New Delhi: India, with its rich history stretching back millennia, is a land steeped in myths and legends. Some of these stories are spine-chilling tales of haunted locations, where the past seems ominously tethered to the present. From royal palaces to colonial mansions, eerie forts to desolate beaches, the stories of these haunted places offer a spine-tingling glimpse into the supernatural side of India.
1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan
Nestled in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort is perhaps the most infamous haunted site in India. According to legend, the fort became cursed when a wizard who fell in love with the local princess cast a spell that doomed the palace. The fort’s eerie atmosphere is accentuated by the Archaeological Survey of India’s signboard that sternly warns against staying in the area after sunset. Visitors often speak of a heavy, oppressive air and strange noises emerging from the fort at night.
2. Shaniwarwada Fort, Pune
Built in 1732, Shaniwarwada was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. It is said that the fort is haunted by the ghost of a young prince who was brutally murdered there. On full moon nights, locals claim to hear his screams echoing through the fort complex, pleading for help and expressing his agony.
3. Jatinga, Assam
Jatinga, a small village in Assam, is known for its unexplained phenomenon of bird suicides. Most of the migratory and local birds visiting the area plunge to their deaths between September and November each year. While scientists suggest that the birds are disoriented by the monsoon fog, locals believe these events are supernatural occurrences. The eerie environment created by these incidents has tagged Jatinga as a haunted location, avoided by many after dusk.
4. Kuldhara Village, Rajasthan
Kuldhara is a deserted village located near Jaisalmer, often referred to as the ‘Ghost Village.’ Legend has it that the entire population of the village disappeared overnight in 1825. They supposedly left a curse on the land, preventing anyone from re-establishing a settlement there. Visitors to Kuldhara report an uncomfortable silence and a mysterious feeling of being watched.
5. The Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie
The Savoy Hotel in Mussoorie inspired Agatha Christie’s first novel, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.” The hotel’s claim to haunted fame dates back to 1911 when a spiritualist, Miss Frances Garnett-Orme, was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Guests and staff have reported hearing whispers and footsteps in the corridors, believed to be Miss Garnett-Orme’s spirit roaming the hotel.
6. Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
Ramoji Film City is not only a popular location for shooting films but is also infamous for its supernatural occurrences. The area was supposedly built on a battleground, and the spirits of soldiers are said to haunt the site. Film crews have reported numerous instances of lights falling, strange marks appearing on mirrors, and the mysterious disappearance of props. Some women have even reported that their clothes were torn by an invisible entity.
7. Dumas Beach, Gujarat
Situated along the Arabian Sea, Dumas Beach is known for its black sand and mystical occurrences. It was formerly used as a Hindu burial ground, therefore, it’s believed to be haunted by restless spirits. Visitors often hear strange whispers at Dumas Beach, and some have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. It is advised not to venture out to the beach at night.
8. Agrasen ki Baoli, New Delhi
Located in the heart of New Delhi, Agrasen ki Baoli is an ancient step-well. A marvel of architecture, this baoli is said to have been haunted by the spirits of the people who committed suicide here. The eeriness of the place is palpable, especially in the lower steps, which remain submerged under water. The echoes of footsteps and a distinct feeling of being followed can send shivers down your spine.
9. The Raj Kiran Hotel, Lonavala
This hotel is reportedly one of the most haunted places in Maharashtra. Guests in certain rooms have reported their bed sheets being pulled off while they slept. Some have even seen blue flashes at their feet. The hotel staff confirms these anomalies, which usually occur in a specific ground-floor room.
10. Dow Hill, Kurseong, West Bengal
Dow Hill might seem like a regular quaint hill station, but it has a dark side. The corridors of the Victoria Boys’ High School are said to echo with footsteps long after students have gone home. Woodcutters who enter the forest nearby have reportedly seen a headless boy who suddenly appears and then disappears into the forests.
These tales, whether based in fact or folklore, add a mysterious allure to these locations, captivating the imaginations of travelers and ghost hunters alike. The haunted places of India not only tell stories of unexplained phenomena but also preserve the rich tapestries of the country’s past, making them fascinating destinations for those who dare to explore the unknown.
