India, with its rich history, diverse culture, and ancient architecture, is a land full of stories—some divine, and others, downright terrifying. Haunted places in India are not just figments of folklore; they are steeped in chilling history, eerie tales, and spine-tingling occurrences that continue to puzzle even the most skeptical minds. From abandoned forts to cursed villages, these haunted destinations are a blend of supernatural mystery and cultural intrigue.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply fascinated by the paranormal, this guide through the most haunted places in India will send shivers down your spine.
1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan — The Most Haunted Place in India
Location: Alwar District, Rajasthan
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Status: Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India
No list of haunted places in India is complete without Bhangarh Fort. Dubbed the most haunted site in India, even the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) has forbidden entry after sunset.
The Legend:
According to legend, a black magician fell in love with Princess Ratnavati and tried to use dark magic to make her fall for him. She found out and foiled his plan, leading to his death—but not before he cursed the fort and its inhabitants. Shortly after, the entire village was destroyed in a battle, and the fort was never populated again.
Paranormal Activities:
- Strange whispers
- Screams during the night
- Sudden temperature drops
- Feelings of being watched
Visitors often report a heavy, uncomfortable atmosphere as soon as they step inside. Without a doubt, Bhangarh Fort holds the crown for being India’s eeriest location.
2. Shaniwar Wada, Pune — Haunted by a Prince’s Ghost
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Built In: 1732
Shaniwar Wada was once the epicenter of Maratha power. Now, it is known for ghostly cries and mysterious shadows.
The Tragic Tale:
The fort is haunted by the spirit of Narayanrao Peshwa, the young prince brutally murdered by guards under a political conspiracy. His last words, “Kaka, mala vachva!” (Uncle, save me!) still echo through the halls.
Paranormal Reports:
- Visitors hear desperate cries for help
- Flickering lights and cold winds
- Shadows moving in empty corridors
The fort is safe during the day, but by night, even locals avoid going near it.
3. Dumas Beach, Gujarat — The Whispering Beach
Location: Surat, Gujarat
Type: Urban Legend
Dumas Beach may look like a picturesque black sand beach, but it holds a sinister past—it was once a Hindu burial ground.
The Eerie Vibes:
The beach has long been associated with whispers, despite there being no one around. Locals claim spirits still roam the area, making it one of the top haunted beaches in the country.
Spooky Incidents:
- Whispering voices during late hours
- People going missing
- Dogs barking into the darkness
Authorities have even restricted nighttime visits due to strange happenings.
4. Kuldhara Village, Rajasthan — The Cursed Abandoned Village
Location: Near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Abandoned Since: 1800s
Once a prosperous village of the Paliwal Brahmins, Kuldhara was abandoned overnight and never repopulated.
The Curse:
It’s believed the minister of the region wanted to marry the village chief’s daughter. When the villagers refused, he threatened them. Instead of giving in, the villagers vanished overnight, cursing the land to remain uninhabited.
Paranormal Claims:
- People feel a heavy energy
- Voices in the wind
- Photographers often find unexplainable anomalies
Even after attempts to rebuild or repopulate the area, the curse is said to keep it deserted.
5. GP Block, Meerut — The House of Shadows
Location: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Type: Abandoned House
This abandoned house in Meerut’s GP Block has gained notoriety for its paranormal sightings.
Common Sightings:
- Four men drinking beer in the house
- A woman in red stepping out and vanishing
- Lights flickering in an abandoned building
Locals have stopped going near the building, especially after sunset.
6. Jatinga, Assam — The Village of Bird Suicides
Location: Dima Hasao District, Assam
Phenomenon: Bird Suicides
This village is infamous for a unique and chilling mystery—birds flying to their death, especially during moonless nights between September and November.
Theories:
- Some believe it’s a magnetic anomaly
- Others say it’s a paranormal pull
Despite scientific explanations, locals insist there is something supernatural going on, making it one of the creepiest places in Northeast India.
7. Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi — The Haunted Stepwell
Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi
Built By: King Agrasen (legend says during the Mahabharata era)
This ancient stepwell in the heart of Delhi is an architectural marvel—but one that comes with a dark twist.
Haunted Features:
- A sense of being followed
- Visitors feel drained of energy
- Shadow figures at lower levels
As you descend into the baoli, the silence becomes deafening, and even the bravest of visitors report a growing sense of dread.
8. Sanjay Van, Delhi — The Forest of the Forgotten
Location: Near Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi
Size: Over 10 km
Sanjay Van is a dense forest that’s beautiful by day and terrifying by night.
Spooky Reports:
- Cries of children
- Ghostly figures in white
- Sudden fog and cold drafts
People have felt themselves being pushed, slapped, or watched, making it one of the capital’s most haunted natural locations.
9. Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad — Ghosts on Set
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Industry: Film & Entertainment
One of the largest film cities in the world, Ramoji Film City is haunted by spirits of soldiers who died in war, as the land was once a battlefield.
Haunted Experiences:
- Lights falling without reason
- Equipment being tampered with
- Women getting scratched or pushed
Staff members often avoid working alone, especially in the older studios.
10. Dow Hill, West Bengal — The School of Death
Location: Kurseong, West Bengal
Famous Spot: Victoria Boys High School
Dow Hill has been a topic of ghost hunters for years. The Victoria Boys High School is said to be the epicenter of paranormal activity.
Horrifying Events:
- Footsteps in school corridors during vacations
- Headless boy seen walking into the woods
- Whispering sounds and eerie laughter
Locals call it the “Death Road” and avoid it after dark.
Final Thoughts: Dare to Explore?
India is not just a land of gods and goddesses, but also of curses, haunted legacies, and spirits that refuse to leave. These haunted places across the country are more than mere attractions—they’re experiences steeped in culture, history, and mystery.
If you’re an adventure lover or someone seeking a brush with the supernatural, these haunted destinations in India promise a journey you’ll never forget. But beware—what you see may not always be explainable!