Khimsar Sand Dunes Village : A Luxurious Desert Escape from Delhi
You know those places that make you forget the world for a while? Located in Rajasthan's Thar Desert between Jodhpur and Nagaur, Khimsar Sand Dunes Village, also known as Kheenvsar, is a luxurious desert resort that makes for a memorable road trip from Delhi.
We drove around 500 km from Delhi to Khimsar for my birthday, and what started as a birthday getaway turned into one of our favorite desert stays.
Is Khimsar(Kheenvsar) Worth Visiting?
If you're wondering whether Khimsar, Rajasthan is worth visiting, especially if you're looking for a desert experience without the crowds of Jaisalmer, we'd say yes– but with one little caveat: Khimsar is more about slowing down and soaking in the desert.
Unlike Jaisalmer, where the fort, old city, havelis and famous desert camps can keep you busy for several days, Khimsar feels much quieter. It is more of a peaceful desert escape from Delhi, perfect for:
-slow-travel days
-for couples and celebrations
-a road-trip destination
And yes, it's seasonal. The desert experience is weather-dependent, and Khimsar Sand Dunes Village operates seasonally, so it's important to check the property's current operating dates before planning your trip.
Looking for a more authentic desert-village experience? Read our Khuri guide.
Where is Khimsar, Rajasthan?
Khimsar is around 500 km from Delhi by road, making it a better fit for a long weekend or a relaxed Rajasthan road trip than a quick weekend escape.
The journey takes roughly 9–10 hours of driving time, depending on traffic and stops.
How to Reach Khimsar Sand Dunes Resort from Delhi
Khimsar is located about 500 kms from Delhi and around 100 kms from Jodhpur. The nearest airport and major railway station are in Jodhpur.
You can easily reach Khimsar by car (like we did😉) via Jaipur–Nagaur road.
Our Route:
Delhi → Jaipur → Nagaur → Khimsar
We started early from Delhi and made our way towards Jaipur. Since we were working on the go (the perks and pain of corporate life!), we decided to take a pit stop in Jaipur for the night.
The next morning, we continued our journey to Khimsar(Kheenvsar) – about a 6–hour drive via the Jaipur–Nagaur road.
The route was quite pleasant overall, except for a stretch on the national highway that was a bit rough. You’ll find plenty of petrol pumps, small hotels, shops, and restaurants along the way, so the drive is smooth and convenient.
As we approached Khimsar Sand Dunes Resort, we were completely mesmerized by the landscapes. The entry itself feels straight out of a movie set and fun fact, many Bollywood films have been shot here!
If you're planning a longer Rajasthan road trip, you can add Pushkar to your itinerary. Check out: Our Delhi to Pushkar Road Trip Guide
Things to Know before Visiting Khimsar Sand Dunes Village:
Khimsar Sand Dunes Village is a part of ITC Hotels and also hosts beautiful destination weddings and special events, often in collaboration with the Khimsar Fort Resort.
Best time to Visit Khimsar Sand Dunes Village
The resort operates seasonally – it’s open from October to March and remains closed during the hotter months and monsoon, as the desert temperatures get quite extreme.
We visited in February, and weather was pleasant for outdoor activities, but, afternoons were really hot.
The desert can get cold at night, especially between December and February. Pack some warm layers, even if the days feel sunny. During the day, light cotton clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must. We both love this sunscreen, perfect for humid weather of Rajasthan.
Also Read: Delhi to Pushkar 3-Day Itinerary
What to Expect at Khimsar Sand Dunes Resort
From the moment you arrive, the experience begins. You’re taken to your room or the reception area either by a jeep safari or on a camel ride – how cool is that?
Stay in Your Own Desert Hut
The dunes village is incredibly beautiful and luxurious in the most authentic way. Each guest gets a private hut (there are only 18 of them) with wooden furniture, mud-plastered walls, and traditional Rajasthani artwork that adds so much charm.
Inside, there’s a cozy lounge area and a separate powder room – perfect for keeping your luggage or getting ready. The space is super spacious and thoughtfully designed.
The bathroom deserves a special mention – it’s spotless, fitted with modern luxury amenities, and has an open-roof shower area that makes you feel one with the desert sky.
What we loved most was the attention to detail - from hand-painted motifs around the doors to the traditional torans hanging above them, and the carved wooden design that instantly takes you back to the Rajputana era.
The huts are also equipped with practical comforts including a heater and electric kettle, along with complimentary tea, biscuits and evening snacks. You’ll also find thoughtful additions like a steam iron, hair dryer and beautiful artistic detailing around the mirror.
Pro Tip: Go for the all-meals inclusive package – it’s a much better deal and saves you from paying extra for every meal at the property.
Dining at Khimsar Sand Dunes Resort
The property has a spacious restaurant with a good variety of options, along with a bar serving a decent selection of drinks.
The breakfast spread was impressive – fresh, flavorful, and full of choices.
There’s also a beautiful Khajoor Bagh where you can enjoy your meals amidst rows of date palms and greenery, giving you a vibe that almost feels like a desert garden in Dubai.
The little oasis in the middle of the dunes adds a magical touch to the whole scene. It’s home to a small group of friendly ducks who happily paddle around and keep you entertained till the evening – it’s such a wholesome sight amidst the vast desert!
Book your Khimsar Desert Stay here😉
Things to Do at Khimsar Dunes Village
What we loved about our stay was that most of the experience happens right around the dunes.
1: Watch the Sunset from the Dunes
This was one of the most fun parts of our stay!
We had to climb a small dune to reach the top, and even though the day was a bit cloudy, the view was totally worth it.
The next evening, though, completely stole the show – the sky turned into a canvas of gold and pink, and we just stood there wide-eyed, soaking it all in. The little oasis in the middle of the dunes adds a magical touch to the whole scene.
2: Romantic Dinner Under the Stars
At night, the entire dunes area turns magical. You must book a romantic dinner setup , with a bonfire glowing under the starry desert sky.
3: Explore the Village Life Around Khimsar
We loved that our stay wasn't completely disconnected from local life. Beyond the dunes and the activities organized at the property, there was a glimpse of everyday Rajasthan around us.
What’s fascinating is that although this area is part of the Thar Desert, we were surprised to find patches of greenery around. The land here is relatively fertile, and locals engage in farming – growing crops like bajra, jeera, and jawar.
Most of the staff are locals who live nearby. We interacted with them and they gave us a glimpse into everyday desert life, from farming traditions to their deep rooted cultures.
4: Wake Up Early for Sunrise
If you're staying overnight, don't sleep through the morning. The desert looks completely different at sunrise.
We were fortunate to breathe in the cooler morning air and walk around the dunes.
5: Visit Khimsar Fort
Just a short drive away lies the Khimsar Fort, a stunning 15th-century fort that has been beautifully converted into a heritage hotel.
Take a walk around the property, admire its classic Rajputana architecture, or even enjoy a meal at its elegant restaurant. The resort conveniently arranges transportation for guests who wish to visit.
Fun fact: The Khimsar Fort was built by Rao Karamsiji, son of Rao Jodha – the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Parts of the fort are still occupied by the royal family.
How Many Days Do You Need for Khimsar Sand Dunes Village?
For the dunes experience, one night is enough for most travelers.
You can arrive in the afternoon, settle into your accommodation, head out for a desert experience and sunset, enjoy the evening activities, and then wake up for sunrise the next morning.
However, for a laid back experience, we'd recommend staying for at least 2 nights.
Animesh brought me here on my birthday, and I honestly had tears in my eyes.
Khimsar sand Dunes Resort is truly the perfect place to celebrate any special occasion with your family or friends.
If you're looking for a desert experience within driving distance of Delhi, Khimsar(Kheenvsar) is an interesting option.
If you're looking for more places to escape the city, check out our guide to 5 offbeat destinations from Delhi for more road-trip ideas.
