Khaba is a beautiful isolated village not too far from the city of Jaisalmer. It is an excursion worth making although it hasn’t become very popular with the tourists as yet. The village is almost entirely deserted but you will find parts of it are still inhabited.
The fort is glorious and beautiful. There is also a fascinating museum of Geology in the same place. The village life and the magnificent fort stand in stark contrast. It may be in ruin but still holds a lot if importance. The place is hence also interesting for someone who wants to study the culture of Rajasthan.
You can also opt to camp here and you will find several tents and hotels in the surrounding areas if you want to explore the village a bit more.
History of Khaba Fort
Almost 200 years ago Khaba Fort and its surroundings was populated by Paliwal Brahmins, a community of Rajasthan. But suddenly one night in the year 1825, due to some mysterious reason they vacated the village. Some say it was overnight desertion of the fort and its surroundings.
There were around 80 families then in these regions. No research on this has yielded any fact about how this sudden disappearance took place or where they went. There are unverified rumors that they moved on to Jodhpur and settled in some place beyond that.
There are stories of how the Paliwal Brahmins before leaving the village cursed the place saying no one would ever be able to inhabit the villages. And to this date there are just ruins, not a sign of life as far as the eye can see.
Paliwal Brahmins since 1291 were prosperous residents of Kuldhara village of Jaisalmer. Till date it is a mystery that why after residing there for 7 centuries they vacated the place overnight.
Best Time To Visit:-
Khaba Fort is a prominent tourist attraction in Jaisalmer and is popular for its eerie ambiance. Since there is no special event or occasion for visiting this site, it can be visited during any season of the year. If tourists are planning a trip during summers, it is recommended to carry water, sunscreen, and eyewear to protect from the harsh sun.
How to Reach
The Khaba fort is about a 30-minute drive from Jaisalmer. Generally, people visit the fort as a side trip on their way to Sam Sand Dunes. Alternatively, take the public bus or taxi from the city center.
