From the haunted Bhangarh Fort of Rajasthan to the Shaniwarvada Fort of Pune, each of these places has some ghostly folklore that is intriguing and unsettling at the same time. In this blog, we will embark on a spine-chilling journey to uncover some chilling locales in India, where whispers of the supernatural echo through the corridors of time.
10 Haunted Places In India and Their Dark Secrets:
From some haunted havelis to spectral wonders, we will navigate through the history of these places and dive into the unexplained. These 10 places in India are notorious for being the most haunted and have witnessed some paranormal tales that have shooed away people for centuries. Read further if you are willing to confront the unknown, as this blog is not for the faint-hearted.
1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan
Topping the list is the infamous Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, often referred to as the most haunted place in India. Nestled amidst the Aravalli Range, this 17th-century fort is shrouded in legends of a curse that befell the area. Locals believe that the place becomes a hotspot for paranormal activities after sunset. The Archaeological Survey of India even displays a warning board at the entrance, advising visitors not to enter the premises after dark.
The dilapidated structures and desolate surroundings create an eerie ambience, making Bhangarh Fort a magnet for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. The tales of a wizard’s curse and the tragic love story surrounding the fort add layers of mystery to its haunted reputation.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Bhangarh Fort is the Jaipur International Airport, which is approximately 83 kilometres away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Bhangarh.
- By Train: The closest railway station is in Dausa, which is around 22 kilometres away. From Dausa Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Bhangarh.
- By Road: Bhangarh Fort is approximately 83 kilometres from Jaipur and 270 kilometres from Delhi. One can take the Jaipur-Alwar Road (NH21) or NH48 from Delhi to reach the fort.
Also Read: 17 Most Haunted Places In The World
2. Dumas Beach, Gujarat
Moving westward, the haunting allure of Dumas Beach in Gujarat beckons those who seek a brush with the supernatural. Despite its picturesque beauty, this beach has earned a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in India. Locals share chilling stories of paranormal activities, including inexplicable whispers and apparitions.
People believe this beach was once a cremation ground, making it a hotbed for spirits lingering in the afterlife. Visitors often report hearing eerie sounds and witnessing shadowy figures, especially at night. With its paradoxical blend of tranquillity and terror, Dumas Beach remains an enigmatic destination for thrill-seekers.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Surat International Airport, which is approximately 17 kilometres away. After arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a cab to Dumas Beach.
- By Train: Surat Railway Station is about 21 kilometres away from the beach and one can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Dumas Beach.
- By Road: It is 21 kilometres from Surat city centre and approximately 290 kilometres from Mumbai. You can take the NH48 towards Surat to reach the beach.
3. Dow Hill, Kurseong, West Bengal
Nestled in the serene hills of Kurseong, West Bengal, Dow Hill harbours a darker secret beneath its idyllic exterior. The Dow Hill Boarding School, surrounded by dense forests, is rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of headless apparitions. Locals have reported chilling encounters with ghostly figures in and around the school premises.
Adding to the mystique is the nearby forest, where the whispers of the trees seem to tell tales of the paranormal. The corridors of Dow Hill School and the surrounding woods create an atmosphere charged with spectral energy, drawing paranormal enthusiasts from far and wide to witness the unexplained phenomena that unfold in this eerie corner of West Bengal.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is 48 kilometres away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Kurseong is New Jalpaiguri. You can hire a taxi from New Jalpaiguri or take a toy train to Kurseong.
- By Road: Dow Hill, Kurseong is approximately 47 kilometres from Siliguri and 32 kilometres from Darjeeling.
4. Kuldhara Village, Rajasthan
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Kuldhara Village, a ghost town with a haunting history. Abandoned overnight in the 19th century, the village is said to be cursed due to the unjust actions of a tyrannical minister. The curse is believed to have condemned the village to eternal desolation, with tales of paranormal activity driving away anyone who attempts to settle there.
Visitors to Kuldhara have reported hearing disembodied voices and witnessing shadowy figures roaming the dilapidated streets. The heavy silence in the air adds to the sense of foreboding, making it an eerie destination that stands frozen in time.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport, which is approximately 55 kilometres away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway Station, from where you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Kuldhara.
- By Road: Kuldhara is about 18 kilometres from Jaisalmer, 496 from Jaipur, and 290 from Jodhpur.
5. Shaniwarwada Fort, Pune
Pune, a city steeped in history, is home to the ominous Shaniwarwada Fort, which has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted forts in India. Built in the 18th century, the fort witnessed a tragic tale of betrayal and murder within the Peshwa dynasty.
Legend has it that the ghost of a young prince, brutally assassinated within the fort, continues to haunt the premises. Visitors have reported hearing his cries for help and his peg leg echoing through the ancient corridors. It is one of the most scary places in India, with a dark history and eerie ambience that makes it a magnet for those seeking a spine-chilling encounter with the supernatural.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport (PNQ). The fort is approximately 11 kilometres from the airport.
- By Train: The fort is around 3 kilometres away from Pune railway station, and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
- By Road: One can take local buses, Auto-rickshaws or taxis to reach Shaniwarwada from any part of the city.
6. Tunnel No. 33, Shimla
Shimla is a popular hill station that is home to some of the most haunted places in India. It conceals some spine-chilling secret within the confines of Tunnel No. 33 on the Kalka-Shimla Railway line. This tunnel is infamous for the ghostly apparitions that are said to haunt its dark recesses. The story revolves around a British officer’s wife who died under mysterious circumstances while the tunnel was under construction.
Locals claim to have witnessed a ghostly apparition of a woman pacing the length of the tunnel. The echoes of her footsteps and her haunting presence have made Tunnel No. 33 a bone-chilling destination for those daring enough to explore its ghostly history.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Tunnel No. 33, is Shimla Airport, 59.2 km away. Driving from the airport to the tunnel should take 1 hour and 43 minutes.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Shimla Old Railway Station, which is 55.8 km away. It should take 1 hour and 36 minutes.
- By Road: The distance from Shimla city centre to Tunnel No. 33, Shimla, is 50 km along NH 5.
7. GP Block, Meerut
Meerut, a city in Uttar Pradesh, is home to GP Block, a once-regal mansion now steeped in paranormal folklore. The sprawling mansion, surrounded by an air of desolation, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of its former residents. Locals claim to have witnessed ghostly apparitions and heard mysterious sounds emanating from the abandoned building.
What adds to the intrigue is the strict vigil maintained by the police to prevent curious visitors from entering GP Block after sunset. The tales of paranormal encounters have transformed this mansion into an enigmatic symbol of the supernatural in Meerut.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The Delhi Airport is 95.3 kilometres from GP Block, Meerut, and driving there should take approximately 2 hours.
- By Train: Meerut Railway Station is 4.8 km from GP Block, Meerut and will take 12 minutes to drive.
- By Road: One can take public/private buses, autos or taxis from Meerut or drive from Delhi to Meerut, which will take approximately 2 hours.
8. Fern Hill Hotel, Ooty
The idyllic hill station of Ooty harbours a haunted secret within the walls of Fern Hill Hotel. Once a summer residence for the Maharaja of Mysore, the hotel is said to be haunted by the spirit of a British officer’s wife who died under mysterious circumstances.
Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, including flickering lights, unexplained sounds, and ghostly apparitions. The eerie ambience of Fern Hill Hotel has made it a sought-after destination for paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters eager to unravel the mysteries lingering within its haunted halls.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport is 87.5 km away and takes about 3 hours to reach.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Udagamandalam Railway Station, which is 5.2 km away from the hotel.
- By Road: You can drive to Ooty from Coimbatore (85 km) or Bangalore 273 km via NH 275.
Also Read: 10 Best Horror Movies in India to Haunt Your Dreams
9. Lambi Dehar Mines, Mussoorie
Mussoorie, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is home to the abandoned Lambi Dehar Mines, steeped in tales of tragedy and supernatural occurrences. The mines were abandoned in the early 1990s after a series of accidents claimed the lives of numerous workers. Locals believe that the spirits of those who perished in the mines continue to haunt the area.
Visitors to Lambi Dehar Mines have reported hearing ghostly wails and witnessing shadowy figures moving through the abandoned structures. The desolation surrounding the mines and the tragic history create an otherworldly atmosphere that lingers in the memories of those who dare to explore this haunted site.
How To Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport to Lambi Dehar Mines is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. It is 57.4 km away, and driving there should take approximately 2 hours.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun Train Station, 60.1 km away. It should take 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive to the mines.
- By Road: You can take buses or cabs from Mussoorie city centre along the library road, and the distance to Lambi Dehar Mines is approximately 8.0 km.
10. The Shaniwar Peth, Pune
Pune makes a second appearance on our list with the haunting tales of the Shaniwar Peth area. This bustling locality is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who met a tragic end. Locals recount chilling stories of her apparition wandering the narrow lanes, and some claim to have heard her cries for help during the night.
The mysterious occurrences in Shaniwar Peth have intrigued paranormal enthusiasts, drawing them to this haunted locale in search of the spectral presence that is said to roam the ancient streets after dark.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The distance between Shaniwar Peth, Pune and Pune Airport is 11.4 km. The travel time by car is approximately 28 minutes.
- By Train: The distance from Pune Railway Station is approximately 2.9 kilometres, and it takes 12-15 minutes to reach Shaniwar Peth.
- By Road: Take a bus or cab from any part of the city. If travelling from Mumbai, the distance is approximately 150 km, and it will be a 3-hour drive via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Conclusion
India’s rich tapestry of history and folklore is interwoven with supernatural tales, creating a landscape dotted with haunted locales that beckon the brave and the curious. From ancient forts and abandoned villages to desolate beaches and eerie mines, these top horror places in India offer a glimpse into the mysterious realms that defy explanation. Whether you are a sceptic or a believer, the chilling stories and haunted histories of these places will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your psyche. These places serve as a haunting reminder that the line between the living and the dead is often thinner than we dare to imagine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Which is the Scariest Forest in India?
The Dandakaranya Forests in central India are often considered among the scariest. Spread across states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha, this dense wilderness has long been associated with folklore and paranormal tales. Locals speak of mysterious sounds, unexplained disappearances, and sightings of supernatural entities within the heart of these haunting woods, adding an air of mystery to Dandakaranya.
2. Which is the Most Haunted Road in India?
The infamous Delhi Cantonment Road, also known as the Khooni Nadi Road, is notorious for its spectral reputation. This stretch of road in Delhi has witnessed numerous accidents, with locals attributing them to supernatural forces. Stories of apparitions, strange lights, and eerie occurrences make this road a spine-chilling destination, leaving travellers and locals with a lingering sense of unease after nightfall.
3. Is Ramoji Film City Haunted?
Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, one of the largest film studios in the world, is rumoured to be haunted. Stories circulate about unexplained shadows, disembodied voices, and inexplicable happenings in various parts of the studio complex. While some attribute these tales to the cinematic atmosphere and elaborate sets, others claim that the paranormal activity is rooted in the history of the land, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this iconic film city.
4. What is the Real Story of Bhangarh?
Bhangarh Fort’s haunting reputation is intertwined with the legend of Singhia, a wizard who fell in love with the princess of Bhangarh. Aware of the wizard’s dark intentions, the princess thwarted his plans, leading to a curse that doomed the fort. The tragic love story and the wizard’s curse have created an enduring belief that Bhangarh Fort is haunted.
