Kuldhara – A Vanished Village In Rajasthan

Have you heard about the Kuldhara village that disappeared overnight, resulting in an unsolved mystery? Kuldhara village was established around the 13th century by the prosperous Paliwal Brahmins, a community known for their agricultural expertise and architectural skills. In the early 19th century, the village mysteriously vanished overnight, giving rise to numerous legends or folklore. Today, Kuldhara is a well-known haunted site in Asia, often referred to as the ghost village or the abandoned village.

Entrance gate of the Kuldhara Archaeological Site.

What is the History of Kuldhara Village ?

The Kuldhara village is situated approximately 18 km southwest of Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. And it has been deserted for the past 170 years. The village was really prosperous for centuries, it has fertile land and efficient water management systems, which includes an network of canals and step wells. According to “Tawarikh-i-Jaisalmer,” a history book written by Lakshmi Chand in 1899, a Paliwal Brahmin named Kadhan was the first to settle in Kuldhara village. He excavated a pond called Udhansar in the village.

A collage of Kuldhara village includes six photos: an aerial view of the village, a temple, a night view of the village, ruined houses, and a sculpture with inscriptions.

Why Kuldhara Village is Known as a Vanished or Abandoned or Ghost Village ?

According to legends, a powerful man named Salam Singh who was the Diwan of the state. He had an evil eye on a beautiful girl of the village. He was obsessed with the girl and determined to have her by any means. The conflict between the Diwan and the villagers was now a matter of the honor of a virgin girl and the self-respect of the entire village. A meeting of the Paliwal Brahmins was held at the village Chaupal, where more than 5,000 families decided to leave the state to preserve their honor.

According to legend, representatives from all 84 villages gathered at a temple to make a decision, and the Panchayats resolved that they would not surrender their daughter to the Diwan under any circumstances. By the next evening, Kuldhara was so deserted that today, even birds do not enter its boundaries. It is said that the departing Brahmins cursed the place. Despite the passage of time, 82 of the villages were eventually rebuilt, but Kuldhara and Khabha remain uninhabited to this day, despite numerous efforts.

To this day, no one knows where the people went or what exactly happened in that village. Some say the village collapsed due to an earthquake, causing the people to migrate to different places. These villages are now under the protection of the Archaeological Department of India and are open to tourists during daylight hours.

Best Time To Visit Kuldhara Village

The best time to visit Kuldhara is between October and March, when the weather in Rajasthan is pleasant. And you can enjoy walking around in the desert without getting exhausted. You can visit the vanished or abandoned village which will bring curiosity about its past.

Aerial view of Kuldhara village in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

How To Reach The Village

By Air– The nearest airport to Kuldhara is Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), which is approximately 17 kilometers away from Kuldhara. From Jaisalmer Airport to Kuldhara you can hire a taxi or rent a car from the airport to Kuldhara. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
By Train– The nearest railway station to Kuldhara is Jaisalmer Railway Station, around 19 kilometers away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kuldhara. The taxi journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
By Bus– Jaisalmer is well-connected by road to various cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states. From the Jaisalmer bus stand, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kuldhara. The distance is approximately 18 kilometers, and it takes about 30-40 minutes by taxi. Local Transport– You can rent a bike or scooter for a more adventurous and flexible trip to explore the region, including Kuldhara and other nearby attractions. Make sure to check the rental services available in Jaisalmer city.

There is a signboard indicating that Jaisalmer is 18 km from Kuldhara. There is also a sign with an arrow pointing towards Kuldhara.

Timing, Entry Fees & Basic Amenities

Kuldhara Village is every day of the week. You can Visit from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
It’s recommended to visit during daylight hours to fully explore the site and its surroundings.

Entry Fees For Kuldhara Village
Indian Tourists: ₹10 per person
Foreign Tourists: ₹100 per person
Camera Fees: Additional charges may apply if you want to use a camera. Typically, it’s around ₹50 for still cameras and higher for video cameras.

Basic amenities Availability- The site has parking and restrooms available. However, you can carry water and snacks as there are limited options nearby.

Tour Guide: You can Hire a local guide who provide you in-depth historical context and legends associated with Kuldhara.

Places You Must Explore In Kuldhara Village

Explore the ruins of old houses, streets, and community structures to get a glimpse into the village’s past. The village also has a temple that lies in ruins. The numerous haunted stories and legends make Kuldhara a unique destination for thrill-seekers.

Kuldhara, Rajasthan, is a fascinating place that combines history, unsolved mystery, and intrigue. The abandoned village, with its ruins of houses, streets, and community structures, offers a look into its past. The legends and haunted stories add to its charm, making it a great spot for thrill-seekers and history lovers. Whether you’re interested in its mysterious history or just want to explore an unusual place, Kuldhara offers an unforgettable experience. If You Found this Article Interesting then please like, share & comment down below.

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