KHABA FORT – The Haunted Unknown Heritage Of Jaisalmer

In this blog, you will get to know the haunted place of Khaba in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. You will be excited to know about the horror story that attracts many people. The story of Paliwal Brahmins brings goosebumps. Also, it mentions the timings of the visit and caution as well!

About Khaba Fort

Khaba fort stands on a hilltop located 40 kilometres from Jaisalmer city towards the Thar Desert. It is famously called one of the haunted places of Rajasthan. In contrast to the well-renowned Jaisalmer Golden Fort, Khaba Fort is not much famous, the structure is not so huge. So be mentally prepared to expect what you will see. It is a small fort with intricate works of art making it mesmerizing. It is an abandoned site along with the village of Khaba that is located at the foothills of the Fort.

Why is Khaba Fort Famous?

Khaba Fort is famous for being known as the HAUNTED PLACE. The people who tried to stay during the night have told that they experienced some abnormal activities. Some termed it as a paranormal activity while some were not able to describe the fear they faced. Many people come here in order to show bravery. It is on similar lines to Kuldhara or the Bhangarh Fort which also comes in the list of haunted abandoned places of India.

Haunted Story of Khaba Fort and Kuldhara

Khaba is a fort and the village at the foothills is called Kuldhara. Locals also called it the Khaba Village. I am confused between these two. I believe Khaba and Kuldhara are different but many consider them identical. So, if anybody has any knowledge regarding this, please clear up my confusion. 

Moving on, the story of Khaba Fort is related to the Paliwal Brahmins. The Dewan of the area was got in love with the daughter of the village chief. The Paliwal Brahmins’ Chief was against this relationship because of the different castes. But the Dewan was adamant about marrying the daughter of the Brahmin Chief.

The Dewan gave an ultimatum with a deadline that he would forcefully marry the daughter of the chief. The chief of the village called all the villagers as well as the chief of nearby villages. That night, in total chiefs of 84 villages met to decide on the matter. They took the decision to leave the village at once. while leaving the village, they cursed it so that no one can ever live in that place.

So since then, the village has been in an abandoned state similar to the one it was left by the Paliwal Brahmins.

Khaba Fort related to Silk Route?

The villagers living nearby told that the Khaba Fort used to be the shelter house (Sarai Fort – fort at the frontier). The traders entering Rajasthan via the Silk Route used to take shelter in the night. Only after paying the taxes they were given allowed to continue their trade journey from morning onward.

Journey To Khaba Fort From Jaisalmer

You can take a cab or taxi from Jaisalmer city. The driver of the cab almost acts as the guide. They are well-versed in the history of this place. There are well-developed and broad highways running in the unpopulated Thar Desert. But towards the end of the Journey, the roads get winding and narrow. The Khaba Fort is located on the top of a small hill. If you are travelling in your own vehicle then you must take out time and visit these ancient ruins.

The best way to plan this place is to club it along with some nearby destinations. One such example is to combine the Khaba Fort with Kuldhara, Bada Bagh, and Amar Sagar Jain Temple. These are small locations and won’t take much of your time.

Another way to visit is while going toward Sam Sand Dunes. This place is on the way towards the Desert Sand Dunes. So, it can be visited easily in the daytime. Remember to take water and food with you because you won’t find them nearby. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes. It will help in climbing the flight of stairs and walking around the ruined structures.

What Not To Miss On The Visit

A very rare experience called “Breakfast with the Peacocks” is in itself a joy. Some tour companies make arrangements where you can have breakfast on the roof of the fort. The foothill village Khaba has ruins of once well-flourished settlements.

There is also a small gallery exhibiting various kinds of stones and structures. If you are an enthusiast of Geology then it will attract you. Otherwise, also it has its own historical and geographical significance. You must not miss this.

History Of Khaba Fort

It is said that the village of Khaba was once occupied by the eight families of Paliwal Brahmins around 1291 A.D. But due to some unknown reasons, they abandoned their homes and left the village forever in one night. This incident took place in 1825. It was one of the 84 villages abandoned by the Paliwal Brahmins after their persecution by the Diwan of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh. With the passage of time, all villages repopulated except for Kuldhara, Khaba and Nebia.

Structure Of The Fort and the Village

The whole structure is kind of a citadel. The fort has well-intricated lattice work and magnificent windows for ventilation purposes. An impressive structure of Shiva Temple stands protected. Many mud houses surrounding it are also in good condition. There is a peered staircase that goes deep underground.

There are more than 80 sandstone habitations with the peculiarity of having no roof.

Haunted Place

Though much smaller than Kuldhara, Khaba is an equally maze of ruins. The Ghost Town is believed by many as a haunted place. Therefore many do not prefer to visit the place after sunset. Those who have stayed during the night have claimed to experience some sort of paranormal activity. The stones are said to be cursed.

If you are visiting Jaisalmer then you definitely give some time to visit this lee-known gem of Rajasthan. The place is not well protected like the Archaeological site of Kuldhara but the recently renovated Khaba fort and the fossil museum present the place for tourist attraction.

(To read about another such Haunted Place in India click here.)

Timings and Entry Fees Of Khaba Fort

• 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
• Entry Fees is Rupees 10 per person.

How To Reach?

Road:

• Well connected with Jaisalmer via Jaisalmer – Sam – Dhanana Rd (31.8 km). 

Railway:

• The nearest Railway station is Jaisalmer of the North-Western Division.
• From here you can take a taxi or bus. 

Airport:

• The nearest Airport is Jodhpur which is about 300 km away.

To explore more about Rajasthan click here.

Best Time To Visit

• The best time of the year to visit here is between November and February.
• The heat is moderate and bearable in these months.
• Summers are very hot making it unbearable to enjoy and explore.

Nearby Places To Visit

• Jaisalmer Fort

  • Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City.
  • The city of Jaisalmer is also as a guard to western Rajasthan as well as India’s frontier.
  • Jaisalmer Fort which is also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). It is the only living fort where people reside.
  • Therefore, Jaisalmer is called the place “Where The Forts Are Still Alive”.
  • The Jaisalmer Fort is constructed in the classic style of the royals. The construction was done by local craftsmen.
  • This fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.
  • It also forms an important plot point in one of Satyajit Ray’s famous Feluda stories

• Wood Fossil Park or Aakal 

  • This Fossil Park is about 15 kilometres away from the city of Jaisalmer towards Barmer road. 
  • You can find fossils from the Thar Desert dating about 180 million years old.
  • The fossils belong to the prehistoric Jurassic era.
  • The Akal Wood Fossil Park is a 21-hectare preserved area.
  • About 180 million years ago, a forest used to stand where the park is today. The area got then submerged into the sea. Years of pressure and high temperature converted these woods into fossils.
  • The preserved fossils include trunks of trees of different sizes. They are placed in iron shelters.
  • There are about 25 numb trees right at the entrance.
  • There is also a fossil of an ancient red-wood tree trunk.
  • These fossils tells that the lower Jurassic age was hot and humid in cintrast to the present dry climate of this region !

• Gadisar Lake 

  • Laser Water Show at Gadisar Lake is one of the first and largest Laser Water Shows in India.

• Jaisalmer Government Museum

  • The museum has been established by the Department of Archaeology and Museums.
  • It displays the trophy of Rajasthan‘s state bird Godawan (the great Indian bustard).
  • There are displays of traditional household items, rock-cut crockery, jewellery and statues from the 7th and 9th century AD.

•  Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli 

  • It was constructed in the 19th century.
  • It was constructed by two architect brothers.
  • Each brother worked on the haveli from two different sides.
  • It is a beautiful blend of symmetrical construction.
  • It is decorated with Miniature-style of paintings and mighty tuskers are carved out of yellow sandstones.

• Salim Singh Ki Haveli 

  • It was constructed in the first half of the 18th century.
  • Interestingly a part of the Haveli is still occupied by descendants of the original residents.
  • There is a high arched roof which is supported by carved brackets designed in the shape of peacocks.
  • The guides told that there were two additional wooden storeys that made the Haveli equal in height to the King’s palace, but he ordered for the upper level to be demolished.

• Patwon Ki Haveli 

  • It is one of the largest and the most elaborately carved Havelis in Jaisalmer.
  • This Haveli is a five-storey structure and is situated in a narrow street.
  • Small patches of paintings and mirror work art are still there on the inside walls.

• Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace) 

  • It is a five-storeyed decorated by a pagoda-like Tazia tower.
  • It is also called the Mandir Palace.
  • Each floor of the palace has a beautifully decorated balcony.
  • The palace was built by Muslim workers (Tazia is a float that is part of the Muharram procession).

• Tanot Mata Temple

  • It is situated about 120 kilometres from Jaisalmer.
  • The temple is dedicated to Goddess Hinglaj.
  • It is famous because, during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Tanot was under heavy attack and shelling.
  • But surprisingly, none of the shells or bombs fired at the temple exploded.
  • So people began to believe that Hinglaj Goddess saved them.
  • Currently, the temple is managed by a BSF Trust.

• Longewala War Memorial

  • Longewala is known for the India-Pakistan war of 1971 in the western sector.
  • It was started on 4th December 1971 when Pakistani troops attacked India through Rajasthan border.
  • But the large army of Pakistan was defeated by a small battalion of Border Security Forces stationed at Longewala i.e. about a hundred Indian defenders stopped advancing troops of about 2000 Pakistani soldiers and 60 tanks.
  • They stopped the Pakistan Army from furthering to Jaisalmer’s air base.
  • To salute the bravery of Indian soldiers, a War Memorial has been erected here in Longewala.

• Jain Temples inside the Jaisalmer Fort

  • They were constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries.
  • They are dedicated to Tirthankars Rishabhdev and Shambhavdev.
  • The structure is made from yellow sandstones.
  • The temples are in Dilwara-style of architecture.

• Bada Bagh 

  • It is about 6 kilometres to the north of Jaisalmer.
  • It houses chhatris or royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer state, including that of Jai Singh II.

• Vyas Chhatri

  • These are located inside the garden complex of Bada Bagh.
  • They are constructed in the Rajasthani style of architecture.
  • They are cenotaphs of Brahmins.
  • It is a famous desert sunset point in the area of Jaisalmer.
  • From here you can see the Jaisalmer fort as well as the adjoining area.
  • Many local artists can be seen playing algoza, a double-fluted instrument.

• Amar Sagar Lake 

  • It is a lake situated about 7 km west of Jaisalmer city.
  • It is a lake cum oasis adjacent to the Amar Singh Palace.
  • The palace as well as the lake were built in the 17th century.
  • There is an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • There are Jain temples as well in the complex.

• Desert National park 

  •  Sudasari Desert National Park
  • The park is formed of undulating sand dunes, jagged rocks, dense salt lake bottoms and inter-medial areas.
  • Fauna species of black buck, chinkara and desert fox can be found here.
  • It is the only region supporting the highly endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest-flying birds.
  • In winter many varieties of migratory raptors such as Himalayan and Eurasian Griffon Vultures, the Eastern Imperial Eagle, and the Saker Falcon come here.
    

     

Editor’s Thought

Khaba Fort is a hidden gem of Rajasthan. Not many travellers know it. Being a deserted city, it has a horror sentiment to it. The stains of blood and many news reports of abnormal activities at night rise excitement. If you plan your visit to this part of Rajasthan, you can add this place to your bucket list. 

For any related information or question, leave a comment.

Have A Safe Yatra…