Keep the lights on, because this is about to get real…
Haunted forts, ghost towns, deserted beaches and forests where no birds sing. If the paranormal fascinates you, these haunted places in India are sure to grab your attention. But be warned, the timid might want to look away!
No one gets out alive!
Bhangarh village, Alwar, Rajasthan
Abandoned and deserted after a curse, Bhangarh Fort is perhaps the most infamous among all haunted places in India.
Legend has it that a wizard, smitten with the princess, tried to win her heart by slipping a love potion into her ittar. She saw through the trick, tossed the potion onto a boulder, and it rolled back, crushing him. With his dying breath, he cursed the fort, saying no one would ever live there in peace.
It’s even “government-recognised” as haunted, with an ASI board warning against entry after sunset!
Visitors can explore the fort safely during daylight hours through guided tours organized from nearby Jaipur or Alwar.
The spirit of a drowned woman
D’Souza Chawl, Mahim, Mumbai
D’Souza Chawl is one of the lesser-known horror places in India, said to be haunted by an old woman who drowned in a well. She’s seen often at night near the well, but no harm has come to residents or visitors… Some also report sightings of a shadowy guard near a tree, silently watching and never speaking.
If you’re curious, go with locals or a Mumbai heritage tour that includes ghost stories, it’s safe in groups.
Heed the voices of the undead!
Dumas Beach, Gujarat
Dumas Beach near Surat is notorious for whispers in the wind. The black sand and its history as a long-standing Hindu cremation ground only add to the eerie atmosphere, making it one of the most chilling horror places in India.
Visit only during daylight and avoid wandering close to the water alone, locals strongly advise it.
A headless child in a forest
Dow Hill, Kurseong, West Bengal
Dow Hill Forest is infamous for murders and ghost sightings, especially that of a headless child. It's one of the most mysterious horror places in India, hidden in the misty hills. If you're hiking here, hire a local guide and avoid isolated trails, especially after dusk.
Neeli Still Watches
Neeliyar Kottam, Kerala
Deep within a sacred grove near Kannur lies Neeliyar Kottam, a forest shrine said to be haunted by the spirit of Neeli; a betrayed woman reborn as a fierce deity.
During Theyyam season, her presence is said to possess performers who dance in a trance, their voices changing, their eyes unblinking. Locals say that the grove, one of the sacred horror places of India, comes alive at night. Footsteps in the leaves, whispers in the dark, and a sense that you're never really alone.
Neeliyar Kottam is safe to visit during the daytime, but it’s best to avoid the grove at night unless you’re there with the crowd for the Theyyam season rituals.
Army Cantonment
Delhi, India
The Delhi Cantonment is often counted among the scariest haunted places in India, where a ghostly female hitchhiker in white seeks a lift at night. Fancy a midnight ride?
It’s best to stick to daytime visits or explore the area with local Delhi city tours that cover these legends.
A Prince’s Cry
Shanivar Wada Fort, Pune
One of Pune’s most iconic horror places in India, Shanivar Wada Fort echoes with the cries of a murdered prince during full moons.
Narayanrao, the ruling Peshwa, was murdered inside the fort by his own guards under his uncle and aunt’s orders. Legend has it that on full moon nights, his ghost still calls out for help through the ancient walls. You can join guided heritage walks here during the day in which haunting stories are included.
On the sets of a haunted city
Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
Ramoji Film City is not just Bollywood’s playground, it’s also one of the strangest horror places in India, allegedly haunted by soldiers from old battles. Film crews report flickering lights very often…
Day tours are available with local guides, and the campus is well-staffed with security.
A deserted mine and a ghost town
Lambi Dehar Mines, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Locals speak of a catastrophic collapse in the early 1990s, when dangerous working conditions, poor ventilation, and unstable rock faces led to a disastrous cave‑in which took the lives of 50,000 workers.
Visitors and residents alike share stories of unexplained voices, distant cries, flickering lights, and shadowy figures moving through the ruins, experiences that have cemented the site’s reputation as one of the most mysterious horror stories in India.
It’s recommended to visit with a local guide or adventure tour company, and avoid straying from marked trails.
The 156-year-old ghost of a British soldier
Brijraj Bhavan Palace, Kota, Rajasthan
This heritage hotel is among the more elegant horror places in India, home to the ghost of Major Burton. He's said to roam the halls, occasionally waking guards with a slap.
Since it functions as a hotel, staying here is completely safe, just don’t mind a little late-night company!
Secrets Beneath The Ice
The Skeleton Lake, Roopkund
Hidden high in the Himalayas, Roopkund Lake is one of the most mysterious horror places in India. When the snow melts, hundreds of ancient human skeletons become visible beneath the icy waters, earning it the name. Scientists believe the remains date back over a thousand years, with theories ranging from sudden hailstorms to forgotten pilgrim expeditions meeting a tragic fate.
Trekkers often describe an unsettling stillness around the lake, with fog rolling in quickly and silence settling over the landscape. The trek is safe when undertaken with experienced guides and proper preparation, but it is essential to avoid solo exploration, respect weather warnings, and attempt the trail only during the recommended trekking seasons.
Explore journeys across India’s contrasts like never before with expertly crafted holidays across India by Cox and Kings!
