The short answer
Khimsar Fort: what visitors should know first
Worth a stop if you are driving between Nagaur and Jodhpur and want a break from the highway. It is not a full-day destination, so fit it into the journey, and confirm access, since part of it operates as a hotel.
History and context
The story behind Khimsar Fort
Rao Karamsji, the eighth son of Rao Jodha, founded Khimsar Fort in 1523, according to Wikipedia. The fort lies on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. The same source notes that Aurangzeb stayed there when he was in Nagaur.
The Nagaur district article describes it as a fort that is now a hotel, with a town of small temples and herds of black deer in the area.
Useful facts
Khimsar Fort facts at a glance
- Location
- Khimsar, about 42 km from Nagaur on NH 65
- Experience type
- Fort stop and heritage hotel
- Known for
- Founded in 1523 by Rao Karamsji
- Architect/Built
- Rao Karamsji, eighth son of Rao Jodha
- Time or schedule
- Confirm visiting arrangements with the fort
Why it matters
Why Khimsar Fort is worth your time
Khimsar shows the Rathore expansion across Marwar in the early 16th century. Wikipedia records that Rao Karamsji, the eighth son of Rao Jodha, founded the fort in 1523, and that Aurangzeb stayed there while he was in Nagaur.
For travellers, its value is as a road stop between Nagaur and Jodhpur with a bit of history and a desert setting. It is less important than Nagaur Fort and is best seen on the way to somewhere else.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Desert fort setting
A fort on the eastern edge of the Thar, easy to combine with the Nagaur-Jodhpur drive.
- 02
Founded 1523
Linked to Rao Karamsji, a son of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur.
- 03
Black deer country
The village area is noted for black deer herds and small temples.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat Khimsar as a break in the drive rather than a destination. Leave Nagaur after breakfast and aim to arrive in the morning, when the light is good and the heat is manageable. The fort stands in the village of Khimsar on the edge of the Thar, and the surrounding area is dry plain and scrub.
Because the fort is partly run as a hotel, ask in advance whether you can visit as a day guest, have a meal or only photograph the exterior. If a visit is allowed, walk the courtyards and look at the stonework and arches at your own pace.
Then continue to Jodhpur, or loop back to Nagaur if you are using it as a half-day trip. Khimsar has black deer in the area and temples nearby, but do not promise yourself a safari or sightseeing circuit; the area is best treated as a short, relaxed stop.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Ask in advance about day-visitor access
- Time the stop for the morning or late afternoon
- Carry water and cash
- Combine it with the Nagaur-Jodhpur drive
- Do not plan a full day here
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Khimsar village, about 42 km from Nagaur on the Jodhpur road
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; November to February
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Access is by car, and the main areas are fairly level. Check with the fort about steps, shade and seating, since details are not published, and avoid the afternoon heat from March onward.
- Tickets and access
- Part of the fort is run as a hotel, so access for non-guests may be limited to meals or reservations. Confirm access and any charges directly with the fort before planning a visit.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Khimsar Fort
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Access is by car, and the main areas are fairly level. Check with the fort about steps, shade and seating, since details are not published, and avoid the afternoon heat from March onward.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Khimsar from Nagaur?
About 42 km towards Jodhpur on the national highway, according to Wikipedia's district article.
Can I visit without staying?
Possibly, but part of the fort operates as a hotel, so ask the fort about day-visitor access first.
Who built Khimsar Fort?
Rao Karamsji, an eighth son of Rao Jodha, founded it in 1523, per Wikipedia.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.