Kuldhara Village

The basics

The abandoned village is a protected monument and popular tourist destination about 12 miles (18 kilometers) west of Jaisalmer. You can see the ruins (some insist they’re haunted) on organized outings from there—some are day trips by car, while others are desert safaris hoofing it at least partly by camel. You can also reach the village by taxi, pay the entrance fee, and explore on your own. Though the village remains are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the area is vast and largely, well, in ruin.

Things to know before you go

• The admission fee is nominal, but more expensive if you arrive with your own car.

• The village is ideal for travelers interested in historical ruins and out-of-the-way destinations.

• Wear comfortable footwear for exploring uneven desert terrain.

• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water—the desert sun is unforgiving.

How to get there

Kuldhara Village is about 12 miles (18 kilometers) west of Jaisalmer, and can be reached by taxi or on a guided tour from the city. The trip takes about 40 minutes via National Highway 11 and Kuldhara Road.

When to get there

Kuldhara Village is open to visitors throughout the year, from morning to early evening, with locals closing the village gate after sunset. Rajasthan can be extremely hot for much of the year—to avoid the worst of the desert heat, visit during the cooler months of October to February or March, when the weather is more pleasant for visiting outdoor ruins.

The curse of Kuldhara

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why Kuldhara was abandoned and never resettled. While the ghost stories may be overstated, there could be various factors. Some accounts say that the villagers were driven out by heavy taxation, while legend has it that a powerful figure vowed to marry a local daughter against her wishes, and, rather than comply with the demand, all the residents deserted, and cursed the village on their way out.