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Top 8 Haunted Places in India: Feel the Thrill

Ever had a shiver run down your spine after visiting an old abandoned building? Or how about hearing whispers carried by the wind in the depths of night? India is a country rich in cultural diversity and historical heritage but it is also home to several haunted locations that would give you a spine-chilling thrill. Come along with us as we set out on an exciting expedition to discover the top 8 haunted places in India, where mysteries lurk around every corner and the boundaries between the living and the dead are blurred.

• Tunnel No. 33, Shimla

Regarded as one of the most spooky locations in Shimla, Tunnel No. 33 is the Queen of Hill Stations, located beyond the splendour of Shimla. There is a tunnel on the Kalka-Shimla route that runs for more than two minutes. You arrive at the Barog railway station as you step out. Although it is a unique experience, it is always preferable to be prepared.

The thrilling backstory for the location to be counted among the top haunted places in India is quite intriguing. According to natives, Colonel Barog is the name of the ghost that haunts Tunnel 33. As a railway engineer in 1898, he was given the task of building a tunnel on schedule. After his calculations, he gave the workers the order to begin drilling holes in the mountain from both sides. Following an unsuccessful endeavour, he was fired and penalised by the state. He was depressed as he got humiliated by the labourers. 

Some claim that while walking his dog, he shot himself to end his suffering. The dog made an attempt to attract people’s attention, but it was too late. To honour him, the Colonel was buried within this unfinished tunnel. According to the locals, he never moved on to the afterlife and still haunts the tunnel.

• Writer’s Building, Kolkata

Writer’s Building in Kolkata in one the most ominous spots in Kolkata. On December 8, 1930, three young freedom fighters named Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta broke into the building and murdered Colonel N.S. Simpson, the ruthless Inspector General.

Employees who work here in the present have claimed to feel the presence of Colonel N.S. Simpson’s spirit, which they believe lingers in both the main building and BBD Square, which bears the three independence fighters’ names. Many employees have reported hearing cries and calls for assistance coming from the building’s empty rooms at night. Many of such instances have made the place one of the top haunted places in India.

• Shaniwarwada Fort, Pune

“The story” begins during the period of  “Peshwas rule” in Maharashtra. The Maratha kingdom was ruled by Balaji Rao, often known as Nana Saheb when Peshwa Baji Rao passed away. Madhorao, Vishwarao, and Narayanrao were the three children he had. Following Balaji’s death in the Third Battle of Panipat, Madharao became the new monarch. Soon, Vishwarao died and in his sorrow, Madhorao died too. The youngest one, Narayanrao succeeded as the king at a very young age. But due to his inefficiency to run an empire, his uncle, Ragunathrao took charge on his behalf. The wife of Ragunathrao, Anandibai, desired that Narayanrao be excluded from the empire’s governance. In the letter that Raghunathrao had originally sent, she had modified the word “capturing” to “killing.”

Narayanrao heard assassins entering his sleeping quarters in a group. He screamed on top of his lungs and asked for help from his uncle saying ‘Kaka Mala Vachwa’ (Uncle, save me). However, Narayanrao was assassinated that evening by the Gardi tribe due to Anandibai’s jealousy.  Visitors till the date hear his screams, especially on full moon nights.

• Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) advises visitors not to stay around the fort’s ruins after dark attesting to the true hauntedness of the Bhangarh Fort. According to the widely accepted story, Tantrik Singhia, a magician, had feelings for Princess Ratnavali and used magic to win her over. But when the princess learned of his schemes, she had the magician put to death. The magician then cursed the people living in the village to never have a roof over their heads and the fort’s occupants to die.

• Lambi Dehar Mines, Mussoorie

There was a limestone mine in Mussoorie during 1990 that employed about 50,000 people. The workers developed lung troubles and began coughing up blood as a result of safety and security concerns. Soon, they died a needless death. Since then, the mines closed down.

Many reports of paranormal activity and fatalities have occurred since then. There was even an instance of a helicopter crash. The locals claim to have seen a witch roaming at night. As you can see from the YouTube video, one of India’s most well-known ghost hunters, Gaurav Tiwari, also paid a visit in an attempt to discover the truth, winning these mines a spot amongst top haunted places in India.

• Khairatabad Science College, Hyderabad

Once a science college but now a ramshackle building and entering its premises is similar to “maut ko bulawa dena” (calling your own death). It is said that once you step inside the building, you may never leave.

According to Mohammed Hafeez, a former college security officer, “The dead bodies used in the Biology labs were not thrown away when the college was closed down years ago.” “You can see skeletons walking and sparks if you happen to pass by the place after dusk,” he added.

• Kuldhara Village

One of the most terrifying ghost towns in Rajasthan is Kuldhara, which is close to Jaisalmer. Once the abode of Paliwal Brahmins, the village experienced a mysterious disappearance of all of its residents one night in 1825. According to legend, the state minister threatened to impose high taxes if the girl from the village refused to marry him. The villagers cursed Kuldhara to remain abandoned forever in order to preserve her honour. It is now known as the most haunted location in India.

• Dow Hill, West Bengal

The Victoria Boy’s High School and Downhill Girl’s Boarding School in Kurseong, Darjeeling, are famous for having ghostly residents. It is believed that the ghosts are roaming the passageways when visitors hear strange footsteps. Many bodies have been found in the nearby woods, and many people say they were followed by a headless youngster who later disappeared. It is considered to be India’s third most haunted location.

Visiting a haunted place in person has always been on everyone’s bucket list, so now when you know the top haunted places in India, it’s time to tick it off of the list and experience paranormal activity firsthand. Enjoy the thrill carefully!