The state is famous for its majestic forts, royal palaces, and colorful fairs. But there is another face of this place. There are ghost towns, abandoned villages. Also, devastated places that have no living people. The towns filled with stories of wars, curses, and lack of water. The most famous of them all is Kuldhara near Jaisalmer. But there are many other ghost towns other than Kuldhara. Moreover, visiting there is not only a peaceful enjoyment. It also means reading pages of history left behind. There are a lot of things to know about the state. But, let’s talk about ghost towns of Rajasthan beyond Kuldhara Village.
Why Explore Ghost Towns of Rajasthan Beyond Kuldhara?
There are several reasons for the ghost towns in Rajasthan.
- No Water: Desert climate made it super hard to find enough water to live.
- Wars: Kings and invading forces fought there, so people fled.
- Curses and Fear: Do you know? People got frightened by ghost tales and curses.
- Lost Trade Routes: Some towns flourished as trade centers. But when the trade routes changed, they lost importance. These facts also combine history with mystery. Also, that is what makes ghost towns so fascinating for visitors. Furthermore, check out 10 Best Hidden Lakes.
Famous Ghost Towns of Rajasthan Outside Kuldhara.
| Ghost Town / Location | Why Visit Special Notes |
|---|---|
| Bhangarh (Alwar) | Nicknamed India’s most haunted fort town, with numerous temples and ruins. Entry restricted after dark. |
| Abhaneri (near Chand Baori) | Renowned for colossal stepwell; village areas are empty. Also, half-day outing from Jaipur. |
| Khejarli | Renowned for Bishnoi villagers who gave their lives to protect trees. Memorials make it serene but also a bit strange. |
| Barmer Desert Settlements | Desert ruins of old villages. Isolated, jeep is the best means of access with guides. |
| Roopnagar | Small abandoned village with tales of curses. Suitable for alternative travelers. |
Bhangarh Fort – The Most Haunted Town in Rajasthan (Alwar District).
Bhangarh Fort is among the most haunted places in India. In its walls, there are ruined temples, bazaars, houses, and palaces. Said that a magician’s curse devastated the town after a princess rejected him. Until now, no one has stayed here overnight, as entry is prohibited after dark.
How to Reach: Roughly 80 km from Jaipur and 40 km from Alwar, nearest to reach by car or taxi.
Abhaneri – Ancient Ghost Town Near Chand Baori Stepwell.
Abhaneri is famous for Chand Baori, the largest stepwell in the world. Some parts of the village are also vacant now. Also, stories of ghost-like spirits make the location silent. It isn’t that scary but it feels strange as opposed to Bhangarh. Also, explore the best offbeat places in for slow travel.
How to Reach: About 95 km from Jaipur, well connected by road. You can also see nearby Harshat Mata Temple.
Khejarli – Deserted Village with History and Ghost Stories.
Moving on to next. This is one of the Thar desert villages that is not strange in the paranormal sense of the term. But it is expressive and emotive. Over 300 Bishnoi community members gave up their lives here to protect sacred khejri trees. The monument is also a reminder of their acts of selflessness. The place is peaceful but also a bit sorrowful and haunting.
How to Reach: 26 km from Jodhpur, road journey of an hour.
Barmer Deserted Ghost Settlements in Thar Desert.
There are many abandoned villages that lie buried under sand around the district of Barmer. They were once thriving cities where trade conducted by caravans. Today you can see broken homes, ancient temples, and still-deserted streets. They also seem like time-warped towns. Also, learn what to pack for your trip with our city vs desert travel checklist.
How to Reach: Barmer is 160 km from Jodhpur. Jeeps or guides are a must to go there.
Roopnagar – Forgotten Village in Rajasthan’s Haunted Map.
Roopnagar is a small deserted village nobody ever knows about. Moreover, locals still have stories of curses related to it. It doesn’t have famous huge forts like Bhangarh, but it has the genuine and unexplored vibe. Perfect for tourists who love secretive and offbeat places.
How to Reach: Ask around local guides around Udaipur or Jodhpur, as it is not in the regular tourist trail.
Myths of Ghost Towns in Rajasthan.
Every ghost town has its own special story:
- Kuldhara’s Curse: Villagers left overnight and cursed anyone who tried to live there.
- Bhangarh’s Sorcerer: A magician cursed the town when the princess rejected him.
- Khejarli’s Sacrifice: Hundreds of Bishnois died saving trees. Thus, giving the place a sacred silence.
These tales make people curious and ghost towns mysterious even after two centuries. Don’t forget to read about local transport in the state.
Travel Tips for Exploring Ghost Towns of Rajasthan Beyond Kuldhara.
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | Winter mornings and evenings are best; summer heat is too much |
| Local Guides | Needed for safety and stories; ₹500–₹1000 per trip |
| Essentials | Carry water, snacks, torch, power bank, and a scarf to keep dust away |
| Transport | Better to rent private cabs or jeeps; buses aren’t that reliable |
| Safety | Listen to locals; never go to Bhangarh at night |
Ghost Tourism in Rajasthan – Beyond Kuldhara
Currently, travelers want to see ghost towns, not only forts and palaces. travel operators now conduct “Haunted Rajasthan Tours” which include Bhangarh. Also, Kuldhara, and nearby ruins. Ghost stories told by guides to make it more exciting.
Films and TV serials are also featured here. Chand Baori has appeared in movies. Also, Bhangarh is a major attraction in most ghost docu-series. Moreover. this piques curiosity among youngsters to come.
Conclusion – Mystery of Ghost Towns of Rajasthan Beyond Kuldhara.
Do you know? Rajasthan’s ghost towns are not ruined walls and abandoned houses. They are peaceful storytellers of wars, famines, sacrifices, and curses. Each site—ranging from popular Bhangarh to peaceful ruins of Barmer—gives you thrills as much as history.
If you want to see another Rajasthan than the sheen of palaces, these ghost towns are perfect. Take your heart, engage a guide. Explore the best Rajasthan tour packages with us. Also, step into the mysterious past of the desert state. The ghost towns of the state will give you an experience to remember. As walking through the pages of a storybook brought to life.
FAQs
Besides Kuldhara, Rajasthan has famous sites like Bhangarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and lesser-known abandoned villages such as Khaba. These places combine history, architecture, and local legends, making them perfect for curious travelers.
Most haunting stories come from folklore and local legends rather than proof. Tales of curses and sudden abandonment add mystery, but they are cultural narratives rather than scientifically verified facts.
Yes. Sites like Bhangarh forbid entry after sunset, and many ruins have unstable structures. Visitors should follow signboards, respect local rules, and avoid unsafe areas.
The best time is October to March for pleasant weather. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water, avoid unsafe zones, and skip night visits unless permitted.
Most ghost towns are reachable by road; some need private transport. Hiring a local guide enriches the visit, and while most sites need no permit, protected monuments may have entry fees.
Leave a Comment