One of the many childhood memories that I am sure is common to everyone is interest in horror stories. Remember the vacation time with your cousins, when everybody sat in a candlelit room either planning to call a ghost through some mysterious board game, or narrated ghost stories of their own (which none would have experienced but the scarier the story, the better).
So, even after watching bloodcurdling movies like Conjuring or The Grudge, you feel that you want more, then just get packing. Make sure you carry your Hanuman Chalisa with you, or the photo of the god you worship.
Before you set out to experience the ‘Other’, check out our list of the top 10 haunted places in India.
1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan
A small, deserted town, tucked in the state of Rajasthan, Bhangarh was established by King Madho Singh, son of the great Mughal general, Man Singh of Amber in 1613. According to the legend, Guru Balu, a magician had sanctioned the construction of the town on one condition—that the shadow of the palace should not touch his forbidden retreat. Unfortunately, the palace was raised to a great height, casting its shadow on his dwelling. This brought about the devastation of the entire town.
Local villagers claim that till date whenever a house is built here, its roof collapses. They also say that whoever has stayed in this place after dark has never returned. To prohibit people from venturing out in the dark, the Archaeological Survey of India has put a sign board which reads, “Staying after sunset is strictly prohibited in this area.”
Think you’ll see for yourself?
2. Brij Raj Bhavan Palace in Kota, Rajasthan
We’ve definitely come across tales of bloodthirsty spirits, looming in the dark to seek revenge. But how about a dutiful ghost who simply slaps guards who are sleeping or dozing on duty. This strict resident ghost is that of Major Burton, who was killed by the Indian sepoys during the 1857 Mutiny when he was serving as the British Resident of Kota.
The story goes that the harmless ghost of an elderly man, Major Burton, with a cane in his hand haunts the 178-year-old Brij Raj Bhavan Palace that has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
3. Dumas Beach, Gujarat
Some forms of calmness can be unnerving like the one on this beach. The air itself is ominous on this beach which is also a cremation ground. This isn’t a place to unwind but live a horror tale by experiencing paranormal activities. If you are thinking of taking a walk to the beach at time, think twice, you might just get transported to some strange place. There have been cases of tourists gone missing. Locals too avoid the place at night.
4. Dow Hill, Kurseong, West Bengal
I don’t think there can be anything more frightening than the mere mention of an apparition of a headless boy disappearing into the woods. But there’s more to it. Whoever comes across this ghost, commits suicide because of depression. Several accidents and supernatural events have been experienced by people in this region.
5. D`Souza Chawl of Mahim, Mumbai
This one truly makes me feel that death can catch you off-guard anytime. A well in the D`Souza Chawl of Mahim is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman. She fell in the well while getting water and died a painful death. Locals have seen her ghost at night near the well, and say she’s harmless.
6. Jamali-Kamali Masjid, Delhi
The Jamali-Kamali mosque and tomb located in the famous Mehrauli Archaeological Complex is haunted by banished djinns who lend an eerie atmosphere to this place. People have reported strange experiences like hearing growls and anguished cries in strange languages.
7. Shaniwarwada Fort, Pune
According to the legend, the ghost of a 13-year-old prince who was brutally assassinated by one of his relatives can be heard shrieking in the night.
For a bone-chilling and spooky experience, visit the fort on a full moon night.
8. Delhi Cantt
Now, this one actually reminds me of the scene from the movie, Exorcism, where the man on the cycle is moving at the same speed as the car. The hitchhiker lady ghost, clad in a white sari asks for a lift from lonely passersby. If you don’t stop then she starts running swiftly and may even overtake your vehicle.
9. Agrasen ki Baoli
Located on the Hailey Road near C.P., this is a popular hangout place for college students, but who can tell that it also has a dark history. Maharaja Agrasen ordered the construction of this Baoli in the 14th century. According to the tales recounted by the locals, after it lost its grandeur, it was filled with black water that hypnotised people to come and sacrifice their lives here.
10. Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
The Ramoji Film City with its amusement parks, film sets, banquet halls and hotels captures everyone’s imagination. So do the mischievous ghosts haunting the hotels in the film city. Some of the common spooky incidents include strange messages written on the mirrors in Urdu, knocks on bathroom doors from inside even when it’s locked from outside and petite men being pushed from behind.
P.S. Ladies here need to be extra careful as the ghosts around here have known to have a cloth-tearing fetish.
Latest posts by Priyata Khushbu (see all)
- 10 Moments Every Backpacker Experiences - May 20, 2021
- 10 Beautiful Gems in the UK - April 11, 2021
- Things to do in Dubai - Top 15 - April 9, 2021
