Khimsar …. A beautiful hidden Gem in Rajasthan

We travelled from Delhi to Jodhpur by a very convenient overnight trains- Mandor Express.

Shikhar Travels representative met us at the train station and drove us to Khimsar.

Khimsar Sand Dunes

We stopped enroute for a traditional breakfast, which is Rajasthan is Onion Kachori, Samosa, Mirchi Vara and hot fresh Jalebis’.

Fresh hot Jalebis’- Traditional breakfast of Rajasthan

Khimsar-A small village two hours drive from Jodhpur is home to a beautiful Fort hotel . Khimsar Fort Hotel , is beautiful and well maintained. The staff is welcoming and forever smiling and helpful.

Khimsar Fort

As you enter, you are welcomed  with a number of vintage cars and motorcycles on display – A total treat for the eye !!! The reception has on display beautiful photographs depicting the heritage of Khimsar. The rooms are spacious and airy with lovely views of the Fort . All rooms are of different sizes and each has its own character.

Khimar Fort

In the afternoon, we went for a Village Safari … The safari takes you to the country side to see wild animals and local villages and villagers. The children in the village love to be photographed and are very welcoming. You get to see and visit a traditional village home.

If you take the safari in January like us, then don’t forget to keep a heavy jacket, muffler, cap and even gloves for your jeep safari. Don’t let the sunny afternoon be deceptive. Once the jeep ride starts, you feel the chilly cold air and will need to be well clad.

Village safari in Rajasthan

Our safari’s last stop was the Sand Dune Village… The approach to the village is via camel carts. The ride takes you to the bottom of a beautiful slope. Once you walk up , you are welcomed by the breathtaking view of the lovely Dune Village. Hot Tea and cookies are much needed after cold safari and this along with the spectacular view is the perfect end to the afternoon.

Sand Dune Village – Khimsar

The sun set view from top of the dune is beautiful… and the temptation to stay overnight in the Dune Village is a lot but we returned to the Fort (only twenty minutes’ drive away) to spend the night…

Ruins at Khimsar Fort

At the Fort, the dinner is organized at the ‘Ruins’… A beautiful candle lite dinner, is set up in the open ( but not cold) ruins which is part of the Fort. Live Rajasthani folk music and dance, along with puppet show and magic show are a treat for adults and children alike.

Rajasthan Puppet Show

OR trip further took us to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer , which were lovely but nothing like our experience at Khimsar. If we recollect our experience and would have liked to change one thing in our program, then we would spend two nights. in Khimsar. If you want to stay in the sand dunes and enjoy a true sand dune camp experience, then you should stay at Khimsar or Manvar in Rajasthan ( both near Jodhpur) .

Rajasthan Camels