Khuri Sand Dunes: Jaisalmer’s Ravishing Desert Beauty

Khuri Sand Dunes are the true embodiment of the Thar desert in Rajasthan. They are mysterious, uncanny and ravishing. In this harsh and futile wilderness nature endures. Visit here if you want to be a part of the complete desert experience.

Khuri lies on the edge of the Desert National Park surrounded by extensive sand dunes. It is located 40 kms southwest of Jaisalmer. Mysterious solitude, strong hot winds and arid, desert always seem like merciless and hostile lands.

Vacationing at Khuri sand dunes in India’s biggest desert ‘The Thar’ had me enchanted to the incredible landscape and the endless starry sky. In the current piece on Khuri Sand Dunes, I will help you explore the best travel aspects of the place.

Khuri Sand Dunes: An Overview

History of Khuri

Khuri is the central village of many smaller settlements ruled by the Rajput Sodhas for over 400 years. The population of the village is around 4000. It is believed that many years ago some wandering nomads inhabited the village and stayed forever.

The village was for long an unexplored destination for the world of enthusiast travelers. It all started in the early nineteen eighty’s when a local tour guide named Bhagwan Singh took the onus on himself to bring the tourists and travel groups to Khuri sand dunes.

His efforts created a source of revenue for the locals as home-stays and guest houses were the only available accommodations back then. The huts in the village were initially made of mud and cow dung and had a roof of grass straws. The huts were often decorated using incised designs.

The material used to make the huts were effective to keep the rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. The vessels used for cooking and eating were also made of mud and clay in the village by the potters.

With changing times, one can observe the effect of transformation on the construction of houses near Khuri sand dunes. Stones have replaced the old, traditional materials for building houses.

Not every villager has welcomed such a change with open arms. There are still a few who believe to preserve their deep-rooted culture. 

Khuri village, with the time and efforts of Mr Bhagwan Singh, who is locally known as ‘Tiger Chief’, has seen a new phase of development over the years.

The village now has its own primary and secondary school, a hospital, a post office and an animal hospital. Though a lot has been accomplished there is still scope for improvisation.

You will find women in the village dressed up in their traditional attire called ghaghra and odhni. The old men of the village still adorn their customary outfit called tevta and kameez along with a saafaa (rajasthani turban).

Farming in Rajasthan depends majorly upon rains. A good monsoon means a happy farmer. The main crops grown near Khuri sand dunes are Til, Moong, Bajra and Chana.

A major thing that attracts tourists to this village and the Khuri sand dunes is its raw beauty. It is still untouched from the clutches of modern-day commercialization and stands proud of its culture and heritage.

Getting to Khuri Sand Dunes Jaisalmer

You can reach Khuri sand dunes in a number of ways. Some are more reasonable than others –

By road

The distance to Khuri from New Delhi (India’s capital) is 860 km. The drive to Khuri is very long and can be exhausting. A better plan would be to break the journey midway and then travel.

By train

Travelling by train to Jaisalmer is yet another option. Once in Jaisalmer take a taxi to Khuri village, which would cost around Rs. 2000/-.

By flight

Book a noon Spice Jet that flies daily from New Delhi to Jaisalmer. It is the only flight option available as of now. If you are on a tight schedule, the best and quick option to get there is by air.

 

Travel Tips for Visiting Khuri Sand Dunes

There are no big markets to shop around in the village. There are just 3 grocery shops for daily needs essentials and vegetables. So make sure to pick up stuff you need from there.

Stroll in the village near Khuri Sand Dunes whenever you can. Talking to the locals can be quite knowledgeable. The villagers are very warm and welcoming. They are happy to let you click their pictures.

Always carry a light woollen garment with you when in the Khuri sand dunes. Winter evenings can be unreasonably cold.

Do not forget to carry the flashlight whenever you go out in the evenings.

Drink lots of water at all times. Stay hydrated all the time

Always carry enough cash with you, as there is only one ATM in the village which is mostly out of order

Things to Carry While Venturing into Khuri Sand Dunes

Torch

One or two pairs of long trousers

Cargo pants

Long sleeve shirts

Tee-shirts (linen/cotton/wool)

Winter jacket

A hat for the daytime

Warm cap for nighttime

A scarf to cover the head and/or face while on a camel safari

Sunglasses

Suncream (SPF 30 at least),

Lip balm

Baby wipes

Hand sanitiser

Medicines

Mosquito repellant

 Music Festivals Taking Place in Khuri Sand Dunes Jaisalmer

Sandscape is the main Music festival that happens in the Khuri sand dunes. 

Sandscape music festival is an Indo-European collective that brings together the local, national and international artists from various art forms of music, dance and creative visuals to perform on one platform.

Started in the year 2015, Sandscape has marked its place to bridge the gap in the tourism industry and help the regional folk artist reach the hearts of millions.

The live acts and electronic and folk artist performances supported by 3-D Visual Mapping and Interactive Arts are an audio-visual treat for the guests.

It is a two-day festival and happens every year in the second week of February in the Khuri Sand Dunes. Tickets can be booked online. You can either pre-book the luxury swiss tents available at the festival venue in the sand dunes or you can bring along your own tents

Where to Stay and What to Expect Near Khuri Sand Dunes?

 A decent number of staying options are available. It is advisable to pre-book the accommodation near Khuri Sand Dunes. You will mostly find resorts or guest houses. In some resorts, breakfast and dinner are included. 

The Mama’s Resort & Camp

Luxury Swiss Tent: Cost ₹ 7000/- single occupancy & ₹ 8500/- double occupancy / per night Super Deluxe Cottage: Cost ₹ 7000/- single occupancy & ₹ 8500/- double occupancy / per night Cottage: Cost ₹ 5500/- single occupancy & ₹ 6500/- double occupancy / per night Package 2night/3days: Has a wide range of inclusions. Cost varies from ₹  9,500/- to ₹  13,500 depending upon the type of accommodation chosen.

Registhan Guest House

Luxury Tent: Cost ₹ 4000/- per night for 2 adults Swiss Tent: Cost ₹ 2999/- per night for 2 adults Hut/Cottage: Cost ₹ 1999/- per night for 2 adults Deluxe Room: Cost ₹ 1899/- per night for 2 adults * cost of the rooms may vary according to the month of travel

The Sand Dunes Resort

Swiss Tent: Cost ₹ 4000/- single occupancy & ₹ 7000/- double occupancy / per night Cottage: Cost ₹ 3000/- single occupancy & ₹ 5000/- double occupancy / per night * cost of the rooms may vary according to the month of travel

Pal Rajah Resort

Deluxe Swiss Tent: Cost ₹ 5500/- per night for 2 adults Mud Cottage: Cost ₹ 4200/- per night for 2 adults

Resorts in Khuri are lit beautifully at night. Picture credits: Mama’s Resort and Camp

Nearly all the resorts and camps near Khuri sand dunes take the opportunity to recreate the experience of Rajasthani culture for their guests. Winter evenings at Khuri sand dunes begin with a campfire and music and dance performances by regional folk artists.

Imagine every night over-looking the starry sky and drenching yourself in the tunes of local folk talent just playing for you. An over-indulgence into the solitude of soul yet staying close to humanity. It indeed is once in a lifetime experience.

Desert Attractions at Khuri Sand Dunes

1.	Camel Safari
2.	Jeep Safari
3.	Night Safari

 

An Elaboration of Desert Attractions at Khuri Sand Dunes

Camel Safari 

Camel Safari at Khuri sand dunes exports you to just another world of folklore and mysteries that surrounds the desert. The safari routes through the village and deep into the Khuri sand dunes.

The seemingly monotonous barren desert and drifting Khuri sand dunes transform into a ravishing beauty just as the moonlight brightens the night sky.

The best time to go for a camel safari is either at sunrise (5 am to 7 pm) or at sunset (4 pm to 7 pm). The tour fare is Rs. 500/- per person. A short camel ride in the dunes would cost around Rs. 250/- to Rs. 300/-. The bookings can be done through the resort you opt to stay in.

Jeep Safari

 If you are looking for some adventure you must explore the Khuri sand dunes in a jeep safari. These are done on 4*4 jeeps apt to ride on the khuri sand dunes and the higher crests.

If you get lucky you might also spot antelopes, deer and desert fox.

The best time to visit is either at the sunrise or at the sunset. One jeep allows a maximum of 5 people. 

The cost of the whole jeep for three hours is Rs. 2000/- For 3 people the cost is Rs. 1000/- per person and for 2 the cost is Rs. 750/- per person. The bookings can be done through the resort you opt to stay in.

Night Safari

If you imagine sleeping under the stars, then a night safari in the Khuri sand dunes is a must. You will leave your resort at 9.30 pm after dinner. A 4*4 jeep will take you into the middle of the Khuri sand dunes.

You will be left there to enjoy the starry night sky all by yourself. This could be the best time for self retrospection or to just soak your soul in the magnificence of the gleaming white moonlight.

It is advisable to carry your sleeping bags with you to the dunes. In case, you do not have a sleeping bag, the resort will make the necessary arrangements for the stay. The next morning after the sunrise, the jeep will return to take you back to your resort.

Places worth a Visit Near Khuri Sand Dunes

1.	Desert National Park
2.	Kuldhara Abandoned Village
3.	Patwaon ki Haveli

An Elaboration of Places Worth a Visit Near Khuri Sand Dunes

Desert National Park

It is one of the largest national parks covering an area of 3162 km square. A haven for migratory and resident birds of the Khuri sand dunes, it is equally famous for sheltering the endangered  Great Indian Bustard. Other species that can be seen at the desert national park are Chinkaaras and desert fox. To visit the park you need a permit from the office of the Deputy Director of Desert National Park, Khuri. The permit can be organized by the resort you are staying. Permit Fees for Indians is Rs. 50/- and for foreigners it is Rs. 300/-. There is a vehicle fee of Rs. 200/- and guide fee of Rs. 200/-. If you opt for a camel cart it would cost Rs. 700/- per person for three hours. Timings to visit the part are 10 am to 5 pm. Carry a light woollen jacket all the time at Khuri sand dunes. Early mornings and evenings are cold in the dunes.

Kuldhara Abandoned Village

Kuldhara village was part of a huddle of 84 villages. Once a prosperous village it was inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. The story has it that because of an earthquake all the 84 villages were vacant overnight. Some locals also believe that the lustful minister Salim Singh was attracted to a beautiful girl from the village. He sent his guards to force the villagers to send the girl to him. The villagers asked the guards to return the next morning and abandoned the village overnight. It is also said that the other 83 neighbouring villages in the area were also abandoned overnight. The word has it that the Paliwals imposed a curse that no one would be able to re-occupy the village. Those who tried to re-populate the village experienced paranormal activities, and therefore, the village remains uninhabited. Since then it has been declared haunted as only the ruins of those villages remain. The Kuldhara village has been taken over by the government and is being maintained as a tourist spot. There is a nominal fee of Rs. 30/- per person to enter the village. It is open from morning till 5 pm. It is worth a visit. You never know what part of history you may set your foot on!

Patwaon Ki Haveli

It is an hour’s drive from Khuri sand dunes village to Patwaon ki Haveli. An interesting fact about the place is that it is not a single haveli, it is a cluster of five small Havelis. The haveli is known for its architecture, miniatures and balconies. It stands in a narrow lane and one can find a good amount of paintings and mirrorwork on the walls. Patwaon Ki Haveli was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer. A trip to the haveli can be arranged by your resort at a nominal charge for the day cab for to and fro. Timings are from morning till 5 pm.

 

What to Eat at Khuri Sand Dunes?

There are no restaurants or dhabhas near Khuri Sand Dunes. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served at the resort or guest house you choose to stay in. There are specific timings the meals are served. So while you are at Khuri sand dunes, it is advisable to be an early riser. If you miss a meal you will have to wait till it’s time for the next meal.

Journeying through the Khuri Sand Dunes, I realized, it is no more a place to be scared off. The desert has the power to charm you with its splendour. There will always be a mystery surrounding the captivating beauty of the sand dunes, but living under the star glazed nights, waking up to the tunes of flutes of the local musicians and knowing there is still more to be discovered is surely an experience of a lifetime.   

Incredible Travel Experiences of Rajasthan

Once you’ve experienced the desert life at Khuri Sand Dunes, you should most certainly explore the rest of the state as well. Here’s a list of the top 6 aspects that should be on your priority list, while visiting Rajasthan –

Hundred Thousand Visits Each Year	Pushkar Camel Fair
Deluxe Desert Camping Experience	Osian Safari Camp
Rajasthan’s most haunted place	Bhangarh Fort
Royal palaces of Pink City	Exotic Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan
Jodhpur’s Splendour on a cliff	Mehrangarh Fort
Musicians this is for you	International Thar Desert Music Festival

Happy wayfaring 🙂  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

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