Khuri Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer - A true desert experience

Khuri, Jaisalmer Overview

Khuri is a quaint little hamlet in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is here that travellers can get a complete traditional desert-like experience in the middle of a vast expanse of sand dunes. The village is located in the Desert National Park and draws a considerable number of tourists each year. It has some resorts, camps and guest houses offering authentic food and humble accommodations. There are also a number of entertainment options and other activities for a complete holiday experience. It might seem like the place is in the middle of nowhere, but those who want to escape their stressful lives are sure to find some peace and serenity in Khuri. In its own unique way, the village is sure to make you feel close to nature.

Khuri is located about 50 kilometres to the south-west of The Golden City of Jaisalmer. It is a part of the Thar Desert or the Great Indian Desert and located within a national park (Desert National Park). The hamlet has about 100 small settlements and was ruled by the Rajputs for over 400 years. All the settlements in Khuri maintain their traditional ways of living and conserve the ecosystem. The region is also home to quite of variety of wildlife species like the Desert Fox, Mongoose, the Great Indian Bustard, Peacocks, Chinkaras, and Nilgai. If you are lucky, you might just spot some wildlife in the rolling sand dunes of Khuri in Jaisalmer.

Stay in Khuri

Khuri is the only place other than the Sam in Jaisalmer where tourists can get to experience staying in the middle of a desert. There are Desert Resorts and Desert Guesthouses to choose from. Travellers can also get to experience staying in a tiny mud hut, in tents or even in a camp. Night camping in the desert is quite a trend nowadays in the region. Other than the resorts, most options for accommodation are affordable and come with basic facilities, amenities and traditional Rajasthani food. Travellers can also expect some entertainment in the form of folk dance and music mostly scheduled in the evenings along with a bonfire.

Activities in Khuri

Some more fun activities to do in Khuri, Jaisalmer, are the village and desert tours and the Jeep and Camel Safaris. The safaris last about a few hours in the mornings or the evening when the sun is gentle. Witnessing the magical sunset over the shimmering sand dunes is highly recommended. These tours are accompanied by guides and have enough opportunities for tourists to enjoy the weather, the view, the camel rides and even click pictures. Some tours include meals, folk music and dance in the desert and end shortly after the sunset.

Tips

Afternoons are usually very hot and evenings are chilly even during the summer season.
Light coloured cotton clothing, hats, sunscreen etc. must be packed in plenty.
Camping out might require some more essentials like a torch, insect repellent, woollens etc.

How To Reach Khuri

The village of Khuri is located barely 50 kilometres away from the centre of Jaisalmer. The best way to reach the hamlet from any part of Jaisalmer is by roadways. The route goes through Jethvai Road – Station Road and NH 68. It takes about an hour and a half to reach Khuri. Travellers can find a decent number of local buses plying between Jaisalmer and Khuri. These buses can be boarded at the Jaisalmer Bus Stops and travellers can disembark at the Khuri Bus Stop. For a more comfortable drive, tourists can also book cabs to reach Khuri in Jaisalmer.