IN & AROUND SIANA
IN and Around Siana Sojourn
The concept of village walks is an old one at Siana Sojourn. The family believes that too many people have migrated from the village to the cities in search of a better future and something needs to be done to sustain the simple, wholesome lifestyle of the village. The village walk is a small step in that direction. It not only instills a sense of pride in the village folk but also encourages them to preserve, maintain and showcase their culture and way of life. To a rapidly modernizing world and its denizens who live lives of high stress, the importance of ‘back-to-basics’ approach is finally dawning. And the village walk at Siana Sojourn is just a small window into a world of simplicity and adaptability.
Village Walks, in contrast to the Jeep and Camel safaris offer a quieter and more informative way to experience the desert way of life around Siana Sojourn.
The village tour will allow you to share the fascinating culture of these friendly people against the captivating beauty and tranquility of the vast desert. The journey into the desert is an opportunity to experience village life at close quarters in one of the harshest environments in the world.
In village Siana, there’s an old temple on a small mound dedicated to Lord Bhairon – A manifestation of lord Shiva in his Rudra (terrible and fearful) form. It’s only a 15-minute walk. A trip to the temple to attend the evening prayers will give you a better idea about the Hindu way of worship and prayers.
Visit to Kolayat
Kolayat is a famous Hindu pilgrim spot with a temple dedicated to the holy saint Kapil Muni, who propounded one major Yoga of Hinduism referred to as SANKHYA YOGA. It is very sacred place for Hindus with a holy lake. Hinduism is a religion of many rituals and you can see the Sadhus and pilgrims performing the rituals on the shore of the lake. A fair is held here parallel to Pushkar fair during Oct, Nov. Every year when this place is crowded with thousands of pilgrims, one can take an excursion from Siana to Kolayat which is 24 Km. one side.
Karni Mata Temple
The world famous shrine of Karni Mata is located in the town of Deshnoke 30 km south of Bikaner on the road to Jodhpur. Karni Mata is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This temple is famous for rats which can be seen everywhere in the temple. One can visit this temple while approaching Siana Sojourn either from Bikaner or Jodhpur.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
The Gajner Palace, a monsoon retreat of the kings, stands on the bank of the lake and has been converted into a hotel. This sanctuary is heaven to Nilgai (Blue bull), Chinkara, Deer and Antelopes etc. black buck, wild boar. The beautiful Gajner Lake attracts thousands of migratory water birds like Imperial Sand Grouses during the winters. The sanctuary provides an ideal opportunity to watch and photograph Imperial Sand Grouses who migrate here from as far as Siberia. The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary Bikaner also has a sizable population of Waterfowls, Indian Houbara Bustards and Demoiselle Cranes. One can take an excursion from Siana to Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary which is 46 Km. each way.
Khichan
Very famous place for Demoiselle cranes which migrate from southern Europe and north Asia between October to March. Here you can sight thousands of Demoiselle cranes.
