Kuldhara-The Ghost Village

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A village which was abandoned overnight by its people 200 years ago. 

Kuldhara is a village that lies to the west of the desert town of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Once inhabited by more than 1,500 people and around 400 houses, it is now a deserted and abandoned ghost village. 


                                                                Picture courtesy Pinterest

About 200 years ago, Kuldhara was home to the Paliwal Brahmins. At that time Salim Singh was the Diwan (Minister) of Jaisalmer. He was known for his debauchery and unscrupulous tax-collecting methods. His evil eyes fell on the young daughter of the village chief. Wanting to marry her, he forced the village chief to marry off his daughter. He gave him a deadline for the marriage after which he would forcefully enter the village and take the girl. Additionally, he threatened the villagers that if they came in his way he would levy huge taxes on them. 

                                                                Picture courtesy Pinterest

Fearing the wrath of the Diwan, the people of the entire village fled one dark night, leaving behind their homes and everything within them. Nobody knows where they went. No one saw them leave or know where they went – they had simply vanished overnight. 

Till now, no one knows where the Paliwals have resettled. It is believed that they cursed the village while leaving that no one would ever be able to settle down in Kuldhara again. The village was never inhabited after that. Kuldhara today is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage site. 

How to go there 

Jodhpur is the nearest airport which is 285 km from Jaisalmer. Kuldhara is 18kms towards the west of Jaisalmer and can be accessed by a cab. 

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