Rajasthan is not only about forts, palaces and tigers, but there is a lot to see in its desert and villages, further afield amongst spellbinding indigenous desert scrub, where camels and chinkaras roam wild and free, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic local desert communities, HACRA Dhani Osian is an ideal earth-friendly village homestay in desert countryside located 18km from Osiyan train station and with in driving distance of 85km from Jodhpur airport. It's becoming known as responsible tourism model of rural Rajasthan.
The Jhumpa (Traditional style of desert huts) at HACRA Dhani is the go to destinations for travellers looking to explore the Rajasthan’s rich rural culture and desert lifestyle. I should make it clear that it's not a luxurious homestay, the huts and beds are comfortable, and there is a bathroom block for guests, but HACRA Dhani does not have 24hrs running water and electricity. Like many villages in rural Rajasthan access to water and electricity are still a challenge. Water is pumped from deep underground, the pumps have to reach deeper every single year due to years of poor monsoon and water poverty in many parts of India, This is particularly the case in Rajasthan's desert region.
Reduce your carbon footprint on a leisurely walk in desert countryside of Jodhpur to experience authentic rural lifestyle, living in ‘The Jhumpa’ round thatched huts, floor plaster made of sand-stone, mud-straw and cow dung, travelers will get chance to satisfy their curiosity about how daily life goes, local farming, rural culture, traditions and flora-fauna of Thar desert.
The desert region close to Jodhpur is densely populated arid landscape dotted with hamlets of huts and sandstone houses, green millet fields during monsoon time(July to Sept.), domestic animals (sheep, goats, cows and camels).
Experience Up-close desert nature & wildlife such as antelopes, blue bulls and desert foxes, bird watchers found an interesting variety of bird species in this part of thar desert, including green bee-eater, bulbul, grey shrike, spotted owlet, partridge, purple sunbird and of course dancing peacock in the wild. So we says welcome to our Living Desert!
This whole experience gives one opportunity to interact with local people, learn about desert nature/wildlife and local way of life. Activity to choose from or experiences all on offer: Sunset or Sunrise Desert Nature Walks, Camel Ride, Jeep Trip and Experience Local Community Life.
The Jhumpa 'Traditional huts' accommodation is a simple local style and back to basics traditional desert homestay in rural Jodhpur located on a relatively high semi-deserted hill from where one can enjoy the surrounding desert view, sunset and sunrise.
Your stay in ‘Jhumpa’ huts at HACRA Dhani allow you to get to know how these sustainable home are build, local meals are prepared using very local specialities of beans/pods collected from desert trees and other homemade food varieties from millet, milk and yoghurt (all locally produced).
Photo ideas for your experiential rural stay in Rajasthan's Thar desert.
Celine Delmotte, Germany
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. We love the quietness and peace if the desert an unforgettable experience.
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
Enjoy the quiet of the countryside after days in busy cities. Between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, a few km away from Osiyan, simple but marvelous and rich surroundings, full of wild birds, antelopes, peacocks and camels. ...setting sun from the top of the dune. sky full of stars just by peeking the nose out of our comfortable hut... We highly recommend this experience if you come in the surroundings from Jodhpur