The Black sand and even darker history made Dumas Beach get a haunted reputation. People claim to have heard ghostly voices amid the waves crashing in as well as shadowy figures leaving no footprints in the sand.
Facing the Arabian Sea, Dumas Beach, known as one of the most haunted destinations in India, has captured the imagination of countless thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts around 20 km from Surat in Gujarat.
Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India
From eerie whisperings to unexplained footsteps, the popular beach has been the site of numerous unexplained occurrences that have left visitors both fascinated and terrified after visiting. But what exactly is the history behind its haunted rumors?
A Place for Hindu Burials
According to local legends, Dumas Beach was once a burial ground for Hindus, which was later taken over by the British to build a beach resort. This is according to folklore though and we don’t really know if there actually was a burial ground here, although it’s nor unlikely.
The most common practice in Hindu burial tradition is cremation, as Hindus believe that it helps release the soul from the cycle of reincarnation. The deceased is typically wrapped in white cloth and brought to the cremation ground on a simple wooden stretcher. Before cremation, family members often perform rituals such as offering prayers, placing flowers, and lighting incense. The eldest son or another male relative usually lights the funeral pyre, symbolizing the release of the soul.
After cremation, the ashes are collected and either scattered in a sacred river, such as the Ganges, or preserved in an urn for immersion during specific religious ceremonies. Different regions and communities may have variations in these rituals, but the underlying principles of honoring the deceased and facilitating their spiritual journey remain consistent.
The Legend of Dumas Beach
It is believed that the souls of the people buried or cremated here still roam the beach, making it one of the most haunted places in India. It is said that the black sand on the beach comes from the ashes of all the people that got burned.
The locals also believe that the beach is cursed, and anyone who goes there after dark is sure to encounter some paranormal activity. It is said that tourists that didn’t know about it, and locals that didn’t care went missing, some even turned up dead.
Apart from the burial ground, there is also a cremation ground nearby, which adds to the eerie atmosphere of the place. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the rustling of the trees in the wind create an eerie ambiance that is perfect for ghostly encounters.
Haunted Experiences at Dumas Beach
Visitors to Dumas Beach have reported a variety of spooky experiences, including unexplained whisperings, footsteps, and even apparitions that turn up in the corner of their eyes as well as in their photographs. Even dogs are said to behave strangely when they come here
Dumas Beach: Sunset at Dumas Beach with its black sand that people think may be haunted. //Source: Wiki
Many people have reported feeling a strange presence around them, as if they are being watched by someone or something. Some have even claimed to see the ghostly figures of men and women walking along the beach at night or moving white figures and orbs.
Mostly it is tales of weird sounds from the beach that gets people scared. Apparently it sounds like someone laughing or crying as it is difficult to make out.
The Haunted Black Beach
Dumas Beach may be one of the most haunted destinations in India, but it is also a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. Whether you are a paranormal enthusiast or just looking for an adventure, Dumas Beach is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the supernatural for yourself at Dumas Beach. But remember, always take safety precautions and respect the spirits that haunt this mysterious location.
It is said that a mother carrying her child is haunting the NH-79 close to Dudu in Rajasthan. People tell about seeing the ghosts of them, still trying to escape their fate.
Rajasthan’s highways are known for their picturesque landscapes and historical significance, but one stretch of road near Dudu Village on NH-79 has gained notoriety for much darker reasons.
Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India
This section of the Ajmer-Udaipur highway, often referred to as the “road that asks for blood,” is considered one of the most haunted places in the region. The spine-chilling tales emerging from Dudu Village and its surroundings have left many travelers wary of this seemingly cursed highway.
A Dark History of Child Marriages
The haunting reputation of NH-79 near Dudu Village, or rather a district, is rooted in a tragic story from the past. In a time when child marriages were rampant in India, a horrifying incident occurred that would forever mark this area with a sense of dread. That is what the stories say, “from when it was common”, as if it is a thing of the past. Sadly, although there are many laws to protect against it today, these things still happen.
In the Dudu and Kishangarh blocks in Rajasthan, approximately every year, more than 150 child marriage cases can be found. 27% of girls in India are married before their 18th birthday and 7% are married before the age of 15.
The Mother and the Child Trying to Escape
Children as young as babies are all victims of child marriages in the world, and this is one of the stories about it.
A five-day-old infant girl was to be married off to a three-year-old boy. The infant’s mother, vehemently opposed to this inhumane tradition, decided to flee in a desperate bid to save her daughter from her sealed fate.
In her frantic escape, the mother ran towards the highway seeking help. Tragically, her attempt to secure freedom ended in disaster when both she and her baby were struck and killed by a vehicle. Their untimely and brutal deaths are said to be the origin of the ghostly legends that now haunt NH-79.
The Ghost Guiding them Away from Dudu
The eerie tales of NH-79 came to life for three friends who were driving down the Ajmer-Udaipur highway one dark night. As they neared Dudu Village, they encountered an apparition that would leave them deeply unsettled. The ghost of a woman, carrying a baby in her arms, appeared and inexplicably entered their car, taking a seat in the back.
The spectral figure then began to guide them out of the village, her presence undeniable and terrifying. The friends, initially dismissing the experience as a nightmare, quickly realized the gravity of the situation as the haunting encounter continued for over fifteen minutes.
The chilling ordeal left a lasting impression, a tale they would recount with a shiver for years to come. But then again, the ghost came to help them out of the place. Perhaps in some ways they helped her too?
The Highway Numberings
Many sources claim that the story is set on the NH-79 Highway. This is not possible though as Dudu is a district in Rajasthan, and the highway is entirely in Tamil Nadu, a completely different state.
Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Roads around the world
It is also said to be the Ajmer-Udaipur route, which is a part of NH-58 and you have to take the NH-48 to get to Dudu on the way to Jaipur. Although the old numbering looks like it was NH-79 that went from Ghat Bilod to Ajmer before it changed in 2010.
In that case, the ghost story had to happen before 2010 although the stories online seems to have appeared some years later, at least in English.
At the Central Ridge in Delhi, you’ll find Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, a haunted old hunting lodge said to be haunted. But who of the many people that have been connected to this Mahal is still lingering?
In the bustling neighborhood of Karol Bagh in Delhi lies a monument that carries with it a legend away from the busy market. Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal (भूली भटियारी का महल), a ruined fort palace in the dense forest with a haunting past.
The Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal has mostly been left on its own devices inside of the thick forest, falling into disrepair over time. Although some restorations have been done to it, it seems like it will never be able to shake its haunted past off it.
History and Legend of Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal
Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, also known as Bhuli Bhatiyara Palace, was built during the Tughlaq dynasty in the 14th century by Emperor Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It is said this fort was built as a hunting lodge, most likely in 1354.
Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India
After the Tughlaq dynasty The Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal was abandoned and became the place for a Sufi saint named Bu Ali Bakhtiyari. The name of the building is said to be a distorted version of the Sufi’s name, or even one of the female caretakers called Bu-Ali Bhatti. It is also said she was a tribal woman from Rajasthan that got lost and ended up here.
The Forgotten Castle: Today The Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal is overgrown and mostly forgotten about by the world outside. No one is allowed near it after nightfall as it is said that is when the ghosts comes out to haunt the place. //Source: Mohammedqqasim/Wikimedia
The Queen Haunting the Grounds
Perhaps it is the woman called Bu Ali Bakhtiyari or the hermit Sufi that are today haunting the grounds. Perhaps it is something to the legend about the ancient queen haunting the place according to one of the legends that has grown from the place.
One of the enduring legends told about The Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Maha is about a queen that lived in the hunting lodge and died there around 600 years ago. She apparently liked the palace so much she made it her residence.
The Ghost of the Queen: According to legend, there is a queen haunting the ruins of the Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal and the surrounding forest at night. Who could she be, and is there any truths to the legends?
Another version of the legend tells a more sinister story. Once the king saw the queen in love with someone else and imprisoned the queen in the forest and palace where she ended her days. Some local residents say that the queen had committed suicide in this fort out of a desire to take revenge from the king and if you happen to meet her in the forest,you might become another victim for the queens revenge as well.
No name has been given to this particular legend though, and we have no proof that a queen set foot in this place at all.
According to this enduring haunted story though it is said that after her death, she has been seen haunting the place at night. But perhaps she isn’t alone in haunting the Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal?
Over the years, there have been several reports of ghostly encounters and haunting stories associated with Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal. Visitors have reported feeling a sense of unease as soon as they enter the palace.
Many have claimed to have heard strange noises, footsteps, and whispers coming from the corridors. Some visitors have even reported feeling a cold breeze or a sudden drop in temperature, despite the hot and humid weather outside.
It is said that no one of the guards wants to stay at the the Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal or in the surrounding woods after dark and many are said to have quit after only a matter of days. There is supposedly a note written at the entrance warning people to come after dark. The Delhi Police is also said to patrol the area frequently and try to deter people from entering.
The Mystery of the White Wall
There is also a strange story about some people that claimed that they saw a huge white wall in the woods next to the building. This must have been many years ago since they didn’t use a digital camera. They took a picture of it with an analog though, but when they developed the picture, there was no wall there.
When they went back to the place they claimed to have seen the wall, they found no trace of it, and what it could have been.
The Mystery of Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal
Where the legends of it being haunted comes from is difficult to pinpoint. Some claim that there have always been stories about it. According to one of the guards that have been there for 34 years, people started talking about it being haunted first after people started posting about it on the internet.
Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Castles around the world
As to why we can only speculate. Perhaps to attract tourists, perhaps to make an overgrown ruin a little bit more interesting? Or perhaps there is something lurking between the trees or just behind the gate of the old Mahal?
One of the huge Portuguese families branched out into the colonies and The Braganza House is the testament to it, now thought to be haunted. Could it have something to do with the family curse that once plagued The Braganza Family?
The Braganza House stands as a magnificent yet eerie relic of the past in Chandor Village in Goa, India. This grand mansion close to the church square in Chandor, built over 350 to 500 years ago, is a testament to the opulence and grandeur of Portuguese colonial architecture with its Italian marble antique chandelier from Europe and carved rodewood furniture.
Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India
Behind its ornate facades, private library and family portraits lies a history steeped in tragedy, mystery, and according to some coming out of the manor house, paranormal activity, making it one of the most haunted places in Goa.
Braganza House: One of the two parts of the house, the Menezes Braganza House exterior. It used to belong to one of the most powerful Portuguese families, and is a silent witness to the Portuguese rule in Goa. // Source: Wikimedia
A Glimpse into History
The Braganza House, a sprawling mansion divided into two wings with the family divided into two different branches, was constructed by the affluent Braganza family, who were prominent Portuguese nobles, built centuries ago when Goa was under Portuguese rule.
The mansion’s East Wing is owned by the descendants of the Pereira-Braganza family, while the West Wing belongs to the Menezes-Braganza family. The house is renowned for its stunning collection of antiques, vintage furniture, and artifacts that reflect the family’s wealth and status during the Portuguese era.
The mansion’s history is intertwined with tales of power, betrayal, and sorrow. Among the most notable events is the tragic story of a young woman from the Braganza family who is said to have committed suicide in one of the mansion’s opulent rooms.
There are not many details about who she was and as of why. Some local gossip claims that she was the daughter of the master of the house and fell in love with a servant, a relationship her father didn’t accept. He then killed her lover when they tried to elope and she took her own life right after.
Her untimely death has become the cornerstone of the haunted reputation that envelops the Braganza House. Her spirit is said to linger in the room where she died, a place now shrouded in an unsettling aura.
The Ghostly Woman of the Braganza House
Today the Archaeological Survey of India has opened the house to visitors as a museum. Visitors and locals alike have reported numerous eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena within the Braganza House. Most often, a descendant are said to lead the tours through the house.
Many who have ventured into the room recount feeling an inexplicable sense of sadness and despair. Some have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a woman dressed in traditional Portuguese attire, her face pale and mournful, drifting through the corridors of the mansion.
The flickering of candles, sudden drops in temperature, and the sound of soft sobbing are just a few of the paranormal activities attributed to her restless spirit.
To be noted, although there are few details and very few resources stating who the woman was, for what reason, or even which room are now haunted, it is worth noting the name, Braganza. If it weren’t for the family owning the house, one could almost write off the history as just rumors, but according to myth, the Braganza Family has said to be cursed for centuries.
The Curse of the Braganza Family
King John IV of Portugal: The first Braganza to reign and be cursed.
Adding to the house’s haunted legacy is the alleged curse that is said to plague the House of Braganza. The Braganza family, once a symbol of nobility and power and the rulers of Portugal as well as their colonies for centuries, is believed to be cursed due to a series of unfortunate events that have befallen its members over the centuries.
The curse is said to have originated during the reign of John IV of Portugal in the 17th century. Allegedly he kicked a Franciscan friar who was begging for alms. Because of this offense, the friar cast a curse over his family, saying that no first-born male in his family would live to sit on the throne.
This act doomed the family’s lineage to a cycle of misfortune and sorrow and since then, without three exceptions all first-born boys in the family died before taking the crown.
House of Braganza in Goa
So could this curse have something to do with the haunted rumors that seems to linger as a whisper outside of the main conversation. Although, the curse and its female ghostly counterpart seems unlikely.
King John VI seemed adamant about ending the curse, and annually visited Franciscan monasteries in both Portugal and Brazil. But it is said that it first ended with the reign of Braganzas ending at the start of the 1900s.
While the Braganza House stands as a beautiful relic of a bygone era, it also serves as a haunting reminder of the tragedies and mysteries that continue to captivate and terrify those who dare to enter its shadowy confines.
After a horrible plane crash at Los Rodeos Airport on Tenerife in the 70s, over 500 lives were lost in the deadly collision between two planes on the runway. It is believed that the lost souls from that day are still haunting the airport, showing up before takeoffs.
When we think of haunted places, airports are not usually the first locations that come to mind. However, Los Rodeos Airport has gained a notorious reputation as one of the most haunted airports in the world after a tragic accident in the 70s.
Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain
With its unsettling atmosphere and chilling tales of supernatural occurrences, The Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna Airport, as it is known as today, has become a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
The Tragic History of Los Rodeos Airport
To understand the haunted reputation of Los Rodeos Airport, we must delve into its tragic history. One event, in particular, stands out as the catalyst for the ghostly encounters that plague the terminal to this day – the Tenerife airport disaster of 1977.
On that fateful day, March 27th a bomb was set off by the Canary Islands Independence Movement at Gran Canaria Airport not far from Tenerife. This caused too many flights to be diverted to Los Rodeos. It was also a thick fog that clouded the vision of an already very chaotic situation. KLM Flight 4805 initiated its takeoff run while Pan Am Flight 1736 was still on the runway. The two airplanes collided on the runway, resulting in the deadliest aviation accidents in history.
The Tragic Accident: The Tenerife Airport accident was the most deadliest in history and left only a few survivors, and according to the stories, many ghosts.
The collision claimed the lives of at least 583 people, leaving behind a trail of sorrow and despair. Only 61 people survived that day as they were seated in the front section of the aircraft. It is said that the spirits of those who perished in the disaster still linger within the airport, unable to find peace.
Legends and Myths Surrounding the Haunted Terminal
The reports of ghostly encounters at Los Rodeos Airport are not limited to legends and myths. Many individuals, including airport staff, passengers, and paranormal investigators, have claimed to experience unexplained phenomena within the terminal’s walls. These encounters range from hearing disembodied voices and footsteps to witnessing apparitions and inexplicable temperature drops.
MemorialGhosts: The myths of seeing strange silhouettes and people that aren’t really there spread on the airport. People think that it must be from the victims from the Tenerife Airport Catastrophe.
Over the years, numerous legends and myths have emerged surrounding the haunted terminal of Los Rodeos Airport. One of the most chilling tales is that of a young girl who went missing within the airport’s premises. Despite extensive searches, her body was never found. Since then, there have been multiple reports of a ghostly figure resembling a young girl roaming the corridors of the terminal, her presence sending shivers down the spines of those who encounter her.
Another legend revolves around the military barracks at Garita Sur, located near the airport. It is believed that soldiers stationed there have witnessed ghostly apparitions of a young girl wandering alone and unexplained phenomena.
Confused Pilots Seeing things on the Runway
Several pilots that have taken the flights to and from this airport have claimed that more than one of the souls from the crash is still haunting the airport. One pilot said that a lot of the spirits would appear and according to him, he claimed that he had delayed at least two takeoffs because he thought he saw figures on the runway, waving their hands as if warning of something dangerous ahead.
Pilot’s Tell: In the early morning hours or in the late darkness, several pilots tells about seeing things that aren’t really there on the runway on this airport.
Los Rodeos Airport’s haunted history continues to captivate the imagination of those who dare to explore its eerie corridors. The tragic events of the past have left an indelible mark on the terminal, manifesting in ghostly encounters that defy rational explanation. Whether you are a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, a visit to Los Rodeos Airport is sure to leave an impression that will linger long after you depart.
A pirate ship once got lost in the mangroves and swamps of the Everglades in Florida. They were cursed by the crew they made to walk the plank and are now The Ghost Ship of the Everglades are doomed to sail the murky waters forever.
Everglades National Park, with its mysterious labyrinth of bald cypress trees, shadowy hammock forests, and winding rivers, takes on an eerie ambiance after the sun dips below the horizon.
Centuries ago, pirates plagued the seas from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean. They attacked merchant ships to steal the goods and it could be a very lucrative business. The pirates also sometimes ended up on the Florida coastline as well.
Read More: Check out all of our ghost stories from USA
In 1901 one of these stories were printed in the national newspaper, the New York Daily People and the Chicago Tribune, about a 300 year old curse about a pirate ghost ship cursed to sail the narrow rivers in the Everglades forever.
The Ghost Ship of the Everglades: It is said that a pirate ship was cursed to sail the narrow Everglades for eternity after they made the crew of an entire ship walk the plank.
The Ghost Pirate Ship
The story goes that a merchant vessel was sailing through the waters near Cape Florida in the 1700s, just beyond the bounds of Miami. Pirate lore in Florida are initially from the Florida Key area after Spanish vessels came and many pirates took hold around St. Augustine. But did they ever sail to the swampy waters of the Everglades?
The Ghost Ship of the Everglades: The story of the cursed pirate ships made the news in 1901. Read the full story here.
According to this story, seizing the opportunity for a lucrative plunder, the pirate ship set forth in pursuit. However, the resourceful crew aboard the merchant ship, well-acquainted with the treacherous waters, hatched a plan to elude their pursuers by navigating through the intricate channels of the Everglades.
The pirate ship finally caught up with the merchant ship in the end though and looted the goods of the merchant ship. The pirate captain was furious about how long it took to chase them, that he made the whole crew walk the plank and made the skipper’s wife watch before she herself had to walk the plank and end up in the boggy water.
The wife prayed to God to curse the pirates, and he did and pushed them deep into the Everglades, making them haunt the Everglades for all eternity, a place they would never escape from.
The tidal wave brought the pirates stuck in the swamp, making them die of starvation and fever one by one.
The Ghost Ship of the Everglades of Cursed Pirates
The Ghost Ship of the Everglades has been haunting Florida’s south coast since the days of pirating marauders. The ship’s phantom crew is cursed to sail the seas for all eternity, after giving chase to a merchant ship and getting lost in the twisting channels of the Everglades’ swamp lands.
According to the story in 1901, the Natives that stayed in the wetland as well as hunters spending much time navigating the same rivers, came back, telling stories about having seen the The Ghost Ship of the Everglades with its rotting masts and hill. The crew are now all skeletons, still trying to find their way out of the Everglades.
Was it ever a pirate ship sailing the fresh water sea of the Everglades? Although we don’t have much documentation, we have a long tradition of tales instead. And perhaps, the dim lights of the skeleton crew working ever since the golden age of piracy speaks for itself as it glides through the river of mangroves and alligators.
According to legend, the villagers of Kuldhara just left their homes overnight for mysterious reasons. But before they left, they supposedly left a curse upon the village, making it a deserted place forever alone in the desert.
There is a mysterious and eerie world in Kuldhara, a deserted village located in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India. This northern ancient village has been abandoned for over two centuries, and it’s said to be cursed by a powerful spell that has kept it uninhabitable for generations. Many people believe that the ghostly spirits of the villagers who once lived here still haunt the deserted streets, making it one of the most haunted places in India.
Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India
The stories behind Kuldhara’s abandonment are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Some say that the villagers fled overnight, leaving behind their homes and belongings, while others believe that a powerful curse was cast upon the village by a wealthy landlord. Whatever the truth may be, one thing is for sure – Kuldhara is a place full of secrets and tales yet to be uncovered.
Historical Significance of Kuldhara
The village was once a prosperous community of Paliwal Brahmins who were known for their business acumen and agricultural skills. There are written records of the village all the way back to the 13th century.
The Paliwal Brahmins is a class in Hinduism that focuses on priests, teachers, physicians and even kings. The people in the village were mostly bankers, farmers and traders in agriculture.
A Brahmin family: Bombay; photo by Taurines, c.1880. Brahmin is a hindu caste. Legends say that the Paliwal Brahmins are descendants of Maharaj Haridas, who lived around 6000 years ago. They were priests for Queen Rukmani and played a role in her love marriage with Shri Krishna. Shri Krishna was pleased with him and granted him money and land in Gujarat. Today, Paliwal Brahmins can be found scattered across India, speaking various local languages. Brahmins are often well-educated, which is why they are well-represented among overseas Indians.
They were the first to introduce the concept of underground water conservation in the region called a “khareen”, which allowed them to thrive in the arid desert environment. Water from the local Kakni river and wells supplied the village with fresh water.
Read more: Check out all of the haunted cities around the world
Kuldhara also played an important role in the history of the region during the 18th and 19th centuries. The village was strategically located on the trade route between India and Central Asia, making it an important center for trade and commerce.
The streets were neat, all leading to a mother goddess temple in the center. The buildings are well preserved in the dry desert climate and in some places it looks like the inhabitants just left.
Theories Behind the Village’s Abandonment
Theories behind Kuldhara’s abandonment vary. What we do know is that in the 19th century, some pinpoint it to 1825, the people left, although the reason remains a mystery.
Some believed in the 20th century that the villagers left due to the tyranny of Salim Singh from the Jaisalmer State called the Diwan, known for his corruption and unethical practices. He was an official or minister that demanded high taxes from the village. Some legends claim the taxes were so high that the villagers had to move as they didn’t have the money to live there anymore.
Some say that he wanted to marry the daughter of the local chief. When he tried to make her marry him, she denied him and this was something he just couldn’t accept. He sent an ultimatum to the village that demanded that the villagers had to accept his marriage proposal, or he would destroy them. Whether he meant by extra taxes or sending soldiers on them varies according to who is telling the legend.
Instead of adhering to any of his words, the village chose to leave and protect the daughter’s honor rather than hand her over to the vile man. As well as many of the 85 of the surrounding villages
After it was abandoned though, strange legends started being told about the once prosperous village. It is said that as the villagers left their home, they put a curse on the land so it would remain deserted.
People that have tried to settle in the area have left again after experiencing paranormal activity.
Draught Drove them Away
What we do know though, is that it wasn’t an overnight thing, like the last legend would imply. in the 18th century we recon there lived around 800 people there. In 1890 only 37 and today, only the ghosts remain.
While others believe that a severe drought and famine forced them to leave. There is evidence to show that by 1815, many of the wells had dried up and in 1850 the only wells functioning was the great stepwell in the village and two other deeper ones.
The Ruins of the Desert City: The ruins of the village stretches far across the desert. The ruins include three cremation grounds, with several devalis that are memorial stones or cenotaphs. //Source: Pradeep717/Wikimedia
This could go well together with the taxes as well though, as they did not have the money to pay it because the return for the agricultural work dwindled together with the water.
Some even speculate that the villagers were forced to leave due to an epidemic or an invasion by an enemy tribe. New evidence from 2017 shows that it might have been an earthquake that forced the majority of the villagers out.
The Legend of the Gold
The legends keep piling up. Did the villagers curse their village themselves or was it the work of a group of wandering Sufi mystics?
Another legend is that the village is a place where there is a buried treasure. According to this story, the villagers couldn’t carry all the gold and silver when leaving. Because of this they decided to bury it under the village.
Attempts to Revive Kuldhara
Over the years, several attempts have been made to revive Kuldhara. In 2007, the Rajasthan government announced a plan to turn Kuldhara into a tourist destination by restoring some of the abandoned homes and buildings. They also promote the deserted ghost village as haunted in order to attract tourists.
One could ask if the village really is a haunted one, as most stories seem to come from the visiting tourists, not the locals in the surrounding area.
How it could have been: This is a model house, constructed in the ruins of kuldhara, showing how the buildings and houses could have looked like. //Source: nevil zaveri/Flickr
The deserted streets of Kuldhara are said to be haunted by the ghosts of the villagers who once lived here. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, footsteps, and whispers in the abandoned homes. Some have even claimed to have seen the apparitions of the villagers, dressed in traditional attire, wandering the streets at night.
The Deserted Kuldhara City in the Desert
Kuldhara is a place full of mystery and intrigue. Its haunted reputation and tragic history have made it one of the most fascinating places to visit in India. The deserted streets and abandoned homes of Kuldhara are a reminder of the tragic events that took place here, and it’s important to respect the history and culture of the village while exploring it.
While the stories of Kuldhara’s abandonment and haunting may never be fully understood, they continue to intrigue and captivate visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, a visit to Kuldhara is an experience like no other. So, pack your bags, and head to Rajasthan to uncover the ghostly secrets of Kuldhara.
For years the notorious outlaw Edgar Watson lived in the Everglades where his workers had a habit of ending up dead or disappearing around payday. When the authorities ignored their plea, the villagers took law into their own hands, and are now forever haunted by the man they took out.
In the year 1910, the humid air of Chokoloskee witnessed a chilling event—the demise of Edgar Watson, a plantation owner with a sinister reputation. Watson, a man known for his malevolent deeds, was not only a ruthless serial killer but also a plantation owner who showed no mercy to his own servants, most of whom were black, Native American or some form of vulnerable migrant with no place to go. His blood-stained legacy extended to anyone who dared trespass on his property.
The Everglades in Florida is a 1.5 million acres of marshy swampland of alligators and crocodiles and other deadly things, like people. Like a last frontier you find the small town of Chokoloskee at the edge of the chain of islands and mangroves called The Ten Thousand Islands.
Read More: Check out all of our ghost stories from USA
Since 1965, there have been 175 unsolved murders around these parts and that is only those bodies that were found. Who knows how many missing bodies are just waiting to be discovered or have already been taken by the alligators and sharks?
Ever since settlers came to this place, it has been known for being a place for outlaws far from the long arms of the authorities and the Everglades has been a place where people disappear and some never return from.
Chokoloskee Island: Looking like a picturesque place with its lush and sunny beaches, this part of the Everglades are so remote and a place that attracted people on the run from authorities and those living a life that didn’t do well in the light of day. // Source: William “Patrick” Ma…/Wikimedia
The History of “Bloody” Edgar Watson
Edgar Watson was born in 1855 in South Carolina and seemed to be violent from his early years, thought to him by his abusive father. After he murdered two people he went on the run from Florida to Oklahoma, renting a place from Belle Starr, another well known outlaw known as the Bandit Queen of the Old West.
Edgar Watson: Notorious outlaw from the Old West and fugitive in Florida, Watson is thought to haunt the town that took law and order into their own hands.
According to legend, he shot Belle in the back as she was riding her horse, killing her as well. He feared that she was about to turn him into the authorities for a murder he did in Lake City. And although he was tried for her murder, he was not convicted.
Even though he was a wanted man in Florida, he returned in 1891 and murdered another man in what he claimed was self defense. This is also when he went into the Florida Everglades as a fugitive, a perfect place to hide and dispose of dead bodies that seemed to pile up around him.
On his land by the Chatham Bend area he started up a sugar cane syrup business that was quite successful and he started to hire people. He hired a lot of African-Americans and Native Americans as well as vagabonds, migrants or other fugitives to work for him at his farm. When they wanted to get paid, however, legend is he murdered them instead and threw their bodies into the river.
This is said to have gone on for 15 years and rumors started to be told about what really happened there, but there was no definitive proof. Bodies started to wash ashore close to the small town of Chokoloskee. When a runaway worker told them what was going on they also found the body of a woman named Hannah Smith whose foot was revealed in the swamp after a hurricane blew through the Everglades. The worker claimed that there were plenty more.
They all knew about Edgar “Bloody” Watson and knew he was carrying a gun under his black trench coat and some of his runaway workers told horrible tales. The authorities didn’t want to get involved because they didn’t think it was their jurisdiction. So the people of Chokoloskee were left to their own devices.
In 1910 he was attacked by the townspeople at the Smallwood Store, the last frontiers of Florida. This was both a trading post, post office and a market for all things people could need in this remote part of the world. Everyone was armed and they shot and killed him when he tried to pull the gun at them back. This is said to have taken place on the sandbar right below the store. 30 rounds of bullets went into his body, although the first shot went right between the eyes.
The Ghost of Chokoloskee
Ever since then the Everglades have gotten another haunted legend to go with all the others and today Edgar Watson is remember as a notorious outlaw and murderer. The place is still remote and the town has around 300 people living in Chokoloskee. Some say that there are more ghosts than living people in the town.
The legends claim that Edgar Watson is still haunting the area. Around 50 skeletons have since been found around his old property according to the local legends, although not verified at all. How many that were murdered or if there were any at all is not known for sure.
The Smallwood Store closed in 1982 but is still open as a history museum and especially around this building people swear to have seen him, and according to legend, there is still blood splatter on the walls from the shoot out.
The people working in the museum have been called up in the middle of the night by people claiming to have seen movement inside of the building. But when investigating, there is nothing. Could it have been the ghost of Edgar Watson? Or perhaps one of the other ghosts rumored to roam the island?
The Haunted Shop: The Smallwood store has stood in isolation on the southern tip of Chokoloskee Island for more than 100 years. This was the place where the villagers finally took the life of Edgar Watson and where he is thought to haunt in his afterlife. // Source: Wikimedia
Other Ghosts Haunting the Smallwood Store
Another ghost said to linger in the store is the ghost of C.G McKinney who started the first post office as well as the first school on the island. He moved to this place after he abandoned his wife and his five children and ran off with the nanny. They settled on Chokoloskee Island and had five more children, naming them the same as his previous set of children.
The last ghost said to haunt the place is a boy that is said to have once been a pirate. He is said to have died when he got trapped in his fishing net at the age of 120. He is said to come to the market in search for a new net in the middle of the night.
So if you see the lights switched on out in the remote parts of the Everglades, perhaps it is just a nightly walk of the outlaw Edgar Watson.
Ard na Sidhe Country House in Ireland means Hill of the Fairies, but is said to be haunted by a Lady in Gray that is said to be the ghost of one of the former residents.
The origins of Ard na Sidhe Country House are shrouded in history and mystery and the very name of the house means: Hill of the Fairies. In spite of its fairytale-like name, it is said that the country house in Killorglin in County Kerry is also haunted by a Lady in Gray.
Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland
Originally conceived by Lady Gordon, a distinguished lady of Irish lineage, the Ard na Sidhe Country House’s construction began in 1913 on the 32 acres of natural woodland on the shores of Caragh Lake. This ambitious project aimed to create “The House of my Dreams,” a vision that would forever alter the Kerry countryside. Lady Gordon’s dedication to authenticity saw her enlisting local workmen and utilizing Irish materials, except for the Westmorland roof slates, imparting a timeless character to the house.
The Ghostly Whispers inside of the Ard na Sidhe Country House
Ard na Sidhe’s rich history and spectral tales cast an irresistible spell over visitors. In particular, the ghost of Bess Stokes, an ancestor of Lady Gordon, is said to wander the estate’s hallowed grounds, the hidden pathways and secret glades.
The ghost of Bess Stokes is said to still be seen as an old lady in gray — standing at the gate near the ruined cottage she had built.
Not much is known about her life except she turned pretty old, but never gave up partying. The descriptions we have of her in written form is when someone described her as one to have “taken the floor ” at a party she had given to celebrate her hundredth birthday.
Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Houses around the world
Her presence adds to the mystique of this storied residence. As you traverse its historic halls, listen closely—perhaps you’ll hear the gentle whispers of its spectral inhabitants, forever entwined with the allure of Ard na Sidhe Country House.
Ard na Sidhe Country House in the Modern Day
In the hands of Dr. Liebherr, Ard na Sidhe’s legacy continued to flourish when he acquired the estate in 1958. Just two years later, it opened its doors to welcome guests, blending the past’s grace with contemporary comfort.
Ard na Sidhe Country House invites guests to relish its timeless charm as a hotel and glimpse the spirits of the past, perhaps still wanting to take to the floor for an eternal party.
Who said that ghost stories only happen around Halloween? Summer horror can be just as chilling. Here is a list of horror short stories found in the public domain that are free to read, perfect for a hot summer day.
Although the nights are shorter during summer and the sun vanquishes the long shadows, the time is no less haunted. The ghosts under the midsummer sun can be just as scary as those appearing on a stormy winters night. With the rise of summer vacationing in the Victorian area, there was also a flux of ghost stories set in this time. This opened for more stories centered around renting a haunted summer cabin, ghosts in the rose gardens and travelers finding strange places where monsters lurk.
These stories, set during the warm and often deceptively calm summer months, create a stark contrast to the chilling ghostly encounters they depict, enhancing their eerie and suspenseful atmospheres. Here are some of the short stories of ghost stories and haunted places in the public domain you can read for free perfect for the summer days.
The Open Door recounts a man’s unsettling visit to a manor house in the summer, where he is cautioned about the mysterious door that leads to a haunted room. It’s a classic ghost story written about someone vacationing in a haunted house during the summer that the Victorian popularized. Written by Charlotte Riddell in 1882 under her pseudonym Mrs. J. H. Riddell, known for her chilling horror tales.
This short story was first published in 1913 in The Wind in the Rosebush and Other Stories of the Supernatural. Her books dealt with Puritanism, and she was one of the first women in America to be elected to the National Institute for Arts and Letters. She was distantly related to another American writer, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Set during the late summer, this story involves a about a spinster Rebecca Flint who has come to Ford Village to take her elder sister’s daughter with her back to Michigan. But something about the village is strange and she encounters strange and ghostly things surrounding a rose-bush in the garden.
“The Upper Berth” is a short story written by F. Marion Crawford, first published in 1886. The story takes place aboard a transatlantic ocean liner in June. A passenger named Brisbane travels this distance frequently. When the steward behaves oddly while taking his luggage to his stateroom, number 105, he thinks it’s odd, but continues his travels. In the middle of the first night his roommate suddenly leaps down from the upper berth and runs out of the cabin. The morning after he finds out that his roommate has gone overboard. According to the rumors, he was the fourth person staying at that very upper berth to have done the same.
“The Haunted Orchard” by Richard Le Gallienne is a ghost story that takes place in the countryside during the summer. The story follows a man who rents a country house in order to get some rest and inspiration for his work. The house has an old orchard that immediately captures his interest due to its neglected state and the eerie beauty of the overgrown apple trees. He begins to notice a mysterious presence in the orchard. One night, he encounters the ghostly figure of a beautiful young woman among the apple trees. She seems to be searching for something or someone and is clearly tied to the orchard in some tragic way. The story delves into the themes of lost love and lingering sorrow, as the man becomes more involved in uncovering the story behind the haunting and the tragic past of the ghostly figure.
Charlotte Perkins Gilman‘s short story The Giant Wistaria from 1891 is less known than her iconic story The Yellow Wallpaper, a feminist classic and deals with patriarchal values and the repression of women’s sexuality and motherhood. It starts off with a story about an unwed girl with a child and the family discussing what to do with her. The father wants to marry her to her cousin and leave the child behind when they leave the country. Years later, a young couple rents the house and starts to joke around with it being haunted. And perhaps they are right.
The short story One Summer Night by Ambrose Bierce tells the story about a man realizing how he has been buried alive and how he has to deal with it and accept his fate. The story was first published in Cosmopolitan in 1906, and written by a writer who disappeared and was as mysterious as his stories.
The Sand-Walker is a short story written by Fergus Hume. It was first published in the collection: The Dancer in Red, and Other Stories in 1906. It’s about a man coming to the beaches in England one summer where he is warned: Whatever you do, don’t go on to the beaches at dusk, or the Sand-Walker will come to your window at night.
“The Phantom Rickshaw” by Rudyard Kipling is a haunting tale set in colonial India at the end of the monsoon season, where British officer Jack Pansay is tormented by the ghost of his former lover, Agnes Keith-Wessington, whom he had callously abandoned. Following her death, Pansay begins to see her spectral figure riding in a rickshaw, relentlessly haunting him. His repeated encounters with the ghost drive him to the brink of madness, as his fiancée and friends dismiss his experiences as delusions. The story explores themes of guilt, psychological torment, and the supernatural, blending an eerie atmosphere with the complexities of colonial society.
The Rival Ghosts by Brander Matthews was written in 1884 and published in the collection Mystic-Humorous Stories. It tells the story about a group of passengers crossing the transatlantic by ship and debating if Europe or the States have the best ghost stories. They gather around one that has tales about both with a humorous twist.
“The Horla” by Guy de Maupassant is a psychological horror story that delves into the mind of an unnamed narrator who becomes convinced he is being haunted by an invisible entity. The story has been cited as an inspiration for Lovecraft’s “The Call of Cthulhu“. Set in the oppressive heat of a French summer, the narrator’s initially peaceful life is disrupted by a series of unsettling events, leading him to believe that a supernatural being, the Horla, is draining his life force and controlling his actions. As his paranoia deepens, he struggles to discern reality from delusion, culminating in a descent into madness. The story explores themes of mental illness, the supernatural, and the fragility of human sanity.
“A View from a Hill” is a captivating short ghost story penned by M.R. James and originally published in 1925. The narrative follows Fanshawe, a scholarly figure who embarks on a summer retreat to the English countryside, hosted by his friend Squire Henry Richards. During his stay, Fanshawe stumbles upon a pair of binoculars crafted by a man who met an untimely and enigmatic demise in years past. These binoculars possess a peculiar quality, allowing Fanshawe to behold objects that have long since ceased to exist. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a tale of mystery and suspense, as Fanshawe becomes entangled in a realm where the boundaries of time and perception blur. As the storyline unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where the supernatural seamlessly intertwines with the ordinary, creating an atmosphere of eerie fascination and spine-tingling intrigue.
“The Room in the Tower” by E.F. Benson is a chilling ghost story that centers around a recurring nightmare experienced by the narrator. In his dream, he visits a friend’s house and is always assigned to sleep in a foreboding tower room, accompanied by an overwhelming sense of dread. One summer, he finds himself invited to a real-life version of the house from his dreams. Despite his apprehensions, he is given the very room he fears. As night falls, the nightmare becomes a reality when he encounters the ghost of a previous occupant, revealing a dark and terrifying past. The story masterfully blends psychological tension with supernatural horror, leaving a lasting impression of unease and fear.
“The Wood of the Dead” is a story written by Algernon Blackwood. It appeared in his first collection, The Empty House and Other Ghost Stories, in 1906. The story is set during a summer where a person is making a solo summer walking tour of England’s west country and has stopped for a meal at a village inn. A local man tells the traveler to meet him at midnight in “The Wood of the Dead”. According to local lore when a person entered the nearby wood singing, he knew that person would soon die. Instead of continuing on his journey, the traveler decides to have a closer look at The Woods of the Dead.
“Mr Humphreys and His Inheritance” is a ghost story by British writer M. R. James first published when he included it in his 1911 collection More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary. The story is set in the late summer in England, when Mr Humphreys, arrives in Wilsthorpe. He has recently inherited an estate from his uncle, who died a mysterious death and the history of the strange maze and temple next to his new home.
“The Dead Valley” by Ralph Adams Cram from 1895 is a chilling tale that unfolds amidst the haunting landscape of rural New England. Set in the secluded valley of a decaying village, the story follows a young traveler who stumbles upon the eerie remnants of a once-thriving community. As he delves deeper into the desolate surroundings, he uncovers dark secrets and encounters malevolent forces that lurk in the shadows. Through vivid imagery and evocative prose, “The Dead Valley” explores themes of isolation, decay, and the supernatural, leaving readers captivated by its unsettling portrayal of a world teetering on the brink of madness.
This was just a small collection of some of the horror short stories found in the public domain that are free to read and are perfect for reading on a hot summer day or night. Have you read them all? Perhaps you know a couple of good ones that would be great for the list?
An online magazine about the paranormal, haunted and macabre. We collect the ghost stories from all around the world as well as review horror and gothic media.
