Location: Jaisalmer

The Mystery of the Vanished Paliwals

Kuldhara was once a flourishing settlement established in the 13th century by the Paliwal Brahmins, a community renowned for their intellect, advanced agricultural techniques in the arid environment, and sophisticated town planning.

The prosperity of Kuldhara came to an abrupt end around 1825. The popular folklore tells of a ruthless and powerful minister of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh, who set his lustful eyes on the beautiful daughter of the village chief. When his demands for marriage were vehemently refused, he threatened to impose crippling taxes on the entire community.

To protect their honor and their daughter, the council of 84 Paliwal villages, led by Kuldhara, decided on a radical move. In the dead of one night, thousands of residents vanished without a trace, abandoning their ancestral homes and possessions. Before leaving, they are said to have cast a curse upon Kuldhara, ensuring that no one would ever be able to resettle in the village.

Architectural Excellence in Ruins

Walk the desolate, grid-patterned streets of Kuldhara and marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Paliwals.

• Planned City: The ruins reveal a well-planned settlement with wide main streets intersected by narrow lanes, designed to allow ventilation and maintain privacy.
• Desert-Friendly Construction: The houses are built from local yellow sandstone, their thick walls and small windows acting as natural insulation against the extreme desert heat and cold.
• Remnants of Life: Explore the remains of the main temple, community step-wells, and double-storeyed houses with their inner courtyards, silent markers of a vibrant life once lived. Kuldhara is a protected monument under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Haunted Reputation

Kuldhara’s abandonment and the tale of the curse have earned it the moniker of a “Haunted Village.” Visitors often report an eerie silence, sudden drops in temperature, the feeling of being watched, and unexplained whispers echoing through the empty lanes. While this adds to its mysterious allure, the village is a captivating experience for history buffs and curious travelers alike.Kuldhara’s abandonment and the tale of the curse have earned it the moniker of a “Haunted Village.” Visitors often report an eerie silence, sudden drops in temperature, the feeling of being watched, and unexplained whispers echoing through the empty lanes. While this adds to its mysterious allure, the village is a captivating experience for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

Plan Your Visit

Location	Approx 20 km from Jaisalmer City
Timings	0800 to 1800 hrs (Overnight stays and visits are strictly prohibited)
Entry Fees	Nominal Fees
Best Time To Visit	Winter Season : October to March
How To Reach	Easily accessible by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Jaisalmer. It is often combined with a trip to the Sam Sand Dunes
Must Carry	Water bottles, sun protection & camera