One of the most memorable journey which I took in the recent time is Jodhpur-Jaisalmer road trip. No doubt that this route is a perfect illustration of experiencing the real beauty of Rajasthan when you drive through Golden sand fields and periodic villages.

And exploring scenic yet lesser known places on your way can be an icing on the cake. Let me take you through 4 such places which I explored during this road trip:

Mandore

Located at a distance of 9 KM from Jodhpur, Mandore is regarded as the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar, which was later abandoned for security reasons before moving to Mehrangarh Fort. It is said that before Jodhpur came into existence, the capital of Rathore clan of Rajputs that held sway over the Marwar region of Rajputana (early name of Rajasthan) was at Mandore (10 kms north of Jodhpur city).

It is believed that the ancient city was received as a dowry by a Rathore chief Chundaji who married a Parihar princess. Now this historic place is known for its garden, ancient temple and a ruined fort. The ruined Mandore fort, with its thick and tall walls was built in several stages and was once a fine piece of architecture.

A huge ruined temple is a highlight of the fort. The outer wall of the temple depicts finely carved botanical designs, birds and animals. This place is a perfect seclusion from otherwise crowded city life.

Osiyan

Osian, also known as Osiyan is an ancient town which is located at a distance of 65 Kms from Jodhpur. It is known for its ancient and ruined shrines which date back to centuries. It is said that the city of Osiyan was founded by Utpaladeva, a Rajput Prince belonging to Pratihara Dynasty and was named as Ukesha or Upkeshapur.

During the Pratihara dynasty, Osian is believed to be the major religious and cultural centre of the Mewar Kingdom. Major number of shrines got devastated with time; however the place is still left with few shrines that still unfold the royal legacy which the place had once.

The architectural structures of Jain temple and Sachayi Mata are the sites in Osian, which is regarded as a prominent pilgrimage site for Oswal Jain community. Due to its erotic sculptures in few remains of the temples, Osian is also recognised as the “Khajuraho of Rajasthan”

Khichan Village

Khichan Village lies 150 km from Jodhpur in the northern part of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is known as the village of ‘Migrating birds’ where you get to witness the unique symbolic existence of love between man and birds every year.

Welcomed with the mesmerising view of migrating birds flying high in the sky, Khichan comes alive every winter with the congregation of over 20,000 Demoiselle Cranes, who fly from their breeding grounds on the plains of Mongolia. These migrating birds arrive by end of August in Khichan and stay on till the end of March.

Ramdevra Temple

12 KM of Pokhran is a village called Ramdevra which falls under Jaisalmer district and has a temple which is dedicated to the saint Ramdevra who was considered to be the reincarnation of Lord Krishna by the Hindus. Ramdevra is apparently recognised as one place where you will spot abundant of Hindu and Muslim followers under one roof to pay respect to one deity who is believed to be a living form of god that worked towards equality and enrichment of human kinds. It is believed that Baba Ramdevji took Samadhi in 1459 A.D at the age of 33 and a temple was built around by King Ganga Singh of Bikaner in 1931 A.D. He was born as Ramdev in the household of Ajmalji in the Tomar Rajput. There is also Ramdeora Fair in Ramdevra which is held in the months of August and February and is attended by devotees in large numbers from all over India.

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