Jaisalmer Village Safari
Kuldhara:
Kuldhara is an abandoned village in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India. Established around the 13th century, it was once a prosperous village inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. It was abandoned by the early 19th century for unknown reasons, possibly because of dwindling water supply, or as a local legend claims, because of persecution by the Jaisalmer State's minister Salim Singh. A study suggests that Kuldhara and other neighbouring villages were abandoned because of an earthquake.
Over years, Kuldhara acquired reputation as a haunted site, and the Government of Rajasthan decided to develop it as a tourist spot in the 2010s.
Khaba Fort:
Khaba Fort is a ruined citadel set amid a barren desert village in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. It is one of the top places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Khaba Fort is a cursed village of Paliwal Brahmins, who abandoned this place 200 years ago due to unknown reasons. The crumbling structure of the fort still has the ruins of the homes of some 80 families that used to live here. Khaba Fort dates back to the 13th century AD and was once an important part of Kuldhara, a village inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins.
Once, Khaba Fort was the Sarai Fort (fort at the frontier). The traders who entered Rajasthan via the Silk Route trade stayed inside this fort for a night. Only after they paid taxes they were given the permission to go ahead for trade. The remains of the village looks like a well-planned settlement with a temple surrounded by several houses. Strangely none of the houses in the ruins have roofs. Khaba Fort still carries an abandoned feel with very minimal human activity in the area.
Restoration work is on in the fort now. There is a small museum that displays ancient artifacts. The view of the green field from the top of the fort is fantastic. It makes for great photography opportunities. The elegance of the Fort is enhanced by the presence of many peacocks roaming around the fort. Witness over hundreds of peacocks and peahens roaming in the site for daily grains and experience a morning like never before.
Khuri Sand Dunes
Khuri sand dunes are slowly picking up in the must visit charts of tourists with its vast sea of sand. Located 40 km southwest of Jaisalmer, Khuri is a must visit for tourists seeking solitude in the desert. It is a peaceful place blessed with pristine desert beauty and houses of mud and straw decorated like the patterns of Persian carpets.
The Khuri Sand dunes offer you a memorable experience in the land of the Rajputs. Camp at the dunes, enjoy ride on camel back as the ‘ship of the desert’ and let the place itself take you to its mesmerizing heights. Spend evenings around campfire and listen to the songs of 'Kalbeliyas'.
You can also try Rajasthani cuisine for a change and just keep looking on sand dunes as it changes its hue during different parts of day. And say adieu to the sun as it sets behind the crimson red sand dunes. It is a break from the chaotic cities in the midst of the timeless desert.
Sam Sand Dunes
Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is a must- visit in the Rajasthan state. If you visit the ‘Golden City’, then it is a must that enjoy a Desert Safari because if you do not explore the vast Thar on a camel’s back, you really miss all the fun. Visiting the Sam Sand Dunes is the highlight of Jaisalmer tour.
It is generally said that the best time for a camel safari is before sunset, between 4-6 PM or before sunrise, between 4-6 AM. During these hours, you experience the best warmness of the local people and the sight is no less than a carnival. Notice the children and the camel owners, clad in their traditional clothes. Though there are still such portions of the desert that are still untouched but offer a memorable experience.