Full day excursion to Osian

Full day excursion to Osian

On a full day excursion, you will be driven 65 kilometres north of Jodhpur for an excursion to the ancient Thar Desert town of Osian. A private vehicle with professional guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you through the countryside to reach Osian known as Ukeshpur in ancient times. The town was a Brahmanical centre and later, Jainism also flourished here as it is evident from the remnants of medieval temples. Visit the ancient temples and enjoy an authentic Indian lunch in a local restaurant. Later, ride atop the ‘ship of the desert’ – a Camel, through the vibrant and hospitable desert villages. Return to your hotel in Jodhpur city.

In the morning, you will proceed for a full day excursion to Osian from Jodhpur.  A guide will take you through the history of Osian which was a great trading centre between the 8th and 12th centuries when it was dominated by the Jains. Surrounded by sand dunes, this ancient town contains the largest group of 8th – 10th century Hindu and Jain Temples in Rajasthan. The wealth of Osian's medieval inhabitants allowed them to build lavish and exquisitely sculptured temples, most of which have withstood the ravages of time. The sculptural details of the temples rival those of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka and the Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa.

Of these temples the most notable are the Sun Temple, the Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira. A small village today, Osian was once a large and prosperous city; so large in fact, that it once had its grain market in the town. After a visit to the temples, enjoy an Indian lunch in a local restaurant. Continue on a Camel Safari, one of the most exciting and unique ways to explore the quaint hamlets of Rajasthan and to get a glimpse of its rural life.

 

Later, you will return to Jodhpur and transferred to your Jodhpur city hotel.