Last Updated on September 24, 2026 by admin
A Jodhpur desert safari into the Thar is the perfect follow-up to a couple of days in the Blue City. In Jodhpur Part 1 I showed you the various places in town. In this post I am going to show you the beautiful desert around the Osian town and the camps that exist around it.
Osian: Gateway to the Thar Desert
Osian sits around 65 km north-west of Jodhpur, on the edge of the Thar Desert, and is often called the “Oasis of the Thar” for the cluster of 8th to 10th century Jain and Hindu temples that still stand here among the dunes. Most travellers doing a Jodhpur desert safari base themselves at one of the tented camps just outside the village, which arrange jeep safaris, camel rides and an evening of Rajasthani food and folk music once the sun goes down.
Timing Your Jodhpur Desert Safari
We left for the Desert from our hotel around 3 pm, after having our lunch. The journey takes around 45 mins to an hour. That is the best time because if you leave in the morning, then you will reach when it’s hot in the afternoon and naturally you don’t wanna do that.
Into the Thar Desert by Jeep
Soon we reached the desert and it was still quite hot although it was getting cooler. We straight away went to one of the many camps that dot the place and fixed a deal for a jeep safari.
After having some light refreshments, we left for the desert in a jeep. Soon we came upon what seemed like a pre wedding shoot which is quite popular in India these days.
It really was a beautiful place and the highlight of our trip.
Camp Life After the Jodhpur Desert Safari
Back at the camp, evenings usually wind down with a bonfire, a Rajasthani thali dinner and a short folk music or puppet show, which is as much a part of the desert experience as the dunes themselves. Some camps also offer a sunrise camel ride the next morning for guests staying overnight, which is a quieter way to see the same landscape without the afternoon heat.
Tips for Planning Your Own Jodhpur Desert Safari
If you want to fit a similar trip into your own itinerary, the cooler months from October to March are the most comfortable time for a jeep or camel safari here, and an afternoon departure like ours works well so that the ride out coincides with sunset over the dunes. Most camps near Osian can arrange the return transfer from Jodhpur, dinner and an overnight stay if you would rather not drive back the same evening. You can check current routes and travel advisories on the official Rajasthan Tourism website before you go.
Is the Jodhpur Desert Safari Worth It?
Compared to a day spent walking around Mehrangarh Fort and the old city, the desert safari is a complete change of pace – wide open space, quiet dunes and a different side of Rajasthan altogether. If you are planning a Jodhpur itinerary, we would suggest keeping at least half a day free for this trip out to Osian; it is easy to combine with a city sightseeing day on either side.
Where to Stay in Jodhpur
These five stays range from budget-friendly heritage rooms to a family suite, with different locations and amenities to suit a Jodhpur visit. Room rates vary by dates and room type; taxes may be extra, so confirm availability and booking terms before reserving.
Jodhpur Heritage Haveli
A handy old-city base within walking distance of Clock Tower, the market and Mehrangarh Fort, with a rooftop restaurant and fort views. The Standard Double Room starts at ₹2,050 per room per night for two adults, with breakfast included.
Castle View Heritage Haveli
At the foot of Mehrangarh Fort, this heritage haveli is a good pick for its rooftop views and old-city atmosphere. The Super Deluxe Room is listed from ₹3,299 per night for two adults, before applicable taxes and fees.
Hotel Ghoomar
This Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation hotel offers a practical, central base and can help with sightseeing arrangements. The Deluxe room is ₹2,000 per night for double occupancy, including breakfast; GST is extra on the listed standard tariff. Rates differ during festival and holiday periods.
Om Heritage Haveli
Choose this traditional-style haveli for a heritage feel, in-house dining and rooftop views. Its Standard AC Room for two guests starts at ₹4,000 per room per night.
Casa De Jodhpur – Heritage Choti Haveli
This family-run, 300-year-old haveli is in the old city near Sarafa Bazaar. The Rani Sa budget double room starts at ₹2,199 per room per night; check the direct booking calendar for your dates and room occupancy.
Room rates are subject to change; check the current price, dates, occupancy and any taxes or fees before booking.
Where to Eat in Jodhpur
From a generous Rajasthani thali to South Indian comfort food, these five places offer a useful mix of local flavours and relaxed meals. Prices below are for a named dish or buffet; taxes may be extra where noted.
Gypsy Restaurant
Go for a broad introduction to Marwari and Rajasthani cooking: its fixed Gypsy Thali is ₹459 per thali. The Sardarpura dining hall is especially suited to a leisurely meal.
Kake Di Hatti
This Sardarpura branch is known for its stuffed naan and Punjabi classics. Dal Makhani is listed at ₹339 per dish; pair it with a stuffed naan if you are hungry.
Pinaaki Cafe & Restaurant
A 100% vegetarian, multi-cuisine rooftop café in Sardarpura. The South Indian Platter is ₹399 per platter; listed menu prices exclude GST.
Pavitras
This pure-vegetarian restaurant near Akhaliya Circle serves Indian, South Indian and Chinese dishes. Its thali is listed at ₹230 per thali; check with the restaurant for current menu details and serving availability.
Ekatra at Radisson Hotel Jodhpur
For a more polished all-vegetarian meal, Ekatra serves regional and international dishes. Its Rajasthani Thali is ₹1,199 per thali, plus applicable taxes; the hotel also lists a vegetarian buffet at ₹1,199 plus tax.
Menu prices and opening hours can change. Check current service times, dish availability and any taxes or service charges before visiting.
Excursions from Jodhpur
For a trip beyond the old city, compare private pickup tours with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation’s scheduled AC-bus outings. These are current listed starting tariffs; verify the itinerary, inclusions, departure, availability and booking conditions before setting out.
Osian Camel and Jeep Safari
This six-hour desert outing lists pickup and drop-off from Jodhpur and daily availability. The package starts at ₹1,500 per person; confirm which safari activities and transfers are included in your selected booking.
Bishnoi Village Safari
A four-to-five-hour excursion from Jodhpur for a glimpse of rural life and local crafts around Bishnoi villages. The listed tour with pickup and drop-off starts at ₹1,000 per person.
Blue City and Clock Tower Heritage Walk
Explore the old lanes, Clock Tower and historic neighbourhoods on a two-to-four-hour guided walk with transport listed from Jodhpur. It starts at ₹1,500 per person; confirm the walking route and pickup details with the operator.
RTDC Jodhpur Full-Day City Tour
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation lists an AC-bus tour from 9 am to 6 pm, covering Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore Garden, Machia Safari Park, Kailana Lake and Sardar Museum. The fare is ₹500 per person; monument, camera and other entry charges are extra.
RTDC Jodhpur–Kheechan–Osian Tour
This scheduled AC-bus outing is listed from 8 am to 1 pm and includes Guda Vishnoi, Khejarli, Salawas and Kankani. The fare is ₹500 per person; confirm the operating date, seats and any additional charges when booking.
we passed through many interesting sights along the way, some of which you can see in the gallery below.
Let me know if you liked the desert of Rajasthan.
That wraps up our two-part Jodhpur diary – the palaces and forts in the city, and now this Jodhpur desert safari out into the Thar. Between the two, it is a trip that shows just how different Rajasthan can look within the space of a single day.
