The short answer
Khejarli memorial (day trip): what visitors should know first
Go if the history of the Bishnoi and tree protection interests you. It is a short, quiet stop of about an hour, best combined with a village visit; dress modestly and be respectful.
History and context
The story behind Khejarli memorial (day trip)
The Khejarli massacre took place in September 1730 in Khejarli village near Jodhpur, when soldiers acting for Maharaja Abhai Singh of Marwar came to cut khejri trees. Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman, led the refusal and was killed with three of her daughters. Wikipedia gives the death toll as 363.
After the killings, Abhai Singh halted the tree-felling in the village. A fair is held each September to honour the victims.
Useful facts
Khejarli memorial (day trip) facts at a glance
- Location
- Khejarli, about 25 km south-east of Jodhpur
- Faith
- Bishnoi
- Event
- 1730 tree-protection massacre; 363 killed per Wikipedia
- Visitor note
- Modest dress, shoes off in temples
- Annual fair
- September, on Bhadrapad Shukla Dashmi
Why it matters
Why Khejarli memorial (day trip) is worth your time
Khejarli is among the most significant places in the history of tree protection in India. In September 1730, Bishnoi villagers led by Amrita Devi resisted soldiers sent to fell khejri trees, and Wikipedia records that 363 Bishnois died. The felling was ordered under Maharaja Abhai Singh of Marwar and stopped afterwards.
The event is often cited as an early example of community environmental action and an inspiration for later movements such as Chipko. For visitors, it explains why Bishnoi villages look the way they do.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The memorial
A memorial and cenotaph recall the 363 who died in 1730.
- 02
Khejri trees
Trees planted around the site stand for the villagers who died protecting them.
- 03
The September fair
A large annual gathering honours the victims, with crowds.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Visit in the morning, with a guide or a driver who knows the site. Walk to the memorial for the 363 Bishnois who died, and look at the temples and the khejri trees planted around it; Outlook Traveller describes 363 trees standing in their memory around the Jambheshwarji temple.
Take time to read the story, which a guide can tell more clearly than a signboard. Amrita Devi and three of her daughters are among those named in the traditional account. Do not climb on memorials, keep voices low and ask before photographing worshippers.
The annual fair in September brings large crowds; if you prefer quiet, avoid that week. Otherwise the place is calm and can be combined with Guda or a village loop.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes in temple areas
- Avoid the September fair if you want quiet
- Hire a guide who can tell the story
- Combine with Guda or a village visit
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Khejarli village, about 25 km south-east of Jodhpur
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Best time
- Morning, October to March; the annual fair is in September
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- A flat site with short walks between the memorial, temple and trees. Shade is limited; carry water and a hat.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket that I could verify. Dress modestly, remove shoes in temple areas, and check rules on photography. An annual fair is held each September.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Khejarli memorial (day trip)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A flat site with short walks between the memorial, temple and trees. Shade is limited; carry water and a hat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What happened at Khejarli?
In 1730 Bishnoi villagers died resisting the felling of khejri trees; Wikipedia gives 363 killed, with Amrita Devi leading the protest.
How far is Khejarli from Jodhpur?
About 25 km to the south-east, according to Outlook Traveller.
When is the fair?
Each September, on Shukla Dashmi of Bhadrapad, to honour the victims.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.