Updated on: 30 July, 2024 03:10 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
India, a land steeped in rich history and culture, is also home to a number of places shrouded in mystery and legend. From haunted forts to eerie beaches, these locations have captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike. While these locations have garnered a reputation for being haunted, its essential to approach these stories with a sceptical mind. These tales are often rooted in folklore and local legends. Lets delve into the tales of five such places and uncover the chilling backstories that have made them infamous.
1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan
This 17th-century fort is perhaps the most famous haunted site in India. Legend has it that a princess, Ratnavati, was cursed by a sorcerer who was infatuated with her. After she rejected his advances, he cursed the fort and its inhabitants, dooming it to destruction. People believe the curse is still in effect, preventing the fort from being inhabited and leading to eerie occurrences.
2. Dumas Beach, Gujarat
Known as the 'suicide beach', Dumas is a secluded stretch of sand that has a sinister reputation. Locals claim that the beach is haunted by spirits who lure people to their deaths. Some say it’s due to its proximity to a cremation ground, while others believe it's a gateway to the spirit world.
3. D'Souza Chawl, Mumbai
This chawl in Mahim is said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman who fell into a well and drowned. Residents and visitors have reported strange occurrences, including eerie sounds and unexplained cold spots.
4. Shaniwar Wada Fort, Pune
This 18th-century fort was the seat of the Peshwa rulers. A tragic tale of a young prince, Narayanrao, who was brutally murdered within its walls, has given the fort a haunted reputation. People claim to hear the heart-wrenching cries of the prince echoing 'Kaka, mala vachva' (Uncle, please save me) through the fort's corridors.
