Kuldhara is a deserted village located near Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is famously known as a ghost village and is a popular tourist attraction due to its mysterious abandonment. Legend has it that the village was abandoned overnight by its residents, the Paliwal Brahmins, in the early 19th century due to oppression by a local ruler or a series of natural calamities.
The story of Kuldhara village involves a tale of abandonment and curse. In the early 19th century, it was a prosperous village of Paliwal Brahmins. Legend has it that Salim Singh, the debauched prime minister of Jaisalmer, set his sights on the daughter of the village head and wanted to marry her forcefully. When her father refused, Salim Singh threatened to destroy the village. To protect the girl and their honor, overnight, all residents of Kuldhara and 83 nearby villages disappeared without a trace. They left behind a curse that no one would ever be able to settle in Kuldhara again.
Best time to visit – October and March when the climate is less hot.
Timing – Sunrise to Sunset.
Price – Rs 10.
Car charges – Rs 50.