Nidhi
Anvi Staff answered 3 years ago
The nearest desert camping destination to Jodhpur is Osian. Desert Safari Camps at Osian sand dunes are located just 60 Kms from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Osian, is known for stunning desert landscape, beautiful sunsets and ancient temples.
It is a small rustic town stuck in time. Once a prominent silk route trade center and center for art and culture, Osian met destruction from the invading muslim armies. The population was to flee Osian and settle elsewhere. In time, the fragrance of faith and charm of the land brought back its people. Today, Osian is known as the gateway to the Thar Desert where Desert Safari Camps offer Luxury Tents and Deluxe AC Rooms furnished with all the modern amenities and facilities.
It is one of the top travel destinations in Rajasthan after Jaisalmer for people looking for desert camping vacation. What makes it popular is its accessibility. Jodhpur by road is 1 hour drive. So, if you are staying at Jodhpur and want a day out at Osian, it is convenient. Osian has its own railway station which connects it with all major cities. An overnight journey brings you straight to Osian – ready for an experience of a lifetime. Furthermore, roads are amazing and smooth, so, if you love to drive, road to Osian will bring a smile to your face.
Go, explore the desert landscape with camel safari and jeep Safari. Enjoy traditional rajasthani folk music & dance program in the evenings and savor the mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine. Create rich and memorable holiday experience with tours of ancient temples, Katan Baori Step Well and Khichan Bird Sanctuary.
Katan Baori Stepwell is an ancient stepwell and probably the earliest symbol of woman empowerment in the world. The story goes that due to water shortage in Osian, the women folk were forced to travel a few kms on foot everyday to fetch water for home. They asked the men to get a well built, but the men refused, saying that it required a lot of money. The ladies then, decided to fund it themselves. They started weaving and sold merchandise to merchants on silk route. The work on Katan Baori started in this way, however, it could not be completed as the muslim armies invaded the region destroying much.
Ancient Temples – Osian has some of the most beautiful temples – of what ever was left after the invasion and these temples are truly amazing. Hari Hara temples have beautifully intricate carvings and statues carved everywhere. The Jain Oswal temple is beautifully preserved and enchants everyone who visits it. There is Osian Mata Temple and others nearby which are worth a visit.
Khichan Bird Sanctuary is located some 50 Kms from Osian. It is a place visited by thousands of migrating Demoiselle Cranes during winter months in India. Khichan is but a small village, made world famous because of this. It has an amazing story – how these birds first came there and how their numbers grew over time. It is a love story between a man and these birds. The prominent place here is the Chuga Ghar, where the birds visit early morning between 7am and 8 am for feeding. They fly in groups, waves upon waves as the sky is full of them. They circle, wait for their turn and come to feed. After feeding they fly of to lakes and water bodies nearby. Watching these birds – in thousands from just a few meters away is a spell binding experience.
PVC Major Shaitan Singh Memorial – This small monument is dedicated to Major Shaitan Singh (in rajasthani the name sounds – Haitan Hingh), who lead a small group of soldiers in 1962 indo china war and defended Indian post from scores of invading Chinese soldiers. Overwhelmingly outnumbered and with little ammunition to counter such a large attack, he displayed exceptional courage and valor by motivating his fellow soldiers who gave a huge toll to the chinese army, before getting killed in action. The shock they sent across chinese army halted their progress and kept India safe. He and his fellow soldiers received Param Vir Chakra for the sacrifice.
Osian is not just a travel destination, it is an experience. Keep your camera handy for there is much to capture, go birding in the morning, listen to rajasthani folk music, meet the locals, try the street food, watch the amazing sunsets and the star studded sky looking back at you. Relax in the moment and discover a whole new world around you on your trip to Osian.
Here is the list of Top 5 Desert Camps ard Resorts in Osian which offer desert camping and activities to create a rich memorable holiday experience. Visit their website or give them a call to book your perfect desert vacation.
Osian Sand Dunes Camps & Resort
Website: https://www.osianresortcamps.com/
Reggie’s Camel Camp Osian
Website: https://www.reggiescamelcamposian.com/
Safari Camp Osian
Website: https://safaricamposian.in/
Camp Thar
Address: Pratap Nagar Road, Jodhpur District, Osian, Rajasthan 342303
Rohida Camp Osian
Website: https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/rohida-camp-osian.html
The details for the camps can be checked on their respective websites.