Khuri & Khaba
KHURI
The village of Khuri, 48km from Jaisalmer, has quite extensive dune areas attracting their share of sunset visitors, and a lot of mostly smallish ‘resorts’. Its better than Sam as one can stay in tranquility and enjoy village walks photographing traditional-style hut with clay-and-dung walls and thatched roof, and one may venture out on interesting camel trips in the relatively remote and empty surrounding area.
Khuri is within the Desert National Park, which stretches over 3162 sq km southwest of Jaisalmer to protect part of the Thar ecosystem, including wildlife such as the desert fox, desert cat, chinkara (gazelle), nilgai (antelope), and some unusual bird life including the endangered great Indian bustard.
Khaba Fort
Explore the mysteries of this amazing village half in ruins and half inhabited. Let’s take a peek at the ruined house, spot ancient artifacts and enjoy commanding views while standing with a cup of tea next to the Khaba Fort a ruined fortress and restored now, set amid a barren desert village. Khaba Fort a small landmark full of eeriness, history and mysticism. Wander the dusty streets lined with crumbling houses and almost devoid of human activity in half of the village. Its history dates back to the 13th century and was once an important part of village Kuldhara, inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. Sometime during the 1800s the residents fled the village and left behind a ghost town.
A stroll along the ramparts and enjoy uninterrupted views over the Khaba village below and the surrounding countryside dotted with windmills on the far horizon. The fort’s small museum to see displays of archaeological artifacts found in and around the fort.