12 Most Haunted Places in India You Must Visit (or Avoid!)
In a land as ancient as India, some places hold more than just memories—shadowy secrets of haunted places that tell tales of something beyond. From ancient forts echoing to abandoned villages steeped in mystery, these haunted locations are shrouded in eerie tales and ghostly legends, too juicy to not explore.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker eager to explore the supernatural or someone who prefers to admire from afar, these haunted sites in India offer a glimpse into the unknown. If you’re adventurous enough to take this twisted plunge, make sure to off-road on your next vacation in India and take a peek into the beyond.
Unveil these stories if you dare, and prepare for a journey into the shadows as we uncover the most haunted places in India that you might want to visit—or avoid!
In this Blog
Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan: The Forbidden Realm
Hard to give this one a miss.
Certainly among the most haunted places in the world, Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan is shrouded in mystery and legend. The fort’s eerie reputation stems from a tale of unrequited love and dark magic.
Bhangarh Fort Story
Constructed in the 17th century, this ancient fortress in Rajasthan is shrouded in tales of an old wizard’s unrequited love and cursed destiny. Locals often speak of eerie noises and inexplicable sensations that occur after nightfall.
According to local lore, a powerful tantrik named Singhia fell in love with a beautiful princess named Ratnavati. Knowing he could never win her heart, he resorted to black magic and casted a spell. However, the princess discovered his plan and foiled it, leading to the tantrik’s death. With his dying breath, Singhia cursed the fort and its inhabitants, dooming them to a tragic fate.
Today, Bhangarh Fort is considered one of the most haunted places in India, with visitors reporting strange sounds and an unsettling atmosphere. While the fort is open to the public during the day, entry is prohibited after sunset, adding to its mystique and allure.
Real Life Incidents at Bhangarh Fort
One of the most chilling tales involves a photographer who captured inexplicable shadows and figures in his images, despite being alone at the time.
Another account tells a group of friends who decided to explore the fort after dark, despite the warnings. As they ventured deeper into the ruins, they reportedly heard whispers and footsteps echoing through the empty corridors. Suddenly, one of them felt an invisible force push him, causing him to stumble. Terrified, they hurriedly left the fort, vowing never to return after sunset. These unsettling experiences continue to fuel the fort’s mystique, drawing thrill-seekers and curious visitors alike.
Should You Visit Bhangarh Fort
As a precaution, it’s best to adhere to the Archaeological Survey of India’s advisory: visiting hours are strictly between sunrise and sunset. Though entry is unrestricted during the day, the fort transforms into a ghostly realm as dusk descends.
Visiting Bhangarh Fort is a journey into India’s haunted heritage, a realm both forbidden and fascinating!
Kuldhara Village: The Cursed Abode
Kuldhara Village, located near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, remains closed to permanent habitation, as chilling legends persist.
Kuldhara Village Story
Once a prosperous haveli town of the Paliwal Brahmins, the tale goes that In the 19th century, an oppressive ruler forced the villagers to abandon their homes overnight, leaving behind an inexplicable emptiness. Visitors today are met with an eerie silence, broken only by occasional gusts of desert wind that carry the tales of sorrow and abandonment.
The villagers left due to the oppressive demands of a local ruler, Salim Singh, who levied heavy taxes and desired the village chief’s daughter. To protect their honour and escape tyranny, the villagers vanished, leaving behind a curse that no one would ever settle there again. Today, the ruins of Kuldhara stand as a testament to this eerie legend, drawing curious visitors.
Real Life Incidents at Kuldhara Village
It is said the ghostly presence envelopes the area with a sense of “frozen time,” transporting you back centuries. Many have reported feeling an inexplicable sense of unease and being watched as they wander through the deserted village. Some claim to have heard whispers and footsteps echoing through the empty streets, despite being alone.
There are tales of sudden temperature drops and sightings of shadowy figures moving among the crumbling structures. A few adventurous souls who dared to stay overnight have spoken of restless nights filled with strange sounds and an overwhelming urge to leave.
Shaniwarwada Fort: Echoes of Tragedy
Shaniwarwada Story
Built in 1732, this grand fort was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. However, its majestic walls hide a tragic story that has led to its haunted reputation. The most chilling tale is that of the young prince, Narayanrao, who was brutally murdered within the fort’s confines. Legend has it that on full moon nights, visitors claim to hear the plaintive cries of “Kaka Mala Vachva” (“Uncle, save me”).
Eversince, Shaniwarwada stands silently in Pune, India, and the fort’s haunting history whispers through its ancient walls.
Real Life Incidents at Shaniwarwada Fort
One eerie incident that adds to Shaniwarwada’s spooky reputation is the unsettling incident involving mysterious fires that broke out within the fort. Despite being a stone structure, Shaniwarwada has experienced several unexplained fires over the years, leading to speculation about supernatural forces at play. These incidents, coupled with the fort’s tragic history, contribute to its eerie and haunted atmosphere, making it a place of intrigue for those who dare to explore its haunted past.
Jatinga: The Valley of Death
One of the most uniquely haunted places in India, Jatinga is a beautiful hill station in Assam with a chilling, mysterious history. It is the only haunted attraction in India where no known apparitions have been witnessed.
Jatinga Haunted Story
Among the many scary stories that this place is infamous for, the most popular one talks about mass suicides of local and migratory birds during the monsoon season.
Every year, hundreds and hundreds of birds drop down from the sky or run into poles and die on the streets. Despite scientific attempts to explain this bizarre behavior, the enigma of Jatinga creates an unsettling aura for anyone who visits this otherwise famous tourist spot in Assam.
Dow Hill, Kurseong: The Haunted School
Dow hill station in West Bengal is home to a reputedly haunted school.
Dow Hill Kurseong Horror Story
The Victoria Boys’ High School in Dow Hill is at the heart of these chilling stories. Numerous people have been mysteriously murdered here over the years, leaving the town in a state of terror.
Real Life Incidents at Dow Hill, Kurseong
Locals and tourists have reported hearing footsteps echoing through the corridors long after the school has closed for holidays. The surrounding forest adds to the spine-chilling atmosphere, with tales of a headless boy wandering the woods. Some have also experienced an overwhelming feeling of being watched or followed while walking through the woods.
This unsettling aura has earned Dow Hill its reputation as one of the most haunted places in India, drawing curious adventurers eager to experience its supernatural allure. While the school itself is operational, the surrounding areas can be explored, but with caution and respect for the local lore.
Dumas Beach: Whispers of the Departed
Dumas Beach, located along the Arabian Sea in Gujarat, is a seemingly serene beach with black sand and eerie air.
Dumas Beach Haunted Story
As one of the most famous scary stories to tell in the dark, Dumas Beach has earned this spooky reputation thanks to a mysterious theory of it being a burial ground once upon a time; now deserted after sunset.
Visitors often report hearing mysterious whispers and peculiar laughter carried by the wind, and some have even claimed to witness apparitions. The unsettling atmosphere is heightened by tales of people disappearing mysteriously, adding to the beach’s spine-chilling allure.
Are you ready to listen to the whispers of the departed?
Ramoji Film City: Ghostly Stage
Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad has long been acclaimed as the largest film studio complex globally. However, it holds a less known allure—it is also one of India’s top 10 haunted places.
Ramoji Film City Story
Built on the war grounds of the Nizam Sultans, it is believed that the spirits of soldiers haunt the area. Numerous reports from visitors and film crews speak of strange occurrences, such as lights falling, equipment malfunctioning, and unexplained shadows. Some even claim to have felt an invisible force pushing them or have seen mysterious figures in mirrors, and heard knocks and whispers echo in empty rooms. Despite these chilling stories, Ramoji Film City remains open to the public, attracting both thrill-seekers and film enthusiasts.
Yet, Ramoji Film City remains open to the public, its ghostly extra adding an uncanny thrill to its allure!
Agrasen ki Baoli: The Mystic Stepwell
Agrasen ki Baoli in Delhi is an ancient stepwell that dates back to the time of the legendary king Agrasen. This historical site is renowned for its architectural beauty, but it also carries an eerie reputation.
Story Agrasen ki Baoli
The haunting tales surrounding Agrasen ki Baoli stem from its deep, dark waters, which are said to have had a mysterious allure. Legend has it that the stepwell was once filled with black water with hypnotic powers, that enticed people to draw closer to the well and drown themselves. Visitors often report feeling an inexplicable sense of unease and being followed by unseen eyes as they explore the depths of the Baoli. Despite its spooky reputation, Agrasen ki Baoli is open to the public and can be visited only during the day.
Its haunting legend persists in the modern era – be it the unnerving silence that engulfs you as you descend or the spine-chilling whispers that-echo about the premises.
Currently accessible to curious adventurers, Agrasen ki Baoli invites both casual tourists and seekers of spectral encounters, making it one of the most scary places to visit in India.
Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie: The Betrayed Spirit
The Savoy Hotel in Mussoorie is considered among top 10 haunted places in India, whispering tales of betrayal and woe. How could a place so beautiful become synonymous with hauntings that chill your bones?
Savoy Hotel Mussoorie Haunted Story
In 1911, Lady Garnet Orme, a beautiful British spiritualist, mysteriously died within the hotel’s elegant walls, allegedly poisoned with strychnine. Her ghost is said to roam the corridors, searching for justice and closure to this unsolved mystery.
The cause of her death was never conclusively determined, leading to numerous interesting ghost stories. Guests and staff have reported hearing strange noises and feeling an eerie presence, believed to be Lady Garnet Orme’s spirit lingering in the hotel. Despite its haunted reputation, the hotel remains open to visitors, offering a unique blend of history and supernatural intrigue.
Expectedly, the hotel has inspired literary genius, even featuring in Agatha Christie’s early mysteries.
Tunnel 103, Himachal Pradesh
Another interesting and spooky place in India is Tunnel No. 103 located on the Shimla-Kalka railway line in Himachal Pradesh, responsible for ‘scary stories’ in the region.
Story of Tunnel 103 in Himachal Pradesh
The story behind this haunted place dates back to the British era. It is said that a British engineer named Colonel Barog was assigned the task of constructing the tunnel. Unfortunately, due to a miscalculation, the tunnel’s two ends did not meet, which caused him to feel humiliated and subsequently commit suicide. Locals believe that Colonel Barog’s spirit still lingers in the tunnel, and many have reported hearing mysterious whispers and footsteps.
Despite its haunted status, the tunnel remains accessible to visitors, adding an element of thrill to the scenic journey!
Real Life Incidents at Tunnel 103 in Himachal Pradesh
There have been several accounts from locals and visitors who claim to have experienced paranormal haunted activities in Tunnel No. 103. One such story that seems to be a common occurence is passers by experiencing and sudden drop in temperature with a wafting presence of something eerie.
These stories contribute to the tunnel’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in India, attracting many to experience this mystery. Despite these tales, the tunnel remains open to the public.
The Lambi Dehar Mines: Death Den
Lambi Dehar Mines, located near Mussoorie, is considered one of the most haunted places in India due to its tragic history.
Story behind Lambi Dehar Mines in Mussoorie
In the early 1990s, the mines were operational, employing thousands of workers. However, due to poor working conditions and lack of safety measures, many miners suffered from lung diseases caused by inhaling dust. It is said that over 50,000 workers died as a result, leading to the closure of the mines.
Since then, locals and visitors have reported eerie occurrences, strange noises, and sightings of a ghostly figure, believed to be the spirit of a witch. The mines are now abandoned and are accessible, but visitors are advised to be cautious, especially after sunset.
Bombay High Court: The Possessed Courtroom
In an attempt to save the best for the last, here’s yet another spooky tale about a vengeful spirit haunting one of India’s most important high courts.
Bombay High Court Haunted Story
This haunted story dates back to the British colonial era about a lawyer or murder convict who was wrongfully executed, and now haunts the courtroom. It is believed that this vengeful spirit disrupts proceedings whenever a murder trial is being conducted and does not let those guilty of murder enter the room, terrorising them in a hoarse, cursing voice.
While there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, the tale has persisted over the years, adding an eerie allure to this historic building. Despite its haunted reputation, the Bombay High Court remains fully operational and accessible to the public.
Bone-Chilling Encounters: Real Stories from Haunted Sites
Do you dare to step onto grounds where history and hauntings come together in eerie tales?
In 2018, a group of trekkers had strange experiences at Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan. As night fell, they heard voices in the air, making them feel a chill down their spines.
Could it be that old spells still echo through its walls? The mix of excitement and fear pushed them to explore the fort’s dark ruins at night.
At Dumas Beach in Gujarat, visitors have seen lights moving over the sand. They also heard mysterious sounds, making them feel alone and reminding them of ancient sea spirits.
These horror stories from haunted places show the supernatural side of India’s heritage.
Haunted Experiences: Embrace the Fear or Steer Clear?
Exploring India’s mysterious places requires courage and curiosity, offering a journey that changes how you see the unknown. Some of the most haunted places in India invite the daring to explore beyond the usual, providing unique and eerie experiences.
Places like Bhangarh Fort and Dumas Beach are open during the day, allowing visitors to explore within certain limits. Visiting these places requires respect for ancient cultures and an understanding of the myths that blend with modern stories.
It’s important to approach these adventures with an open mind, as they are not just about seeking ghosts but also about learning the stories behind each haunted legend that enrich our lives.
Deciding to visit or avoid these places is a personal choice. With caution and a sense of adventure, you can create memories that brighten life’s mysteries. Discuss these horror stories on your next staycation with friends or family, and enjoy the chills.
