Paradise of Dunes – Khimsar

History weaves its stories into the fabric of landscapes, transforming them into time portals that bring us to bygone ages. Khimsar, a village carved with the markings of history, is one such hidden gem buried away in the heart of Rajasthan, where the sands of time whisper tales of valor, romance, and imperial splendor. Our trip to this enthralling oasis was a happy accident, a journey that would immerse us in the depth of history, culture, and the rustic beauty that marks Khimsar.

This place, however, has not become famous and it’s surprising because of the views and hospitality it provides. All this while, the most popular destination among tourists to witness the dunes was Jaisalmer but if you visit Khimsar once, you would probably don’t want to leave this place soon.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Tale of Khimsar

Khimsar, in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, sits as a sentinel of history, witnessing the passage of centuries and the rise and fall of dynasties. This village has historical origins that date back to the 8th century, when the founder, Rao Karamsiji, formed the dynasty that still exists today. The hamlet itself is a mash-up of culture, history, and architectural marvels that narrate stories from the past.

The village still stands with pride keeping its rustic culture intact and is located about 100 km from Jodhpur which is famous for its only luxury hotel – Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Fort & Dunes, Khimsar. This small village is surrounded by dunes but you barely get to see the tremendous views until you choose to stay at the private dunes. The village boasts about a magnanimous fort known as – “The Khimsar Fort” which was built in the 18th century in Khimsar village to further strengthen the borders of Rajasthan.

What sets aside this property from the others is the fact that it is a family-run hotel and the 20th generation of the royal lineage still resides in the fort. The staff today are also direct descendants of royal courtiers who have served the family for generations with passion, loyalty, and sincerity. This extended family offers hospitality at its best because it is hospitality from the heart. This is a completely vintage-style hotel built inside the Khimsar Fort, in which people from all over the world come to get a feel of the complete luxury that they provide.

Check out these pictures to get completely mesmerized

You can book your stay at Khimsar ITC Hotel at two places. One is inside the Khimsar Fort as shown in the above picture where you will get the complete feel of living in the palace and the other is in private sand dunes’ luxury huts like below.

A Road Less Traveled: Arrival at ITC Khimsar

When we arrived in Khimsar, we were greeted with the splendor of ITC Khimsar, a sprawling property that encompasses two distinct realms: the majestic Khimsar Fort and the lovely Khimsar Sand Dunes. The scale of the hotel and the multiple properties were unexpected surprises that hinted at the unique experiences that awaited us.

Finding this secret sanctuary was a journey in and of itself. Google Maps, as we discovered, could not be trusted in this distant environment. Instead, the hotel urged us to follow a physical map they gave to ensure we found our way to the property’s intriguing spots.

The Khimsar Sand Dunes, about 5 km from the fort, was a universe unto itself, a land of spellbinding beauty, tranquility, and exclusivity. The private dunes spread before us in a mesmerizing tapestry of sand and sky shut off from the outside world. The stunning expanse of desert dunes was a sight to behold, a canvas where the golden colors of the sun met the desert’s timeless tranquillity.

When we arrived at the dunes, we were greeted with a one-of-a-kind and delightful means of transportation – a camel cart that would transport us to our temporary home for the next few days. The gentle swaying of the camel cart formed a tune that resonated with the beat of the desert as we proceeded on this primitive voyage.

Check-in to your hut loaded with all the facilities and spacious rooms and the views of course…!!! Make sure to pre-book all the meals before you choose to stay in luxury huts as there’s no option you can step outside the entire dunes area and have a meal elsewhere because it’s pretty remote.

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the luxury of sitting in your hut. Along with the small dunes, a large dune is also present, from where the sunset views can be unreal upon ascending. A small hut on top of this mound serves tea, pakodas, and many Rajasthani delicacies with a chargeable amount in case you’ve not opted for snacks in your package.

How to reach?

To reach Khimsar, you need to arrive in Jodhpur first. Reach Jodhpur by air, train, or road, and then follow the NH62 from Jodhpur to reach Khimsar as it’s only accessible by road from Jodhpur. If your stay is booked at the Khimsar Fort, the route is pretty straight after reaching the Khimsar village. In case you’ve booked your stay at Luxury huts in private dunes, get a map from the reception at Khimsar Fort and follow the route specified on the map for about 5 km to reach your destination.

The ability to explore a nearby rustic village was the highlight of our journey, not simply the magnificent residence amidst the dunes. This adventure took us beyond our comfort zone and into the heart of rural Rajasthan, where life moved at its speed. Interactions with communities, absorption in their everyday activities.

If you want to experience dunes in the mighty Thar Desert of India, then check out our blog on Jaisalmer.

To book Khimsar Private Dunes luxury huts, visit Goibibo.