Ghost village of Kuldhara to become a tourist hotspot

Known as ghost village and a cursed place, Kuldhara in Jaisamer is set to become a happening place for tourists, where they can dine, stay in cottages and roam freely on ruined streets.

The Department of Archaeology and Museum has drafted a plan to make this mysterious place a hot tourist destination, particularly for thrilled tourists who want to experience 'Jane Kya Dikh Jae' in Rajasthan. The private players have been invited by the department to make the cursed place vibrant, live and mostly enjoyable.

According to sources, the department has worked out on a plan to set up cafeteria in Kuldhara. There will be guides who can enlighten visitors on the history of the place, and cottages where they can stay and explore the village. These facilities will be provided by private players who will be selected by the department after scrutinising bids.

"The department wants to maintain, upkeep Kuldhara village which is a protected monument. Also our aim is to increase tourist facilities. Hence, the private players have been invited by the department to come forward and set up cafeteria, cottages and to employ guides," said an official.

The government's plan to make Kuldhara a tourist spot lies in the tales it holds and people here believe. According to official website of Tourism department, Kuldhara is a ghost village about 17 kilometres west of Jaisalmer. Three centuries ago it was a prosperous town, but today it is an abandoned village shrouded in mystery.

"The village was established in 1291 by the Paliwal Brahmins. But one night, in 1825, all the people in Kuldhara vanished in dark. Legend says that Salim Singh, the evil prime minister, set his eyes upon the daughter of the village head and declared he would marry her. Rather than give in to his demands, the council of the villagers decide to leave their ancestral homes overnight. But before leaving they cursed Kuldhara so that no one would ever be able to settle there," quotes the website about the spot.

The department has claimed to finalise private player for the project by December end and in 2018 the project will be taken up.

By when?

• Tourism dept will be deciding on the private players to be involved by end-December.
• The project will then be taken up and completed in 2018.