Rajasthan Diaries - Kuldhara Haunted Village

Hi everyone!

On my recent trip to Rajasthan I had an enticing experience of visiting a haunted village. (I’ll keep referring to the Rajasthan trip as ‘recent’ until I go somewhere else, which isn’t happening soon). It was the most unexpected part of the trip and certainly a memory that has a special place in the treasure box.

Source - Internet

If you haven't read the previous Rajasthan Diaries, they are here (Top 5 things to do in Jodhpur); here (Mehrangarh Fort photo feature); and here (Jaisalmer Diaries). 

Today let me take you to Kuldhara Village. Popularly known as ‘Bhooton ka Gaon’ (the ghost village) it is about 17 km west of Jaisalmer. A small detour on the way to Sam Sand Dunes will lead you to this dainty village.

On the way to Sam Sand Dunes

For me vacations are all about soaking up the sun, sipping pina coladas, spending lazy mornings being snug as a bug in a rug! But this was something I was equally excited and jittery for. A first of its kind enthralling and captivating experience!

As your drive towards Sam, the barren landscape welcomes you with open arms. Leaving the golden city behind you make way towards the glorious golden dunes. Adding to this parched feel is the eerie vibe of the village. It was a bright sunny evening when we visited the village, but now I feel there was something which made the bright happy air fade away. Maybe it was just in the mind, or maybe not…

Love at first sight anyone!

Enter through the massive village gate; you need to buy a ticket and you’ll see a loner hut. A man from Jaisalmer city is the sole inhabitant of the village; and you can hear all sorts of creepy stories about him. Thanks to our guide who narrated all the stories like a pro!

I wasn’t brave enough to walk around, so we drove around. The ruins, the shambles, the undone, everything manifests an incomplete tale.

The ruins have a story to tell, and here all you need is the heart to listen.

In the middle of the village is a small temple and a house in rather good shape. Climb up the stairs for panoramic view of the entire village and beyond.

Look at this pettiness!

It’s believed that about 300 years ago Kuldhara was a prosperous flourishing village belonging to the Paliwal Brahmins. Salim Singh, the powerful and wicked minister of the region fell head over heels for the daughter of the village’s sarpanch. He wanted to marry her by force; and threatened the villagers of perilous consequences if they didn’t adhere to his wish. The villagers asked for some time to think about the proposal.

They decided instead of bowing down to Salim Singh’s unruly demand they’ll all leave the village. People from the surrounding 85 villages left their ancestral homes and fled overnight. Just like they vanished into thin air!

That's the village temple

Now comes the dramatic part!!! 

Before leaving the Paliwal Brahmins cursed Kuldhara Village that no one would be able to settle there. Call it destiny or the magic of the curse, the village remains uninhabited till date. Our guide also told us that whoever has tried to settle in the village has been chased away by freaky paranormal activities.

Village viewpoint and photo point for tourists

I don’t know whether the story is true or not, but there is something daunting about the village. It swamps you and refuses to leave for the longest time. The arid dusty landscape, rows and rows of empty mud houses and ruins of time make Kuldhara Village a must visit.

Caught Candid, I swear...

Your heart knows there is actually nothing, yet there is something. The grisly haunting feeling, eerie surrounding, and those crumbling walls double up the impact of the stories.

Touristy enough to take a small stroll and click a few pictures, I didn’t have the heart to stay for more than 20 minutes at the beautifully spooky Kuldhara Village.

See you soon, with something bright and sunny.