Location : Osian is situated 65 km to the north west of Jodhpur. History : Osian, known as Ukeshpur in ancient times, is a land of temples. The Oswals trace their origin from this palace. Main Attractions : Osian is a major site, containing monuments spanning five centuries of artistic evolution. There are several beautiful temples and shrines, oldest amongst them being the Sun temple. The doorway to this temple is one of the finest to be seen anywhere in India. A unique features of these temples is that most of them face the west.
Temple Complex, Osian
Balsamand Lake & Garden:
5 kms away, lies a pretty lake with a pleasure or summer palace on its banks. Thses are built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159 A.D. The gardens were developed later.
Balsamand Lake
Mandore :
8 kms from Jodhpur lies the ancient capital of Marwar. It contains the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers and sixteen figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular folk deities. This area is surrounded by a landscape garden with high rock terraces. An ideal picnic spot.
Cenotaphs, Mandore
Lesser Known Destinations around Jaisalmer
Ludurva:
Ludurva is about 16 kms northwest of Jaisalmer. It is a town of a great antiquity. The exquisite carvings and other remains of ancient monuments provide a slimpse of Lodurva's glorious past.
Wood Fossil Park, Aakal
17 kms The fossils at the Park, 180 million years old, stand witness to the geological cataclysms that have taken place in the Thar desert. Timings : 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ornately Carved gateway
Desert national Park:
45 kms The Desert National Park, with its rolling landscape of sand dunes and scrub-covered hills commands a panoramic view. The variety of wild life here includes the Great Indian Bustered, Chinkara, Desert Fox etc.
Chinkara at Desert National Park
Lesser Known Destinations around Bikaner
Kolayat :
Location : Kolayat is situated 45 kms southwest of Bikaner. History : Kolayat is known far and wide for its holy tank and it is a convergence point for pilgrims from all over the country. Another important feature of Kolayat is the annual fair held during Oct. - Nov. (full moon of the Kartik month) which attracts lakhs of pilgrims and tourists.
Boating in Lake at Kolayat
Devi Kund: 9 KMS From Bikaner is a royal crematorium with several cenotaphs. Many decorated chhatris have been built in memory of the rulers.
Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary : This sanctuary 32 kms away is located on the Jaisalmer road. The woods have a number of nilgai or the blue bull, wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse.
Cenotaphs at Devi Kund, Bikaner
Hanumangarh: Situated on the banks of the river Ghaggar. The Bhatner Fort is very old and has a long and glorious history.
Kalibanga :
Extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations have been fund at this place in Hanumangarh district. This makes it an area of immense interest to archeology enthusiasts, and those interested in the evolution of human civilisation.
