When you think of India, images of cultural festivals, Bollywood, yoga, buzzing markets, etc. might come to your mind–but you might not know about the haunted places in India that haunt the same streets. These places are ruins, abandoned settlements, and cursed lands where history and legend blur into something chillingly beautiful.
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves discovering places beyond the ordinary, here’s a list of 10 haunted places in India you should add to your bucket list.
Top 10 Haunted Places in India You Must Explore
1. Lakhpat, Gujarat
Situated near the Indus River, it used to be a thriving port, but when the river shifted its course and earthquakes hit the region, Lakhpat was left abandoned. Now it’s just an abandoned ghost town with silent streets, crumbling mosques, and old forts. Here it seems that life has just stopped. Abruptly. Unlike commercial haunted towns in India, it remains quiet, raw, and perfect for travelers who want to explore something untouched.
2. Kuldhara, Rajasthan
Kuldhara, near Jaisalmer, is one of the most famous yet still mysterious haunted places in India. Legend says the Paliwal Brahmins abandoned the village overnight in the 19th century, leaving behind empty houses. Like, literally, one night they just… vanished! Now obviously, locals believe the site is cursed, and so no one has been able to settle here since. For weird travelers like you and I, the sandstone ruins and haunting atmosphere make it an unforgettable stop in the Thar Desert.
3. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
Known as the “Ghost Town of India,” Dhanushkodi was completely destroyed in the cyclone of 1964. Once a busy town with a railway station, church, and markets, it now lies in ruins. The cyclone didn’t just destroy the town, but the spirit of the people. Now it has gained the infamous claim of being a ghost town, and so you will find tourists, but tbh, it’s not a bad beach destination. Sure, it’s not the life of the party, but if you’re chasing quie,t then yep.. Go for it!
4. Dow Hill, Kurseong
If you’re looking for a city ghost vibe away from the metros, Dow Hill near Kurseong in West Bengal might just be the place. Its dense pine forests and old school buildings are said to echo with phantom footsteps. Many locals tell stories of a headless boy roaming the forest paths. It’s not commercialized, which means you can wander through without the tourist rush — just you and the forest’s unsettling quiet.
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5. Talakad, Karnataka
On the banks of the Kaveri River lies Talakad, which used to be a flourishing town. Today, it’s buried under shifting sand dunes. Legends say Queen Alamelamma’s curse brought about this strange fate. While archeologists dig to uncover the past, travelers can explore the ruins that peek through the sand and marvel at how nature (and perhaps destiny) reclaimed a once-thriving settlement.
6. Ross Island, Andaman & Nicobar
Ross Island was once the British administrative hub of the Andaman Islands, but after an earthquake and the Japanese invasion during WWII, it was abandoned. Like it’s so eerie and old, being abandoned has made it look super haunted, especially being on the island. But there’s a savage kind of beauty in it, like nature reclaiming history. When you go for your island escape, don’t forget to visit this.
Also Read: 10 Must-Do Things in Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Your Complete Travel Guide
7. Jatinga, Assam
Jatinga isn’t a town full of ruins, but it earns its place on this list for its baffling mystery. Each year, during certain foggy nights in the months between September and November, migratory birds plunge to their deaths, drawn inexplicably to the village. Scientists still debate the cause, but locals call it cursed. This phenomenon makes Jatinga one of the most unique and spine-chilling ghost places in India for travelers curious about the unexplained.
Also Read: https://blog.explurger.com/best-places-to-visit-in-assam/
8. Khooni Nadi, Delhi
In the heart of Delhi lies a small river with a sinister reputation. Locals call it Khooni Nadi, or the “Bloody River,” and say those who enter are swallowed without a trace, people often link it with the Bermuda Triangle, while some trace it back to the mutiny of 1857, when mass dumping of dead bodies took place. While skeptics argue it’s justan urban legend, the stories about city ghosts have persisted for generations. Hidden away from Delhi’s usual tourist spots, it’s one of those eerie places that only the curious few ever explore.
9. Dumas Beach, Gujarat
Black sands, restless winds, and whispered legends make Dumas Beach one of India’s eeriest coastal spots. The black sand, believed to be a mix of volcanic minerals and cremated ashes, adds to the chilling aura. Local legends say Dumas Beach was once a Hindu cremation ground, and apparently, some souls just couldn’t say goodbye. Visitors have reported hearing whispers, laughter, and eerie sounds, and not the fun, beach bonfire kind. Some even claim that those who wandered too far into the darkness simply… didn’t return. Spooky or just great marketing? Either way, this eerie yet stunning black sand beach has become an irresistible magnet for both thrill-seekers and skeptics. By day, it’s a picturesque seaside escape, but by night, let’s just say you might want to bring a friend or a ghostbuster!
Also Read: Exploring Best Beach Destinations in India that are Hidden and Offbeat
10. Khabha Fort, Rajasthan
Just a short distance from Kuldhara lies Khabha Fort, another deserted site abandoned centuries ago. Locals believe spirits still guard the land, making it a chilling but fascinating stop for travelers searching for raw, untouched history. It’s just as abandoned, but while Kuldhara is still pretty well known, people usually don’t know about Khaba.
Also Read: https://blog.explurger.com/offbeat-places-to-visit-in-rajasthan/
Why Visit These Haunted Places in India?
Travelers often chase bustling markets, pristine beaches, or snowy peaks. Still, these haunted places in India offer something different — so eerie, steeped in such deep history and legends that some remain unexplainable. These kinds of places aren’t usually on people’s Bucket lists. Whether you’re chasing mystery, history, or just something unusual to add to your bucket list, these haunted places in India promise to leave a lasting impression.
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FAQs About Haunted Places in India
2. Which fort has ghosts?
Khabha Fort in Rajasthan is one of the lesser-known forts believed to be haunted. Unlike Bhangarh, it’s quieter and less crowded.
3. Which city is known as a ghost city in India?
Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu is famously called the “Ghost Town of India” after being destroyed in the 1964 cyclone.
4. What are the abandoned places in India?
Some of the most intriguing abandoned places include Lakhpat (Gujarat), Kuldhara (Rajasthan), Talakad (Karnataka), Ross Island (Andamans), and Kuldalai (Tamil Nadu).