Tucked away in the sunburnt dunes of Rajasthan, about 20 km from Jaisalmer, lies a ghost village with a chilling past — Kuldhara. Once a prosperous settlement of the Paliwal Brahmins, this place now stands eerily silent, its crumbling homes whispering stories of betrayal, curses, and mass disappearance.
The History of Kuldhara — In Short
Kuldhara was established around 1291 AD and was once a thriving village known for advanced irrigation and trade. But one dark night around the early 1800s, the entire population vanished overnight — nearly 1,500 people — leaving no trace behind.
The reason? As legend goes, the powerful and cruel Diwan of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh, wanted to marry the village chief’s daughter. To protect her honor, the Paliwals decided to abandon the village completely. Before leaving, they cursed Kuldhara — that no one would ever be able to settle there again. And till today, that curse seems to have held true.
Why is Kuldhara Famous?
Kuldhara is one of India’s most haunted and mysterious villages, located near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is famous because:
1. The Entire Village Vanished Overnight
Around 200 years ago, the whole population of Paliwal Brahmins — over 1,500 people — left Kuldhara and nearby villages in a single night and were never found again. They didn’t leave any trace of where they went or how.
2. A Powerful Curse
Before leaving, the villagers are believed to have cursed Kuldhara, saying that no one would ever be able to live there again. Till today, despite restoration efforts, no one stays there overnight.
3. Haunted Reputation
Locals and visitors claim to have felt a strange presence, heard whispers, and seen shadows. That’s why it is listed among India’s most haunted places, attracting ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
4. Historical Significance
Kuldhara was once a prosperous and well-planned village, showing how advanced the Paliwal Brahmins were in irrigation and architecture. Its ruins speak of a rich cultural past.
5. Shooting Location
Its mysterious vibe and abandoned beauty have made it a favorite shooting location for:
Horror movies
TV shows on haunted places
Web series
Music videos
6. Tourist Attraction
Today, Kuldhara is maintained by the Rajasthan government as a heritage site. Tourists visit it for:
Ghost tourism
Desert photography
Historical exploration
How to Reach Kuldhara on a Budget
Kuldhara is just 18–20 km from Jaisalmer, and reaching here doesn't have to cost much:
1. By Bike or Scooter Rental: Rent from Jaisalmer (₹250–₹400 per day).
2. Shared Jeep or Local Auto: Available from the main city (₹100–₹200 per person).
3. By Bus: Some local desert route buses may drop you near the entry road.
Note: There's a small entry fee (₹10–₹20) as it is managed by the Rajasthan tourism department.
Where to Stay Nearby?
Though staying inside Kuldhara is not allowed (especially overnight due to its haunted reputation), here are good and affordable stay options nearby:
Budget Hotels in Jaisalmer City – Dorms or rooms from ₹300 onwards.
Desert Camps in Sam Sand Dunes – Starting from ₹1000 with meals & camel rides.
Heritage Hostels near Jaisalmer Fort – Great for backpackers.
Homestays in villages near Kuldhara – Authentic Rajasthani hospitality.
How to Reach Kuldhara from Major Indian Cities – Step-by-Step Guide
Kuldhara village is located about 18–20 km from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. To reach Kuldhara, first you need to reach Jaisalmer, and then take local transport to the village.
Here’s how you can reach Jaisalmer from big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, etc.
1. From Delhi to Kuldhara
Step 1: Delhi to Jaisalmer
By Flight: Direct flights to Jaisalmer (seasonal). Otherwise, fly to Jodhpur, then take a train or taxi to Jaisalmer.
By Train: Multiple direct trains available like Delhi Jaisalmer Express (approx. 18 hrs).
By Bus: RSRTC and private AC buses (approx. 18–20 hrs).
Step 2: Jaisalmer to Kuldhara
Local auto/shared jeep/taxi (20 km, ₹100–₹300)
Bike/scooter rental (₹300–₹500 per day)
2. From Mumbai to Kuldhara
Step 1: Mumbai to Jaisalmer
By Flight: No direct flight to Jaisalmer. Fly to Jodhpur, then train/taxi to Jaisalmer.
By Train: Bandra Terminus – Jaisalmer Superfast (approx. 30 hrs, weekly).
By Bus: Not recommended due to long distance.
Step 2: Jaisalmer to Kuldhara
Same as above (auto, rental, jeep)
3. From Jaipur to Kuldhara
Step 1: Jaipur to Jaisalmer
By Flight: Direct seasonal flights available.
By Train: Direct trains like Ranikhet Express or Howrah-Jaisalmer SF (approx. 12–14 hrs)
By Bus: RSRTC and private sleeper buses (₹500–₹800, 12 hrs)
Step 2: Jaisalmer to Kuldhara
Same options (jeep, rental, etc.)
4. From Ahmedabad to Kuldhara
Step 1: Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer
By Train: Jodhpur Express + local train to Jaisalmer (via Jodhpur)
By Flight: Fly to Jodhpur, then travel to Jaisalmer.
By Bus: Sleeper buses (14–16 hrs)
Step 2: Jaisalmer to Kuldhara
Auto/jeep/bike rental
5. From Kolkata to Kuldhara
Step 1: Kolkata to Jaisalmer
By Flight: Fly to Delhi or Jodhpur, then train to Jaisalmer.
🚆By Train: Howrah–Jaisalmer Express (very long journey – over 38 hrs)
Step 2: Jaisalmer to Kuldhara
Taxi, bike or shared vehicle from city
Budget Travel Tips
Train is the cheapest option from all cities.
Share transport from Jaisalmer to Kuldhara to save cost.
Avoid peak winter season for cheaper stays and less crowd.
Local buses from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer are also budget-friendly if trains are full.
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