Osian

Osian, sometimes called the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan', contains a significant cluster of 8th to 12th-century Hindu and Jain temples in a small desert town, their intricate carving offering a lesser-visited counterpart to Rajasthan's more famous fort-and-palace heritage circuit. The Sachiya Mata Temple and Mahavira Jain Temple are among the most significant surviving structures, showcasing the sophisticated temple architecture that flourished in this part of Rajasthan centuries before the rise of the region's later Rajput forts.

Osian's relative obscurity compared to Rajasthan's better-known heritage sites gives it a genuinely quiet, uncrowded character, and the town's desert setting, with camel safaris available into the surrounding dunes, adds a further dimension for visitors combining ancient temple heritage with classic Thar Desert scenery.

Osian has a history stretching back more than a thousand years and was known by earlier names such as Uvasisala, Ukesa and Upkesapur-pattana. It developed as an important trading and religious centre, particularly under the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, and became a major centre of both Hinduism and Jainism.

Between the 8th and 12th centuries, numerous temples were constructed in Osian, showcasing the sophisticated architectural and sculptural traditions of medieval Rajasthan. The town was attacked by the forces of Muhammad of Ghor in 1195, after which much of the settlement declined. Several surviving temples and ruins today provide evidence of Osian's former religious and commercial importance.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, approximately 65–70 km from Osian. Taxis are available for the onward journey.

By Train: Osian Railway Station lies on the Jodhpur–Jaisalmer railway line. Jodhpur Junction, around 60–65 km away, is the nearest major railway station with wider connectivity.

By Road: Osian is well connected by road with Jodhpur and other destinations in western Rajasthan. Regular buses and taxis are available, and the journey from Jodhpur generally takes around 1–1.5 hours.