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Exploring India's Spookiest Destinations

As night falls and cities quiet down, certain areas in India become enveloped in an unsettling atmosphere, where shadows seem to elongate and eerie whispers fill the air.

Here are six of the most peculiar and haunted sites across the nation, each steeped in chilling history.

1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

Situated in the Alwar district, this fort was constructed in the 16th century by Raja Bhagwant Das for his son, Madho Singh. Bhangarh Fort is notorious enough that the Archaeological Survey of India has placed a warning sign at its entrance, advising against entry after dark. According to local legends, a tantric named Singhia cursed the town after being spurned by Princess Ratnavati, leading to its eventual ruin. Visitors frequently report hearing strange noises, seeing ghostly figures, and experiencing electronic malfunctions within the fort.

2. Kuldhara Village, Rajasthan

Located near Jaisalmer, this village was once thriving but was mysteriously deserted around 1825. Folklore suggests that the village chief cursed the land to prevent anyone from living there again after a powerful minister attempted to forcefully marry a local girl. The entire population of 1,500 vanished overnight, leaving behind their homes and temples. Paranormal enthusiasts often report hearing footsteps, whispers, and seeing unexplained lights.

3. Shaniwar Wada, Pune

This grand fort in Pune was built in 1732 by Peshwa Baji Rao. Its darkest chapter occurred in 1773 when Narayanrao Peshwa was brutally murdered by his own guards, allegedly on the orders of his uncle and aunt. Locals claim that during full moon nights, the cries of "Kaka mala vachava!" ("Uncle, save me!") can still be heard. A fire in 1828 left much of the fort in ruins.

4. Dow Hill, Kurseong & Victoria Boys’ High School, West Bengal

Nestled near Darjeeling, the serene town of Kurseong harbors a sinister reputation. The Victoria Boys’ High School, which closes during winter, is said to be haunted by unexplained noises—footsteps echoing in empty corridors, voices, and ghostly figures. The nearby Dow Hill forest is infamous for sightings of a headless boy who reportedly walks and disappears into the woods, with those who see him often succumbing to depression.

5. Dumas Beach, Gujarat

Located 21 km southwest of Surat, Dumas Beach is known for its striking black sand and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. However, it also has a dark past as a former Hindu cremation site, leading to beliefs that it is haunted by restless spirits. Locals caution against venturing too far into the water at night, as there have been reports of disappearances and eerie sounds after sunset.

6. Igorchem Bandh, Goa

Situated near Raia village in South Goa, Igorchem Bandh is notorious for its unsettling atmosphere, even during daylight. Locals report feelings of being followed, hearing rustling sounds without any breeze, and even experiencing possession. This road, once surrounded by dense forests, was allegedly used by Portuguese soldiers for covert executions.

These locations are not merely tales of the supernatural; they intertwine real historical events—murders, mass migrations, and fires—with enduring folklore and physical remnants like ruins and abandoned villages.

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