Place: Kuldhara Village
Location: Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan, India. Approximately 18 km southwest of Jaisalmer city.
Phone: Not applicable (abandoned village)
Hours: Open to visitors during daylight hours; overnight stays are generally prohibited due to local beliefs and regulations.
Admission: A nominal entry fee may be charged; fees are subject to change.
Website: Not applicable. tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
History: Kuldhara was established around the 13th century by Paliwal Brahmins who migrated from Pali to the Jaisalmer region. Renowned for their agricultural expertise and trade acumen, the Paliwals transformed Kuldhara into a prosperous settlement.
The village featured well-planned streets, intricate architecture, and advanced water management systems, including the use of khareens (artificial depressions) for agriculture.
In the early 19th century, Kuldhara was abruptly abandoned. Local legend attributes this to Salim Singh, the powerful and debauched prime minister of the state, whose unwelcome advances towards the village chief’s daughter led the Paliwals to desert the village overnight to protect their honor. Before leaving, they are said to have cursed Kuldhara, ensuring that no one could ever settle there again.
Hauntings: Kuldhara has earned a reputation as a haunted site. Visitors and locals have reported various paranormal activities, including:
-
Unexplained Noises: Sounds resembling footsteps, whispers, and other human activities have been reported, especially during the night.
-
Apparitions: Some visitors claim to have seen shadowy figures or apparitions wandering among the ruins.
-
Sudden Temperature Drops: Reports of abrupt and unexplainable temperature fluctuations, leading to chills and discomfort.
These accounts have contributed to Kuldhara’s mystique as a haunted location.
Personal Experiences: While many visitors have reported feelings of unease and unexplained phenomena, personal experiences vary widely. Some attribute these sensations to the village’s desolate atmosphere and tragic history, while others believe in the presence of supernatural entities. Specific documented personal experiences are limited, and many accounts are anecdotal.
Paranormal Activity Rating: Medium (Regular activity)
Kuldhara remains a site of intrigue, attracting tourists, paranormal enthusiasts, and historians alike. Its combination of historical significance and legends of hauntings continues to captivate the imagination of those who visit.
For a visual exploration of Kuldhara’s haunted history, you might find the following video informative: