Numerous mysteries come to light from all corners of the world, often tied to a dark tale. These tales are frequently linked to a sinister narrative that begins with a mishap and evolves into a legend or folklore. These folklores are handed down to the generations, establishing an infamous reputation. As these legends grow, they attract a considerable crowd of thrill-seekers and mystery enthusiasts, captivating their interests and quenching their curiosity. The places associated with these stories begin to be called "haunted places." India, often called the land of mysteries, is home to some of the most haunted places that are spooky yet enchanting, fascinating visitors for ages. In this article, we will be exploring these 'Haunted Places' that hide several mysteries.
1. Bhangar Fort
2. D'Souza Chawl
3. GP Block
4. Kuldhara Village
5. Dow Hill in Kurseong
7. Saraswati Kunj
8. Towers of Silence
9. The South Park Cemetery
10. The Lambi Dehar Mines
11. Tunnel 33
12. Vas Villa
13. Delhi Cantt
14. The Vrindavan Society
15. Dumas Beach
Location: Rajgarh Tehsil, Bhangarh, Rajasthan
Legend: Legends tell of an evil magician who, infatuated with the fort's princess, attempted black magic to win her love. When his spells failed, he met his demise, but cursed the fort and the entire town before dying. Consequently, the fort became haunted, leading to numerous sightings. While it ultimately gained popularity as a tourist spot, drawing visitors from India and beyond, the government now prohibits visits after sunset.
Claims: Visitors report hearing strange noises, experiencing frightening encounters, witnessing apparitions, and feeling an overwhelming sense of discomfort.
Location: Kolivery Village, Santacruz East, Mumbai
Legend: According to the legends, there is a well in this Chawl, which is said to be surrounded by ghosts and ghouls. The sightings began when a lady met with a tragedy and drowned in the Chawl's well, which had no walls. The lady cried for help, yet no one showed up, which resulted in her death. As of now, the residents claim a lady in a white saree is sighted near the well as the darkness arrives, and people refer to this lady as 'The lady of the well.'
Claims: Witnesses report that a woman roams the area without harming anyone, disappearing at dawn and only claiming to appear at night.
Location: 25, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Legend: Although there is no official narrative regarding the GP block Bungalow, local lore suggests that unexplained sightings at the site are due to its decades-long abandonment. Many believe that several restless spirits who suffered tragic fates now roam this location. The GP block is indeed one of the buildings where these spirits are said to linger.
Claims: Locals have claimed to have seen a woman in a red saree sitting on the roof of the building, combing her hair, or some have seen her drifting in and out of the building. A popular claim is that a group of friends sit on the veranda, consuming alcoholic beverages.
Location: Kuldhara, Jiyai, Rajasthan
Legend: Kuldhara is an abandoned village in Rajasthan with a history distinct from its current desolation. Legends suggest that it was once home to affluent residents, the Paliwal Brahmins. However, a minister became infatuated with one of their daughters and threatened to impose heavy taxes on the villagers if she refused to marry him. To protect the girl, the villagers departed in the dead of night, leaving the settlement deserted. Before departing, the villagers cursed the village, ensuring no one could reside there.
Claims: Visitors have claimed to hear whispers and voices, encounter shadowy figures, and get chills and negative feelings. Some people have also claimed to have seen things moving on their own or swinging.
Location: Dow Hill, Kurseong, Darjeeling
Legend: Kurseong is not an abandoned place, but ranks amongst the scariest places. There are many stories behind the spottings, but a popular one is that a boy was beheaded accidentally by a woodcutter. This is why a place known for boarding schools became one of the most haunted places.
Claims: There is a road in Kurseong called the Death Road. People have claimed to have witnessed dead bodies lying there in an unexplained way. Some other claims say that a headless boy is seen in nearby forests.
Location: Hatkhola, Kolkata, West Bengal
Legend: Putulbari House has a heart-wrenching, dark past. According to the legends, it was owned by a group of wealthy sadists. These sadistic people abused their powers and took advantage of young women, and to cover their crimes, they murdered them here. Thus, the place is haunted by the tormented souls of those women who met a tragic fate at the hands of these tyrants.
Claims: People have claimed to hear spine-chilling cries echoing in the night, apparitions of girls dancing are seen in the mansion, and a strange feeling of unease always remains. Some people have also seen the dolls come to life.
Location: Saraswati Kunj, Gurugram, Hayana
Legend: Saraswati Kunj is one of the underrated places to make a spot in this list, but it is one of the Top Haunted Places in Gurugram. The legend says a little girl with an unknown backstory haunts this society. The place is believed to be home to several frenzied spirits who try to inhabit one's body.
Claims: Many individuals report feeling restless and as though they are being watched. In one account, a 15-year-old girl was observed talking to herself, alternating between masculine and feminine voices, while hissing and making animal-like sounds at passersby.
Location: Kemps Corner, Malabar Hills, Mumbai
Legend: The Tower of Silence is a final resting place for the people of the Zoroastrian community, where they perform their unique sky burial ritual. The unique ritual of the Zoroastrians involves leaving the body on the rooftop of this tower for the vultures to scavenge on them. Whether the place is haunted or not, the idea of leaving the bodies brings chills down their spines.
Claims: People have claimed to have seen ghostly figures and ghostly faces emerge out of nowhere, making it one of the most haunted places in Mumbai.
Location: Mullick Bazar, Park Street area, Kolkata
Legend: The South Park Cemetery is one of India's oldest cemeteries, built during the colonial period in 1767. The ground of this cemetery has eaten so many deceased that people claim that multiple souls are haunting this place. Although the caretaker of this cemetery has not claimed anything, they feel a temperature drop around some tombs.
Claims: Witnesses report seeing shadowy figures wandering and often feeling dizzy and unwell upon entry. Some have even recorded these occurrences on camera, solidifying the location's reputation as one of the most haunted in Kolkata.
Location: Khanij Nagar, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Legend: Lambi Dehar Mines is a famous haunted site in Uttarakhand, believed to be cursed by a witch. According to local lore, this witch has taken the lives of many. Moreover, a tragic event unfolded here a few years ago when over a million workers perished due to the dire conditions of the mines, often succumbing to severe coughing fits that led to blood loss.
Claims: Locals have reported paranormal encounters, hearing screams and coughing sounds and feeling like they are being watched. Some have also claimed to witness shadows moving in the area.
Location: Barog, Himachal Pradesh
Legend: Tunnel 33 evokes fear among people and is recognised as one of the eeriest locations in India. According to legend, the tunnel was constructed by Captain Barog, a British engineer who could not finish the project due to being fired and mocked. Stricken by despair, he took his own life in the tunnel. To this day, Barog's spirit is said to wander there, though it does not cause harm to anyone.
Claims: The Ghost of Captain Barog's spirit is spotted moving inside the tunnel. The government tried to block the tunnel, but each time the lock broke.
Location: St. Marks Road, Bangalore
Legend: Vas Villa has a sorrowful history. The daughters of a prominent lawyer acquired the house, Mr. Vyas. Both daughters, Doice Vas and Vera Vas, enjoyed a happy life until one fateful day when Doice was violently murdered by an unknown assailant in her own bedroom. Following this tragic event, the house has been left deserted. Paranormal investigators visited the site multiple times, consistently finding evidence of a lingering presence.
Claims: People have claimed to hear strange noises, witnessed ghostly sightings, and reported various other occurrences.
Location: Delhi Cantonment Road
Legend: There is no definitive story; some claim that a British lady had an accident and now haunts the road. Others say that a woman asks for a ride, and those who stop to offer her a lift become her victims. One thing common between both legends is that the lady appears in white and can be seen on the Delhi Cantonment Road after dark. Delhi Cantt Road is one of the Top Haunted places in Delhi.
Claims: People claim that those who stop their vehicle for her meet a tragic fate. Some have also said that the lady follows people to their homes. Some people also claim that the lady appears in front of your vehicle and disappears.
Location: Vrindavan Society, Thane West
Legend: The Vrindavan Society is claimed to be one of the most haunted places in India. Residents and guards have claimed to experience paranormal activity in this housing society. According to the legends, a man who was a resident took his own life. Thus began the hauntings, and guards attacked and were thrown out of their chairs.
Claims: The ghost has attacked security guards, and strange noises have also been reported. Residents avoid roaming in society late at night.
Location: Dumas Beach, Gujarat
Legend: Dumas Beach is rumoured to have been a cremation site, leading to tales of restless spirits wandering the area. Additionally, it's said that the wind at the beach resembles whispers, cautioning visitors. Many individuals have also vanished mysteriously from Dumas Beach, and locals will firmly recommend against visiting.
Claims: People have mysteriously disappeared from Dumas Beach. Ghostly figures have also been witnessed, along with laughter and whispers that can also be heard. Those who dared to visit the beach at night also encountered a dark, unsettling figure lurking behind them.
Q. What is the most horrifying place in India?
Bhangarh Fort is said to be the most horrifying place in India. For ages, it has drawn visitors from all over the world and has been ranked among the Top Haunted Places in Asia.
Q. Are there any official haunted places in India?
Most of the places that are haunted are claimed to be haunted by the locals; the Indian Government do not claim any of these places to be haunted. However, it is prohibited to visit some of these places after dawn.
Q. Is there any scientific explanation for these hauntings?
Incidents that happen at some of these places are not scientifically explained; most people believe that there are some things that are beyond science, although paranormal investigators have investigated and proved the existence of some entities.
Q. How can I experience a haunted place in India?
Visitors can visit any of the places mentioned in the list, but it is always suggested that they be aware of the stories and potential dangers. Even with no ghosts, you should be mindful of the animals and thieves taking advantage of such places.
Q. Are there any safety precautions to take when visiting haunted places?
It is recommended that safety gear and first-aid kits be carried, and people should be aware of wild animals. People should also be aware of their surroundings, especially if they are considering visiting these places at night.