Pokhran, also known as Pokaran is a city and a municipality located in Jaisalmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by rocky, sandy and five salt ranges, Pokaran means “the place of five mirages”. It is en route both from Jodhpur to Jaislamer and Bikaner to Jaislamer. It is a remote location in the Thar Desert region and served as the test site for India's first underground nuclear weapon detonation. The climate of Pokaran is moderate. In summers, the temperature is around 38.1º Celsius and in winters it is around 5.5º Celsius. Hindi, Rajasthani, Marwari and English are the common languages which are spoken here.

History of Pokaran                                                     
Fort Pokaran stands on ancient trade route that carried salt, silk and spices to Persia and beyond. Instead of winding caravans of the past, it now has trains, buses and cars. This monument is the premier fort of The Chief of Mighty Champawats (the clan of Rathores) has to its erstwhile aristocratic title attached the prestigious honour ‘Pradhan’ (The Premier Noble) to recognize every Thakur of Pokaran as of the first honour in The Darbar (the court) of the state Marwar - Jodhpur. It indeed makes an ideal break and offers extended traditional hospitality, which was once offered to Humayun, the Mughal Emperor in the 16th century and later to his great grandson Akbar, son of the last Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Tourist Attractions in Pokaran
The main tourist attraction in Pokaran is the Fort Pokaran. Fort Pokaran, the 14th century citadel also known as “Balagarh” stands as a paragon amidst the Thar Desert. The fort now attracts travellers to stay betwixt the glorious history where each stone speaks out volumes of the past. The present Thakur Nagendra Singh Pokaran and his wife Thakurani Yashwant Kumari Pokaran have opened the imperial gates of the stately fort to offer the traveller a feel of royalty. The well restored building hands out a view of the ornamentally carved, red sandstone Mahals, the traditional Jharokas and the grand turrets, parapets depicting Rajput and Mughal architecture. The impressive hall, Mangal Mahal with four octangular Jharokas protruding out is where our guests are served with traditional aromatic cuisines by the family Chef. There is an in-house Museum of the family collection of armoury, garments, miniature paintings, handicrafts and the local artistry. A feather in the cap of the Fort is “The Grand Library” consisting of classic books dedicated to the great Rao Bhadur Rajshree Thakur Chain Singhji Pokaran. He being the most learned Rajput noble of those times, holds a prestigious place in the book known as "Who’s Who Of India" 1946-47 edition.

Pokaran is the abode of hundreds of Damsel Cranes, Houbara Bustard, The Great Indian Bustard, and the Imperial Sand Grouse which takes flight from Siberia to the desert for food, water and to sun bathe. It is a buzz to watch and photograph the Indian Gazelle; the “Chinkara” (deer).

The place also homes the shrine of the deity Ramdeoji who is considered the reincarnation of Lord Krishna. The fair Ramdeora is named after him, held for ten days according to the lunar calendar in the month of September is a vibrant occasion. People visit it from all religions, caste and creed from all over India who come in colourful outfits to offer prayers.

How to reach Pokaran
By Air
The nearest airport is Jodhpur which is connected by regular flights with Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.

By Rail
The major railway junction for Pokaran is Jodhpur on the Western Railway broad-gauge network. Jodhpur is linked to various cities like New Delhi, Agra, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad by express and passenger trains.

By Road
There are good road connections from Pokaran to various tourist destinations in the region including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner.