Kuldhara Village
Located about 12.4 miles southwest of Jaisalmer, Kuldhara was completely abandoned and left in ruins in the 19th-century. Today, it is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a heritage site. The haunted history of the village started in 1825, when all the villagers along with people from 83 neighbouring villages left in the dead of the night, leaving behind an undying curse that no one could ever live in this village.
The reason for this mass abandonment was a wicked minister who forcefully wanted to marry the daughter of the village chieftain, and threatened the villagers by imposing huge taxes, if they did not agree to his demand. So, in order to protect the girl’s honour, the villagers left the town, which now lies in ruins. The curse on the village stays true until today. Strange sounds, shadows flitting over the dilapidated houses and footprints on mud have been frequently reported by the people who have gone there. Once the darkness takes over, people are not allowed to enter the village. Scary enough, eh?
Kuldhara in Rajasthan | © timeflicks / Flickr
Bhangarh Fort
From sunset to sunrise, the entry to Bhangarh Fort is prohibited – meaning there is definitely some spooky action. This 17th-century fort was cursed by a sinful magician who fell in love with the fort’s princess and to win her affection, he tried using a love potion on her. But the princess learned about his evil moves and threw the potion onto a boulder nearby, which then rolled down on the magician and crushed him. While dying, he put a spell on the fort that no one would be able to live here, following which it was left deserted – as it is today. Certain people have claimed to hear loud voices, screeching women and sounds of footsteps.
Bhangarh Fort, Gola ka baas, Rajgarh Tehsil, Alwar, Bhangarh, Rajasthan, India
Bhangarh Fort | © A Frequent Traveller / Flickr | © A Frequent Traveller / Flickr
Brijraj Bhawan Palace
For the uninitiated, Brijraj Bhawan is now a heritage hotel, but the mysterious stories of the haunting of an English soldier, named Major Charles Burton, are afloat in the palace. Major Burton and his family were killed here by the Indian militants, and it is said that his ghost roams the premises. The guards of the hotel have reported hearing sounds of a man commanding in English to not fall asleep, and if they do, the spirit slaps them. The spirit of the major doesn’t harm the guests, but an eerie vibe fills the air.
Brijraj Bhawan Palace, Brijraj Bhawan Palace Hotel, Civil Lines, Nayapura, Kota, Rajasthan, India, +91 0744 245 0529
Jagatpura
Jagatpura is a residential area in Jaipur believed to be haunted by the soul of the villagers who died here. This land was once ruled by a king, who was egocentric and greedy. And, under his rule, the villagers died out of starvation. Normally a serene and peaceful place, it turns spooky when the moon comes up. People who have walked alone at night through the streets of Jagatpura have heard bodiless voices whispering and cackling, and apparitions have also been reported, including a lady in a white dress. Best avoid it at night!
Rana Kumbha Palace
Within the majestic Chittorgarh Fort lies the Rana Kumbha Palace, an architectural and historical masterpiece. This fort is a popular tourist spot, yet many people don’t realise it may be haunted. Legend has it that when Alauddin Khalji (Sultan of Delhi) invaded the palace, Rani Padmini (queen of the palace) along with 700 women residing in the palace committed self-immolation. And ever since then, their spirits are said to meander across the palace complex. Witnesses have confessed to seeing a lady in a royal outfit with burnt face, as well as hearing voices asking for help.
Rana Kumbha Palace, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Rana Kumbha Palace | © Daniel Villafruela / Wikimedia Commons
Sudhabay
Located near Pushkar, Sudhabay is the spot of exorcism. It isn’t a haunted place, but on one day of the year, an unfathomable number of spooky and unsettling actions happen. On the annual ‘Ghost Fair’ day, people from far and wide come here to take a bath in the holy waters of a well, in order to free themselves from the spirits that possess them. There are numerous strange rituals performed that are sure to give you chills. If you’re faint of heart, this is the spot you might want to steer clear of.
NH-79 near Dudu Village
Described as the ‘highway that asks for blood’, the NH-79 near Dudu Village is one of the most haunted sites in Rajasthan. The haunted story dates back to the time when child marriage was practised in the country. In Dudu village, a five-day-old girl was made to marry a three-year old boy. However, the mother of the infant girl was against this wedding, and ran towards the highway to seek help, where she and her baby got hit by a vehicle. They both died on the spot and ever since, stories about their spirits haunting the road have remained.