Jodhpur To Jaisalmer

If you want to go to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur, the most convenient and the shortest route would be the one going via Agolai from the south. But you would not regret your decision if you take a less common northern route to reach Jaisalmer, after taking short trips to the temples of Osiyan and the pilgrimage destination Ramdevra, that lie close to this route.

Osiyan:
At a distance of 65 km from Jodhpur, almost midway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, is an ancient town called Osiyan which is dotted with several Jain and Hindu temples, built between 8th and the 15th century, during which Osiyan Jains, eminent merchants, used to inhabit the place. At that time, it was also a significant trade town lying on the trade route.

The main attractions of the place are the temples, most of which have well preserved sculptures and carvings. The most visited temple is Mahavira Temple, where the last Jain tirthankar Lord Mahavira is worshiped. His gold plated idol is kept in the central sanctum and is said to be more than 2000 years old. The domes of this spacious temple possess carved images of celestial maidens called apsaras. Apart from Jain temples, there are also Hindu temples that are devoted to Hindu deities Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Lakshmi and the Sun God. The Sachiya Mata Temple is the most prominent of them.

Getting There & Away:
A bus from Jodhpur will take around 3 ½ hours to reach Khichan. From Khichan, you will get buses for Phalodi too, which will be a 2 hour journey. The place is also connected to Jodhpur by a train which will take 1 ½ hours. A taxi journey will cost you Rs 600 approx.

Khichan:
Khichan is a bird watcher's paradise, situated close to Phalodi that lies 135 km from Jodhpur. In the winter months, the town gets ready to play host to their loved visitors, the Demoiselle Cranes, from Mongolia and Europe. Earlier their number was quite less, but now their count reaches around 6000 owing to the love and care shown by the locals who regularly feed and play with the cranes. They make group formations in the sky with a female leader showing them the way. It is a perfect destination for a bird watching vacation.

Getting There & Away:
Regular buses from Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner are available for Khichan. A 2 ½ hour train journey will make you reach Jaisalmer from Phalodi.

Ramdevra:
Ramdevra is a small quiet town of the desert, which is primely known as the village of Baba Ramdev, a saint who took samadhi in 1458. He was known to have supernatural powers that were also tested by five saints from Mecca. The saints named him Ram Shah Pir after being convinced that Baba Ramdev was godsent. A temple of Baba Ramdev was built near his Samadhi by the king of Bikaner in 1931. The Ramsar Tank built by the saint himself is also situated here, and lying close is the Parcha Baori, a step well.

A swarm of devotees comes to this pilgrimage spot, situated 10 km from Pokaran, to attend a large fair that takes place in the month of August-September every year.

Getting There & Away:
Buses from Phalodi to Pokaran go via Ramdevra. There is a good hotel in Phalodi where you can stay overnight and then leave for Ramdevra and Pokaran. Shared jeeps are also available here to visit Pokaran.

Pokaran:
Pokaran means the city of mirages. It lies en route to Jaisalmer via Bikaner and Jodhpur. This remote town is situated around 110 km from Jaisalmer. Its name came into limelight in 1998, when India's first underground testing of a nuclear weapon was conducted here in its barren sandy deserts surrounded by rocky ranges. Earlier, it was an important trade centre from where silk, salt and spices were sent to Persia.

For the tourists, the place has on offer a historical fort that belonged to the Champawats clan of Rajputs. It was built between the 14th and the 17th century and is also known as Balagarh Fort. Even today it serves as a home to the royal family as Thakur Nagendra Singh Pokaran along with his wife stay here amidst their memories. This well maintained symbol of the Rajput royalty is opened for the visitors to appreciate the grand palaces, antique furnishings, old paintings, royal costumes and handicrafts that are displayed over here.

Getting There & Away:
From Pokaran, regular RSRTC buses are available to Jaisalmer, Bikaner as well as Jodhpur. Buses are the best means of transport available here.