The Ghulatis On The Go family sets out on the second part of their 'Khushboo Gujarat Ki' series, taking a detour from their Gujarat trip to explore the desert landscapes of Osian, Rajasthan. This leg of their journey focuses on experiencing the unique desert safari offerings of Osian, often referred to as Mini Jaisalmer due to its prominent sand dunes. The family's route involves navigating both modern expressways and interior state highways, providing a varied driving experience before reaching their desert adventure.
The trip highlights the accessibility of Osian for those seeking a desert experience without traveling to the more distant Jaisalmer. The video captures the excitement of off-roading in jeeps, the thrill of paragliding, and the serene beauty of the desert environment. It also offers practical insights into the local infrastructure and activities available, making it a useful guide for other travelers considering a similar adventure.
Journey to Osian: From Expressway to State Highway
The journey begins on the Jamnagar Expressway, a modern, multi-lane highway. The family initially planned to head towards Gujarat but decided to take a left diversion towards Jodhpur to visit Osian. The expressway features well-maintained roads and clear signage, indicating distances to various cities like Osian, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Balotra. After a smooth drive on the expressway, they exit through a toll barrier, transitioning onto a state highway.
The state highway, identified as SH 19, offers a different driving experience. This interior road, while generally in good condition with no significant potholes, presents a more rustic landscape. The surroundings quickly transform into a desert area with bushy vegetation, providing the authentic 'Rajasthan vibes' the family sought. Drivers on this road need to be cautious of free-roaming cattle, a common sight in rural Indian regions, which can unexpectedly cross the road.
Arriving in Osian and Desert Safari Preparations
Upon reaching Osian, the family observes the town's market area, characterized by local shops and a bustling atmosphere. A prominent sign board indicates distances to Jodhpur (66 km), Mathania (30 km), and Osian (1 km), confirming their proximity to the desert safari destination. They inquire about directions from locals, who guide them to take a right turn to reach the desert directly.
The road leading to the desert safari area is unpaved and somewhat uneven, requiring careful navigation. After crossing a railway track, they arrive at the designated parking area for the desert activities. Here, several open-top jeeps are lined up, ready to take tourists on exhilarating rides across the sand dunes. Camels are also available for those preferring a more traditional desert experience.
Jeep Safari and Paragliding Adventures
The family hires a jeep for a one-hour desert safari, which costs 500 rupees. A two-hour safari option is also available for 1000 rupees. The jeep safari quickly plunges them into the heart of the sand dunes, offering a thrilling ride with steep ascents and descents. The jeeps kick up clouds of sand, adding to the adventure. The driver skillfully navigates the challenging terrain, providing an enjoyable and exciting experience for the passengers.
Beyond the jeep safari, Osian also offers paragliding. The family decides to try this activity, which involves being pulled by a jeep while attached to a parachute. This provides a unique aerial perspective of the desert landscape. The paragliding experience is described as safe and exhilarating, with the participant being lifted to a moderate height before being gently brought back down. This activity adds another dimension to the desert adventure, allowing visitors to enjoy both ground-based and aerial views of the dunes.
Exploring the Desert Landscape and Local Life
The jeep safari takes them to a central point in the desert where various activities and food stalls are set up. From this vantage point, the vast expanse of the Thar Desert is visible, stretching far into the horizon under a sky dotted with clouds. The area also features a small village and a fort-like structure, offering glimpses into the local life and historical elements of the region. Children from the village are seen engaging in photography and running stalls, indicating the economic opportunities created by tourism.
The desert landscape around Osian is characterized by rolling sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and a tranquil atmosphere. The family notes the beauty of the natural surroundings and the clear blue skies. The presence of both jeep and camel safaris, along with paragliding, caters to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that every visitor can find an activity to enjoy in this unique desert setting.
Return Journey and Future Plans
After enjoying the desert safari and paragliding, the family begins their return journey, heading back towards the Jamnagar Expressway. They navigate through the interior roads of Osian, once again encountering local traffic and free-roaming animals. The video concludes as they rejoin the expressway, preparing for the next leg of their 'Khushboo Gujarat Ki' series, which will take them to the Rann of Kutch.
The experience in Osian serves as a memorable detour, showcasing the diverse attractions of Rajasthan. The combination of adventure activities, scenic beauty, and cultural insights makes Osian a recommended destination for travelers seeking an accessible and authentic desert experience in India.
Practical Takeaways
- Accessibility: Osian offers a desert safari experience that is more accessible than Jaisalmer, particularly for travelers coming from Punjab or Gujarat.
- Road Conditions: While the Jamnagar Expressway is smooth, the interior State Highway 19 leading to Osian has good stretches but requires caution due to free-roaming cattle.
- Safari Options: Both jeep safaris and camel safaris are available, with jeep safaris costing 500 rupees for one hour or 1000 rupees for two hours.
- Additional Activities: Paragliding is offered as an exciting aerial activity, providing unique views of the desert.
- Local Economy: Tourism in Osian supports local villagers, who provide services like photography and operate stalls.
- Safety: When driving on interior roads, be mindful of animals on the road. For paragliding, ensure all safety harnesses are properly secured.
Watch the Original Journey
This article is connected to the original Ghulatis On The Go video below. Watch it for the complete visual experience and conversations from the road.