside of surrounding villages, farms and wild life of Thar desert. Open 4x4 jeeps are available and an experienced off-road pilot accompanies you during the safari trip. If you have a thirst of a longer afternoon jeep safari as part of your day trip from Jodhpur to Osian desert. Best time for jeep safari is November to February (Morning safari time from 09:00am to 11:00am and Afternoon safari time from 04:00pm to 06:00pm) one can cover distance of 10 km – 15km by camel and 20km to 35km by jeep stopping a lunch/tea break at local tea shop or at a village huts home.
The arid countryside of Osian desert is a real ‘gem’ of an experience in Thar desert near Jodhpur for a day or two to explore the authentic village life. Take a sort village walk or a day camel trek with a member of HACRA team, which is a wonderful way to understand the life of the desert people that live around Osian. End with a climb up to highest sandy hill known as ‘’Zero point” that overlooks the vast surrounding desert rural area and farms. This is an extraordinary view at sunset time.
Tucked away in rural Rajasthan’s desert landscape tented resort camp in Osian sits on a local farm 1hour and half road trip( 65km) from Jodhpur, Osian desert camp has turned from luxury tent stay into a small boutique desert resort, your serene escape from India’s bustling tourist trail. Occupying two wings: one royal way, the other contemporary, each of the 08 ‘Swiss cottage’ tents has been individually decorated. The bed rooms showcase large comfortable bed with permanent mosquito net and the floor is awash with marble and fine filigrees in local designs; all are furnished with the owners’ collection of camping in style. Each tent have in suite washroom and sit out verandas and large open space to feel the fresh desert wind and nights sky with shooting stars! are ample reason to stay put,
The Desert Eco-Lodge : For those clients who want to get away from it all and experience something unique, rustic and authentic village life and wild life from close proximity but with responsible manner.
We invite you to HACRA Dhani A stay on our desert farm in private huts home built in truly local style with thatched roof, occupying only 05 huts (Jhumpas) including one purposely built cottage for family stay, each of the 05 rustic huts has been individually decorated with local earth colour painting on outer walls and with local textiles indoor.
Situated further afield 18km from Osian in the desert bush, 05km off the main high-way that goes Osian to Kheechan, Phalodi and to Jaisalmer. at the edge of Thar desert, on a relatively high sandy hill and beside a community nature reserve, serene escape from the 'hustle and bustle' of the busy Indian cities and away from crowds of touristic resorts.
The bed rooms showcase comfortable twin bed with floor is awash with locally woven camel hair+ cotton carpet and fine filigrees in local designs; all are furnished with the owners’ traditional collection of rustic experience with little comfort. Each pair of Jhumpas (huts) has its private terrace to sit out in open to get pleasant sunlight in winter days and enjoy sky full of stars! at night some nature lovers and travellers who practice daily Yoga found this place a perfect rustic retreat in desert.
and consider staying a few nights in your own hut on our private desert home-stay, where there are literally peacocks, gazelles outside your door. but the best of rural Rajasthan is easily explored from here, including old-historical temples and step well, freely grazing camels, field full of millet crops and tiny villages of thatched roof huts. photo related to above text
Hans Overeem & Yvette Seppenwoolde, Netherland
Thank you so much for making our stay so interesting and enjoyable. you made a fantastic birthday party for Sarah. We will never forget sitting around the fire under the stars listening to the enchanting music of Rajasthan.
John & Sarah, Bristol, England
We enjoyed every moment of all the time we spent with you and your family. This was the real Rajasthan that we Marwaris had wanted to see for a very long time. The warmth and APNAPAN you showed us by having us as a guest in your house, was really special to us and we would cherish these moments and memories for all our lives. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.
Divya & Chanchal Agarwal, Banglore, India
Thank you for all the kindness, good food and a lot of stories that give more insight and understanding of life and history in India. Exploring ancient 8th-century temple at Osian with expansive views of the mighty Thar desert. We love the quietness and peace if the desert an unforgettable experience.