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Khimsar, located on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan, is genuinely a remote village endowed with an oasis-like charm. Yeah! You read it right. The extensive dunes at Khimsar are an ideal location to enjoy desert safaris, sunsets, and more. Nature lovers will find this a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxing vacation or a naturalist’s paradise. In the midst of endless dunes, you can find Khimsar Sand Dunes Village. Because of its rustic appearance, the village seems remote, rural, and highly romantic. This place is designed in eco-friendly clusters, and these luxurious huts blend seamlessly with the environment. In all its glory, you will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the Thar Desert. One of the most striking features of the desert region is the artificial lake, which appears out of nowhere, looks and feels like a mirage, and acts as an oasis. The only transport options that are feasible and available are jeeps, camels, or horses. The fort was founded by Prince Rao Karamasji, the eighth son of Jodhpur’s founder, Rao Jodha, in 1523 A.D. An early 16th-century fort perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in rural India offers experiences that will leave you amazed.
Khimsar (Khinvsar) is a small village located on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, 100 km from Jodhpur in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan in India, famous for its massive dunes. One of the most striking characteristics of the desert region is its artificial lake and luxurious eco-friendly huts. These natural formations are what define its landscape. Travellers and tourists who are interested in experiencing the pleasures of dunes and oases must stay near these dunes. It is also famous for the ancient Khimsar Fort. As a result of its natural and historical significance, this sleepy small village in Rajasthan has become a popular heritage destination.
History of Khimsar
King Rao Karamasji, the eighth son of Maharaja Rao Jodha (founder of Jodhpur), came to Khimsar (Khinvsar) to fight the fourth war against the Mughals. Khinvsar and Nagaur were under Jodhpur’s rule at the time. Khimsar Fort was built in 1523 A.D. under the leadership of Prince Rao Karamasji. The primary purpose of this was to provide the village with a strong defence against intruders. With over 10,000 trees and plants covering about 60 km of its circumference, the fort is surrounded by sprawling lawns and gardens. A built-in moat, turrets, battle-scarred ramparts, ancient buildings, and cannons are on display to remind you of the fort’s glorious past. The fort was built to protect the Khimsar kingdom against enemy attacks, but it became a residence after the women’s section known as the Zanana was added to it in 1940.
Part of the fort now serves as a luxury heritage hotel offering royal Rajput hospitality. The rest is occupied by the descendants of Khimsar’s royal family. The hotel has seventy-one well-furnished rooms, each equipped with amenities such as a minibar, television, desk, and wardrobe. With its regal exteriors, sprawling gardens, and fountains, the palace entices visitors to spend memorable moments. Today’s staff is also descended from royal courtiers who have served the family with loyalty, passion, and sincerity for generations. The extended family offers hospitality at its finest because it’s hospitality from the heart, mind, body, and soul. While driving through dunes and narrow country roads, one can see the beauty, grandeur, layout, or magnificence of this castle. The Department of Tourism, Government of India, awarded the fort the National Grand Heritage Award for Excellence in recognition of its exquisite architectural beauty combining Mughal and Rajputana styles. The village is considered a convenient stopover between Pushkar and Jaisalmer. The fort and palace became the temporary residence of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb whenever he visited Nagaur during his reign. Khimsar is a fascinating place for historical tourists. Still, you’re a wildlife enthusiast looking to spot the rarest wildlife species. In that case, you must visit Panchala Black Buck Reserve, which is home to three distinct antelope species – the Chinkara, the Blackbuck, and the Blue Bull, as well as a large variety of birds.
How To Reach: The fort is located right in the centre of the village. There is no public transport here, so the only way to travel is by renting a private car or booking a taxi through your hotel.
Places To Visit Nearby
There are so many places to visit in Khimsar that will give you an understanding of its history, culture, and art. There is something for everyone here, from rustic landscapes to royal palaces and lush green gardens. Your trip to this area offers you plenty of sightseeing opportunities because there’s so much to see in terms of nature, culture, and history.
Khimsar Sand Dunes Village
Khimsar Sand Dunes Village is a small area that is nestled around a lake, surrounded by many dunes. Sand Dunes Village was established in 2002 and has gained a lot of attention from tourists. It’s an artificial setting but a great place to live a desert lifestyle. It is located on the outskirts of Khimsar city, just 6 km away from Khimsar Fort, towards the village of Ankala. An ideal way to capture the beauty of nature is to sit on the top of the dunes and admire the sun falling on the sand. It feels like there is a layer of golden sand covering the entire town. The village offers many eco-friendly huts that represent Rajasthani rural life, where you can find peace and relaxation. Besides the bonfire and live folk music, you can also participate in dancing. As there are no navigable roads leading to this spot, you will have to use Jeeps or camels to get there.
Earlier, there were substantial mounds of mud here, which are about 300 to 400 feet high. Earthen mounds, trees, and the climate here are natural. As part of the construction of Sand Dunes Village in 2002, the dunes and khejri trees have been left as they were. A lake was formed in the middle of this site, which is filled with water from the tube well. Apart from this, date palm trees have been planted here. There are many desert adventures available in the oasis area, including ATV rides, wildlife safaris, and camel rides. The most suitable time to visit is during sunrise & sunset as the sun’s rays reflect on the dunes, creating a golden hue. The Sand Dunes Village offers stargazing and bonfires at night, which is a truly memorable experience.
How To Reach: Sand Dunes village is located 5 kilometres from Khimsar Fort. The easiest way to get around is to hire a cab or rent a car from your hotel.
Nagaur fort
Nagaur Fort is the perfect example of Rajasthani architecture and design that can be found in the heart of Nagaur city. Built by Mughal rulers Akbar and Shah Jahan, it has a large campus surrounded by massive walls. Because of its lush green gardens, picturesque fountains, and famous temples, Nagaur Fort is one of the most popular places to visit in Khimsar. In addition to the three main entry gates, the complex also houses two famous temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Krishna. These temples are adorned with murals and primitive paintings. This fort has witnessed many massive battles over the past centuries.
Location: 42 km from the city centre
How To Reach: Nagaur Fort is located about 42 km from Khimsar village. The only way to travel and return is by cab or by renting a private Jeep.
Timings : 8:30 AM – 1 PM and 2:30 PM – 5 PM.
Nila Moti Trust
A handicraft institute was established and is operated by Mrs Monica Matter from Switzerland for the upliftment of rural women. Khimsar Fort is the only place where the products are sold.
Location: 1 km from the city centre
Panchala Black Buck Reserve
The Panchala Black Buck Reserve is a must-see for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts in Khimsar, as it is home to three species of antelope – the Blackbuck, Chinkara, and Blue Bull. Demoiselle cranes also migrate to this area between October and March from southern Europe and North Asia. For a closer look at the wildlife species present here, you can also take a Jeep safari tour. The lush flora and medicinal plants of this place are well known for their breathtaking natural beauty.
Location: 16 km from the city centre
How to Reach: – The natural reserve is only a 20-minute drive from the Khimsar Fort. The easiest way to get around is to hire a cab or rent a car from your hotel.
Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary
If you would like to experience some moments of awe-inspiring beauty in Khimsar, this is one of the must-visit places to visit. The sanctuary lies about 45 kilometres southwest of Jodhpur city and boasts a variety of wildlife, including blackbucks, sambhar, Desert Rats, cheetahs, nilgai, and desert foxes. A variety of native and migratory birds live in the sanctuary. For an up-close and personal interaction with the animals, you can also take a safari tour during the dawn.
Tarkishah Dargah
The 14th-century Dargah is dedicated to Tarkin Shah, a loyal devotee of Kwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
Nagaur Festival
The Nagaur festival, which is held every year in Khimsar, is known for its cattle fairs. At this annual festival, villagers from all over the state come to trade cattle and celebrate the local culture. A camel race, tug-of-war, and red chilli sales are some of the fun activities at the fair. In addition, locally made handcrafted goods are available for purchase. Usually, the festival is held between January and February.
Religious Sites
Hanumanji temple at Salasar, Karni Mata temple at Deshnoke, Brahma temple at Pushkar, Ramdevra, Jain & Mataji temples at Osian, Tarkistan Dargah at Nagaur, Charbhuja temple at Merta.
Best Time To Visit Khimsar
Khimsar, located on the edge of the desert, has very extreme weather patterns. Summers are scorching, with high temperatures and hot weather. Some of the time, there are even sandstorms, which can make driving nearly impossible. Despite being cold, winter is an ideal time to travel since it’s the warmest season. The winter months, between November and February, are the most ideal times to visit dunes, oases, and other hot spots. If you wish to experience the local cultural celebrations, visit between January and February.
Where To Stay
Accommodation
Though Khimsar has a few fancy hotels, the available accommodations are quite well-rated by travellers. A vacation in Khimsar can also include staying at a fortress resort or visiting a sand dune village. Here are a few popular places to stay to help you make your vacation memorable:
- Khimsar Sand Dunes Resort
- Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Fort & Dunes, Khimsar
- Abhay Resort and Camp
- Inani Brothers
- Hotel Riddhima
- Places to eat in Khimsar
- Check out these well-rated restaurants:
- Khimsar Tabela Bar,
- Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Fort & Dunes
- Maa Ashapura Hotel and Restaurant
- Bikana Pizza and Pasta
- Fateh Mahal and the Fort Ramparts
- Hotel Hansika Restaurant
How To Reach
Road
Khimsar lies along the Jodhpur-Nagaur-Bikaner Highway, which is well connected by road with other cities and towns in Rajasthan. Several state-run and private buses operate from nearby towns and cities, including Jodhpur, Pokhran, Osian, Jaipur, Bikaner, Ajmer, etc. To reach this location, you need to take the bus to Nagaur, which is the nearest town, and then hire a Jeep or private cab. If you are travelling from another city, the most convenient way is to hire a cab and do a road trip.
Train
The nearest railway station to Khimsar is Nagaur Railway Station, approximately 50.7 km away, followed by Osian, about 60 km away. Several places in the region can be reached by express and passenger trains from Jodhpur, about 95 K.M. away. If you want to get to Khimsar from either of these stations, you can either take a bus or hire a cab.
AIR
Khimsar and Nagaur do not have airport services. The nearest airport is Jodhpur (JDH), about 92 km away. There are convenient connections between Jodhpur Airport and other major airports across India, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc. From Jodhpur, you can take a taxi or a private car to reach Khimsar.
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