Often considered the land of undiscovered mystery for centuries people have traveled to India from around the world and have been fascinated by the mystical energy that surrounds what some call Haunted India.

One reason India is a popular tourist destination is due to their religious practices and rituals. Abandoned locations have become places of interest for people who are fascinated by the supernatural or paranormal occurrences.

The following are the most popular places in India for those seeking the paranormal.

Ghost Town of Bhangarh Fort – Ajabgarh, Rajasthan

photo: thehindu.com

The Ghost Town of Bhangarh, Rajasthan is said to be one of the scariest places in India to visit. However, this tag has not perturbed visitors from making frequent trips to this ghost town.

There is a story which this town is well-known for that tells the tale of a magician who was in love with a local princess which was forbidden. Unhappy with this denial, he decided to cast a spell on her to make her surrender to him. However, the princess, who was an occult follower learned of his plans and found a way to kill him. The magician cast a dark spell on the palace before his death. This supposedly caused its doom.

Whether you believe the story or not, the ruin is a fascinating place to visit. It is promoted as a tourist attraction for the area.
Located near a famous forested in the area, the town is now bringing visitors from around the area to it. It is noted that you are prohibited from visiting it after sunset. In fact, they have a strict warning that it is out of bounds after the sun sets.

Dumas Beach – Gujarat

photo: india.com

Dumas Beach in Gujarat is considered one of the most haunted places in India. Situated along the Arabian Sea in Gujarat, (near Surat, one of the developed cities) this beach is known for its black sand and mystical activities.

It has been believed that this beach was used as a Hindu burial ground, therefore, it is the resting place of tortured souls.

Many unexplained and puzzling incidents have been known to occur like strange whispers being heard and even reports of people disappearing mysteriously and having never been found again. In fact, it is believed that a lot of people have lost their lives exploring this mysterious beauty.

If you are a brave heart, you can test the waters yourself by taking a midnight stroll along the beach, if you have company. If the testimonies are anything to go by, you will also be greeted by warnings asking you to not cross a certain line while on the beach. It is wise to heed this warning.

If you love the paranormal you would definitely have the time of your life. You will find Dumas Beach one of the most mysterious places in India.

D’Souza Chawl, Mahim Mumbai

photo: hauntingindia.blogspot.com

D’Souza Chawl in Mahim, Mumbai is also considered as among the most haunted places in India. There have been many ghost stories surrounding one particular well in the Chawl which is considered to be haunted. Residents of the Chawl believe that there was a woman, who while filling water from the well, plunged to her death.

Therefore, ‘the lady of the well’ is said to haunt the area surrounding the well every night. There have been many sightings of a white apparition who many consider to be the lady. However, the residents believe that the lady just walks around the area without actually harming anyone who happens to visit the area. As predicted, once the sun comes up, she vanishes into thin air only to appear again in the night.

Shaniwarwada Fort – Pune

photo: hauntingindia.blogspot.com

The Shaniwarwada Fort in Pune has magnificent architecture in addition to being haunted. The atmosphere of mystery that lies beyond its walls cannot go unnoticed. In fact, there are many who are of the opinion that the story that is associated with this fort is one of the most chilling stories. This fort has witnessed various strange occurrences and a high level of supernatural activity.

Behind the Fort’s paranormal activities is a heart wrenching story of the assassination, greed for power and betrayal.

Legend has it that during a full moon, the level of supernatural activity increases. The fort in Pune becomes a place of horror. Local people often hear the spirit of a dead young prince who was brutally murdered here by one of his own relatives. He screams, “Kaka Mala Vachva” (“Uncle save me!”), from the Fort in the full moon night. The dead prince’s last words of his past mortal life.

Screams and cries are a constant affair every night. It is also said to be infested by dark spirits of the people who died in the fire that destroyed the fort. Entry is restricted after 6:30 p.m.

Most visitors prefer to visit the fort during the daylight hours. The fort is deserted at night except for a caretaker doing his rounds.

Kuldhara Village, Rajasthan

photo: quora.com

Kuldhara today is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage site. The village is known to be a deserted ghost village that has been abandoned since the 1800’s. It is said to carry a curse of the villagers who vanished overnight, after having lived there for over seven centuries.

The village was established in 1291 by the Paliwal Brahmins, a prosperous clan that were known for their business acumen and agricultural knowledge, now lies in ruins. One night in 1825, all of the people in Kuldhara and the nearby 83 villages vanished mysteriously.

Some rumors state that Salim Singh, minister of the state or the Diwan of Jaisalmer, who was known for his debauchery and unscrupulous tax-collecting methods, set his eyes on the beautiful daughter of the village chief and wanted to marry her. The minister threatened the villagers by telling them if they did not let them marry, he would levy huge taxes on them.

The chief of the village, along with those of adjoining villages decided to abandon them and move elsewhere to protect the girl’s honor. No one saw them leave, nor did anyone find out where they went. They simply vanished. It is said that the villagers cast a spell over the village as they left, cursing anyone who tried to inhabit the land. The houses to date remain in almost the same condition as they were left behind by their inhabitants. Lanes and brick homes neatly laid out.

To this day no one knows where the Paliwals have resettled.

Other noteworthy mentions of haunted locations in India are:

• Jamali-Kamali Masjid, Delhi
• Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
• Jatinga, Assam
• Mukesh Mills, Mumbai
• GP Block, Meerut
• The Vrindavan Society, Thane
• Raj Kiran hotel, Lonavala, Maharashtra
• Sanjay Van, New Delhi
• Dow Hill, Kurseong, Darjeeling
• The Brij Raj Bhavan Palace, kota, Rajasthan