On the outskirts of the city of Jaisalmer lie the ruins of the abandoned village of Kuldhara that have captivated the minds of travellers for centuries. Back in the 1800s, the village used to be a prosperous town but, it said that after some unfathomable tragedy, the town was abandoned overnight. Legend says that no one saw the inhabitants leave the village and no one knows the reason for the mass exodus. Since then, no one has been able to settle here. The many stories of how a region of almost a thousand residents simply vanished, makes it a top priority for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. A walk through this desolate, abandoned village in the desert with its houses, roads and a temple is an experience that takes you back in time. Some interesting water conservation techniques have been unearthed amongst the 200-year-old ruins, a remarkable feat in such a water-scarce desert terrain. The abandoned houses of the village are often used as film sets. Tourists can explore the village on camel rides that are easily available throughout the tourist season.