Explore Kuldhara Jaisalmer – History, Timings & Best Time to Visit

Kuldhara, a mysterious abandoned village near Jaisalmer, is one of Rajasthan most intriguing and haunted places Kuldhara Jaisalmer. Located 18 km from Jaisalmer, the village was once a prosperous settlement of the Paliwal Brahmins, but it was abandoned overnight in the 19th century under mysterious circumstances.

Today, Kuldhara Village is a popular tourist attraction, known for its haunted legends, ruined structures, and eerie silence. The village remains deserted, but its ancient temples, houses, and streets still stand as a reminder of its glorious past.

This guide explores Kuldhara’s fascinating history, legends, visiting timings, and the best time to explore this abandoned village.

In This Blog

History of Kuldhara Village

Kuldhara was established in the 13th century by the Paliwal Brahmins, a prosperous community known for their agricultural and trading skills. The village flourished for centuries until it was mysteriously abandoned.

Why Was Kuldhara Abandoned? – The Mystery & Legends

There are many theories surrounding the sudden disappearance of the Kuldhara villagers:

The Curse of Kuldhara

The most famous legend states that Salim Singh, the ruthless Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, desired the daughter of the village chief.
He threatened the villagers to hand over the girl or face severe consequences.
Instead of submitting, the entire Paliwal Brahmin community (85 villages) left Kuldhara overnight and vanished.
Before leaving, they cursed the village, saying that no one would ever be able to live there again.

Suggested Itineraries for Jaisalmer tour:

Water Shortage & Harsh Living Conditions

Some historians believe that extreme drought and water shortages forced the villagers to leave.
The Paliwal Brahmins depended on farming and water reservoirs, which dried up over time.

Fear of Invaders & Oppression

Rajasthan was frequently invaded by Mughals and Rajput rulers, causing instability.
To escape oppression, heavy taxation, and attacks, the villagers may have migrated elsewhere.

Even today, no one has permanently settled in Kuldhara, as the locals believe the village is haunted and cursed.

Why is Kuldhara Considered Haunted?

Visitors and locals claim to have experienced paranormal activities in Kuldhara, such as:

Sudden drop in temperature after sunset
Mysterious whispers and voices in the wind
Unexplained shadows and ghostly figures
Feeling of being watched

Because of these eerie experiences, Kuldhara is considered one of the most haunted places in India and is avoided after sunset.

Things to See in Kuldhara Village

Kuldhara still has well-preserved ruins that provide a glimpse into the lifestyle and architecture of the Paliwal Brahmins.

1. Ruins of Abandoned Houses

The village has over 400 abandoned houses, all built in traditional Rajasthani style.
Some houses still have partially intact walls and courtyards.

2. Kuldhara Temple

A small Shiva temple still stands in the village, where locals come to offer prayers.
The temple’s architecture reflects intricate carvings and stone craftsmanship.

3. The Main Street & Village Layout

The village is planned in a grid system, showing the advanced town planning skills of the Paliwal Brahmins.
Walking through the silent streets is a haunting yet fascinating experience.

4. The Watchtower & Viewpoint

A watchtower near the village entrance gives a panoramic view of the ruins.
From here, you can see the vast Thar Desert stretching to the horizon.

Best Time to Visit Kuldhara

Since Kuldhara is an open desert site, it is best to visit during the cooler months.

Season	Months	Weather Condition	Travel Experience
Winter (Best Time)	October – March	Pleasant (10°C – 25°C)	Best for sightseeing
Summer (Avoid Visiting)	April – June	Extremely hot (35°C – 45°C)	Uncomfortable for travel
Monsoon (Moderate Visit)	July – September	Hot & humid (30°C – 35°C)	Occasional rain, but desert remains dry

Recommended Time: Visit between October and March for the best experience.
Best Time of the Day: Morning or evening to avoid the afternoon heat.

Kuldhara Timings & Entry Fee

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Entry restricted after sunset)
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Car Entry Fee: ₹50 per vehicle

Pro Tip: Visit in the late afternoon and stay till sunset to experience the eerie beauty of the ruins.

How to Reach Kuldhara?

Kuldhara is easily accessible from Jaisalmer by road.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport (JSA) (20 km away).
Limited flights operate from Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

Travel By Train:

The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway Station (18 km away).
Trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Mumbai connect to Jaisalmer.

By Road:

Kuldhara is well connected by road and can be reached via taxi, rental car, or guided tour.
Distance from Jaisalmer: 18 km (30-minute drive).

Best Way to Reach:

Hiring a private taxi from Jaisalmer is the most convenient option.
Camel safaris & bike tours are also available for adventure seekers.

Interesting Facts About Kuldhara

Over 85 neighboring villages were abandoned along with Kuldhara, creating a large uninhabited region.
No one has ever permanently settled in Kuldhara since its abandonment.
The Indian Paranormal Society investigated Kuldhara and claimed to have recorded supernatural activity.
The site is now maintained by the Rajasthan government and promoted as a heritage and haunted tourist destination.

Is Kuldhara Worth Visiting?

For History Lovers: Explore a well-preserved abandoned village from Rajasthan’s past.
Visit For Adventure Seekers: Experience one of India’s most haunted locations.
Experience For Photographers: Capture stunning desert landscapes and ancient ruins.

Duration of Visit: 1 to 2 hours is enough to explore Kuldhara.

Places to Visit Near Kuldhara

After visiting Kuldhara, you can explore these nearby attractions:

Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila) – A UNESCO heritage fort (18 km)
Sam Sand Dunes – Famous for camel safaris and sunset views (35 km)
Bada Bagh – Royal cenotaphs with stunning architecture (15 km)
Gadisar Lake – A scenic lake built by Maharaja Rawal Jaisal (20 km)

Conclusion – Should You Visit Kuldhara?

Kuldhara is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in Rajasthan. Visiting Kuldhara offers a unique experience unlike any other in India.

Perfect for history buffs, adventure seekers, and ghost story lovers.
A must-visit for those interested in Rajasthan’s abandoned towns and haunted places.

If you’re visiting Jaisalmer, don’t miss the chance to explore the haunted ruins of Kuldhara and uncover its centuries-old mystery!

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