When in Rajasthan, the desire to visit the desert, to witness the ethereal sand dunes can rarely be eluded. And when one thinks of deserts in India, the first name that pops up is Jaisalmer. The sand dunes of Jaisalmer are certainly a sight to the eyes and worth the visit. However, there is one other place, lesser-known and lesser-tread-on than Jaisalmer but can do justice when it comes to quenching one’s desire for a desert experience. And that place is Osian.
History And Culture Of Osian
Osian, situated near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, has a rich history and cultural heritage. It was an important trading center during ancient times, serving as a stop on the Silk Route. Here are some key aspects of Osian’s history and culture:
1. **Ancient Temples:** Osian is renowned for its ancient temples, most of which date back to the 8th to 11th centuries. These temples showcase intricate architectural styles, with detailed carvings depicting various mythological themes.
2. **Jain Temples:** Many of the temples in Osian are dedicated to the Jain community. The Sachiya Mata Temple and the Mahavira Temple are notable Jain temples, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.
3. **Silk Route Connection:** Osian was an important trading post on the Silk Route, connecting India with other parts of Asia. This contributed to the village’s prosperity and cultural exchange.
4. **Cultural Festivals:** Osian hosts cultural festivals, where traditional music and dance performances take place. These events offer a glimpse into the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.
5. **Architectural Marvels:** The temples in Osian exhibit remarkable architecture, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and distinctive elements of the Solanki style. The Harihara Temple, Sun Temple, and Kali Temple are some of the notable structures.
6. **Local Traditions:** The village still holds on to its traditional lifestyle, and you can experience the warmth of Rajasthani hospitality. The locals often engage in traditional crafts, such as pottery and weaving.Visiting Osian provides an opportunity to explore the historical and cultural richness of this ancient village, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
How To Travel To Osian?
Osian is a desert town in Rajasthan and about 1.5 hrs from the city of Jodhpur. The proximity to Jodhpur is what makes it special. Here are the different ways you can reach this town:
Getting To Osian By Air
Being a small town, Osian doesn’t have an airport of its own, so you’ll have to fly to Jodhpur Airport, which is about 65 km away. You can then get a cab from the airport to Osian.
Getting To Osian By Train
Osian has decent rail connectivity with major cities including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Delhi, and Mumbai.
Getting To Osian By Road
Osian is well-connected to nearby major cities. You can easily get buses and cabs to get around.
Best Time To Visit Osian
The best time would be the winters, of course. Late October to Early March is when desert experiences are the most enjoyable. Considering Osian is in the Thar Desert, summers can get unbearably hot. Although it does not rain too much, the monsoons do bring out breeds of insects in the desert. So avoid overnight stays during the monsoon as the experience would not be as satisfying.
Also, arriving in October could mean that you can also witness the Marwar Festival in the nearby Jodhpur.
You can either visit Osian as a day trip from Jodhpur or spend overnight at a tented accommodation in the desert. But if you prefer a rural experience, then another option is to base your Jodhpur journey in Osian and visit the sights in Jodhpur as a day trip.
