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The Courtesan Ghost of Golconda Fort

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The Golconda Fort, known for its diamonds and wealth, is also thought to be haunted. It is said that you can still hear the sound of rattling ghunghroos from the ghost of a beautiful dancer and courtesan.

Perched majestically on a hill overlooking Hyderabad, the ancient Golconda Fort, a fortified cited with its ruined city stands as a testament to the grandeur and power of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, reigning from 1518 to 1687. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

However, beneath its historical allure where diamonds like Koh-i-Nor and the Hope diamonds have been stored, lies a darker, more eerie reputation. Golconda Fort is reportedly haunted, with chilling tales of restless spirits, including those of long-dead soldiers and the ghostly specter of Taramati, a famous courtesan of the Qutb Shahi era.

The Start of Golconda Fort: The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most of eastern Deccan region in present-day India between 12th and 14th centuries. //Source: Photo by Sharath G.

A Fortress Steeped in History

This sprawling citadel built originally as a mud fort in the 11th or 13th century by the Kakatiyas, once the capital of the medieval sultanate ruling Andhra Pradesh, is renowned for its remarkable architecture, intricate gateways, and sprawling courtyards. 

Golconda Fort’s formidable walls have witnessed centuries of history, from royal intrigue and epic battles to the opulence of the Qutb Shahi rulers. The fort had vast diamond mines and in the end the very word Golconda became synonyms with wealth. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Castles around the world

This fortress-city, with its ingeniously designed acoustics and labyrinthine passages, was once a thriving hub of power and culture. The fort’s grandeur, however, is juxtaposed with a haunting presence that pervades its ancient stones.

Ghosts of Fallen Soldiers at Golconda Fort

Among the many legends that haunt Golconda Fort, one of the most enduring is the tale of the ghostly soldiers from the many years the place was used as a fort. These spectral warriors are believed to be the spirits of soldiers who perished during the many battles that took place within and around the fort. Visitors and locals alike have reported seeing shadowy figures patrolling the ramparts, their ghostly forms clad in ancient armor, seemingly guarding the fort even in death.

The eerie silence of the fort at night is often broken by the faint sounds of clashing swords and battle cries, echoing through the empty corridors. Some have even claimed to hear the soft, mournful murmurs of soldiers recounting their last moments. These spine-chilling experiences have cemented Golconda Fort’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in India.

Diamonds: Golconda is renowned for the diamonds found on the south-east at Kollur Mine. At that time, India had the only known diamond mines in the world. Golconda was the market city of the diamond trade. The fortress-city within the walls was famous for diamond trade. // Source: Photo by Pankaj Mishra

The Tragic Tale of Taramati

Perhaps the most poignant and famous ghost story associated with Golconda Fort though is that of Taramati Mandir, one of the most celebrated courtesans of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. She served under the seventh ruler of the kingdom who ruled from 1626 to 1672. 

Courtesan: Portrait of a courtesan, India, Deccan, Golconda from around 1630-50.

Taramati was not only known for her beauty but also for her exceptional talent in Kuchipudi dance and music. She was a beloved figure in the royal court, and her performances were legendary.

Together with her sister Premamati Nritya Mandir they used to perform on a platform called Kala Mandir a kilometer away and in the Baradari for the travelers at the serai, a roadside inn, as the King enjoyed the dance and song from his durbar sitting on top of the fort. 

According to legend, the seventh Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah, the ruler of Golconda was deeply in love with Taramati. He was a lover of poetry and music and fell in love with her as he heard her sing. 

Their love story, however, was doomed by the turbulent times and political upheaval and his ruling time was full of sorrows and trouble. We don’t really know much about Taramati’s feelings of this, but it does look like she was highly treasured.

The Tomb of Qutb Shahi

It is also said that the tomb of Qutb Shahi is where they buried Taramati and her sister together with her master as well as his queen around a kilometer away from the fort. They are among the few tombs that are not of royalty.

The southern entrance of the tomb complex was walled in fear of ghosts and goblins. Question is, to keep them out or to keep something in?

The Ghost of Taramati Baradari

Some versions of the tale suggest that Taramati met a tragic end, while others believe that she continued to live a life of sorrow after being separated from her beloved King. Details of her life is sparse, and mostly connected to the romantic fables about her being the love her Kings life.

Today, visitors to Golconda Fort often report hearing the unmistakable sound of ghunghroos (traditional anklet bells worn by dancers) echoing through the night after the fort is closed. This is said to happen around the baradari where she used to dance and sing especially.

These spectral sounds are believed to be the ghostly remnants of Taramati’s performances, a haunting reminder of a love and life that were lost to history.

Paranormal Encounters and Haunting Experiences

Over the years, numerous accounts of paranormal encounters at Golconda Fort have emerged. Tourists, night guards, and paranormal enthusiasts have all reported strange occurrences. 

Some staying at the fort after closing time claim to have seen the paintings on the walls turn upside down by themselves. 

Perhaps the worst is how people have reported about utensils being thrown at them and up against the walls in the Kabootarkhana or a feeling of a sharp pain coming out of nowhere.

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References:

Taramati Baradari – Wikipedia 

Golconda – Wikipedia 

Ghosts, goblins, gateways and Golconda – The Hindu 

Haunted Places In Hyderabad | Hyderabad Tales The Most Haunted Places Of The City | Times of India Travel 

10 Haunted Places In Hyderabad With Real Ghost Stories For Spooky Trips In 2024 

Haunted India: Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

Abdullah Qutb Shah – Wikipedia 

Taramati Baradari – A Symbol of Musical Love – Savaari Car Rentals Blog 

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Kolkata’s New Market and the Ghosts of the Murdered Women

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The ghosts of two women allegedly murdered at the New Market in Kolkata is said to be haunting the area. As does the former police commissioner and the one that built the market.  

Since its inception in the late 19th century, the historic marketplace New Market in Kolkata has been full of life and activity, attracting locals and tourists alike with its eclectic array of shops, stalls, and vendors with almost 3000 different shops. 

Even after several huge fires the market has bounced back and offers everything from From traditional textiles and exquisite jewelry, local cheese only found in the market to delectable street food and aromatic spices. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

The local lore of this place is that you can find everything at the New Market, perhaps even a ghost or two if we are to believe the stories.

New Market: This market is celebrated for its wide range of products, catering to virtually every need and preference. From clothing and accessories to electronics, household items, spices, and fresh produce, New Market offers a plethora of shopping options. //Source: Rajarshi MITRA/Wikimedia

The History of New Market

The New Market was first known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market and comes from the English colonists. By the 1850s, the British had a strong holding over large areas in the city then called Calcutta. 

Because the colonists didn’t want to mingle with the native Indians at the local Bazaars they decided to build one for themselves. In 1874, the market opened to the English residents and held a big colonial sway well into the 1900s. And it is from this time that the ghost stories emerged.

The Ghosts of the Murdered Women

According to local lore, New Market is haunted by more than one ghost. The most prominent reports about the haunting at the market is about women that were murdered close to the market.

How many women that haunts the market is uncertain. Most people talk about two separate ghosts although sources vary. Although one can be sure that throughout the years there have most likely been murdered more than three women there.

The women are also said to be Anglo-Indian and are often connected with the string of murders in 1868 that had at least five victims.

Read Also: The Chanting Monks Haunting La Boquería Market

Their restless spirits are said to wander the corridors of the marketplace, forever trapped between the realms of the living and the dead. It is said that they appear sometimes in a narrow lane next to the clock tower by the market.

People at the market claim they have heard the voices of the women, crying out for help. When they went to help them though, there was no one there. 

New Market: The ghost of the two murdered women have been said to appear right by the clock tower. // Source: Sudipta Mallick/Wikimedia

The Ghost of Hogg

The murdered women is not the only one said to haunt the New Market though. The man that the market was once named after, Commissioner S.S Hogg is said to have appeared among the stalls and stores, refusing to leave the market he helped build.

He was both the Police Commissioner of Calcutta were he established the Detective Departed as well as a chairman for the Calcutta Municipal Corporation. 

Through his time working as a policeman, he was involved with many murders that happened throughout the city. Perhaps also with the alleged killing of the women in New Market. Perhaps the ghosts haunting the market are connected to the string of murders from 1868, targeting white women in the streets not far from the market and close to the police station. 

Especially the murder of the Anglo-Indian sex worker Rose Brown that was found on Amherst Street north of the market changed the way the police worked as the first case where they used photographic evidence. Another five women were killed that year, and it looks like they never found the killer. 

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References:

https://www.kolkataonwheels.com/story-details/202

Stuart Saunders Hogg – Wikipedia 

10 haunted places in Kolkata you MUST visit to see what a horror movie really looks like

New Market, Kolkata – Wikipedia 

Searching ghosts in haunted houses 

The Amherst Street Murder and Calcutta’s Real-Life Sherlock Holmes 

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The Ghost of the Farmer of Norton Creek Trail

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In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a ghostly lantern is said to haunt the Norton Creek Trail. It is said that the helpful light, guiding lost hikers to safety is the ghost of a farmer who died years ago when looking for his lost daughter. 

The eerie beauty of the Fontana area you will find the Norton Creek Trail that holds a chilling legend that has both fascinated and frightened locals and visitors for generations. Not only does the area hold over 200 known cemeteries along the trail, it is also said that the area is haunted. As you tread along this path, you might witness a ghostly light floating in the woods, an ethereal glow that has become the cornerstone of a haunting tale.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Norton Creek Trail, nestled within the stunning expanse of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers hikers a serene yet eerie journey through lush forests and along the rippling Norton Creek. While the trail is known for its natural beauty, it is also shrouded in local folklore

The Legend of the Ghost Farmer

The story begins with a dedicated farmer, a man of the land whose life was irrevocably shattered when his beloved daughter disappeared into the dense, shadowy forests surrounding Norton Creek. 

What happened when the daughter went missing, no one ever found out. Perhaps she just wandered into the woods and got lost, perhaps she had an accident on her way og encountered an animal. Perhaps it was something worse, rooted in deep folklore from the natives. 

According to the stories, he was one of the European settlers and didn’t know about the stories about the notorious Spearfinger lurking in the woods according to the Cherokee tribes and most likely took his daughter. 

Desperate to find her, the farmer ventured into the night, carrying only a lantern to light his way. He never returned, and most likely died, perhaps finally being reunited with his daughter in the afterlife. 

Although, there are those claiming that his spirit remains in the same woods he disappeared, endlessly searching for his lost child.

The Legend of Spearfinger

But what took his daughter? Was she only lost in the woods, or something more ominous. Some stories claim that it was Spearfinger, a fearsome figure in Cherokee legend who took her. She is a monstrous being known for her stone-like skin and a long, razor-sharp finger made of obsidian, which she uses to cut out and consume the livers of her victims. 

Disguising herself as an old woman, Spearfinger would prey on unsuspecting children, luring them with her seemingly benign appearance before revealing her true, terrifying form. Then she would kill them and eat their liver. 

Read the whole story about The Cherokee Legend of Spearfinger in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Haunting of the Farmer on Norton Creek Trail

Those who have encountered the spectral light on Norton Creek Trail describe it as a beacon of hope in an otherwise foreboding landscape and the ghost of the farmer is said to lead people back on their path. 

If you find yourself lost or in need of guidance, the farmer’s ghostly lantern is said to lead you back to safety, guiding you to the trailhead where you can return to the world of the living. The light flickers and moves with an uncanny intelligence, as if driven by the farmer’s undying hope and paternal love.

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The Scariest Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains 

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The Ghostly Legend of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club

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In the misty mornings on Saturday, some talk about seeing the ghost of one of the former horses of the The Royal Calcutta Turf Club, still racing, long after losing the title of being the Queen of Track. 

The club is a horse racing organization founded back during the British Raj in 1847. It became the forefront runner for all horses racing on the subcontinent that decided the rules of the game as well as hosting polo matches. The races at Royal Calcutta Turf Club were seen as the most important events to socialize and always opened by the Viceroy of India. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Today, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club is still in operation as a private club and holds races in Kolkata Race Course in Maidan with most races held on Saturdays. 

The Ghost Haunting the Royal Calcutta Turf Club

Legend has it that within the grounds of the Turf Club, there is a ghost roaming the old tracks. The ghost is not human though, but rather a white horse that was once known as the Queen of Tracks. 

The tale traces back to the heyday of George Williams in the 1930s when there were high stakes and a lot of money to be made at the races at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club.

The Royal Calcutta Turf Club: Royal Calcutta Turf Club Race Stands on Viceroy’s Cup Day in 1910.// Wikimedia

Williams was a man consumed by an insatiable passion for horse racing. Williams, a regular patron of the Turf Club and owner of several horses, was known for his prized possession: a magnificent white stallion named Pride. Or was Pride really a stallion, sources varies, calling the horse she as well at times. 

Pride was no ordinary horse; he was a symbol of Williams’ glory days at the racetrack, winning him race after race with unmatched speed and grace. According to the legend, Williams loved his horse more than anything, including his own family and spent all of his time in the stables.

Read Also: For more horse hauntings, check out The Haunted Château de Commarque

However, as time wore on, Pride’s once-mighty strides faltered, and he began to show signs of age and weakness. Despite his diminishing prowess, Williams remained fiercely loyal to his equine companion, refusing to retire him from the track. It is said that in the final match of the Annual Calcutta Derby, the horse lost and Williams also lost a fortune that day.

Tragedy struck one fateful day when Pride was discovered lifeless on the racecourse. According to the story, the horse was found with bullet wounds in the head and it was believed that Williams had killed the horse as it was no longer winning races, as the tradition was. Some even said the horse was killed in drunken frustration by Williams when he lost his money.  

Sir William’s White Horse Haunting the Track

It was not the last race for Pride though if we are to believe the stories. Locals whispered of seeing a ghostly apparition – a glowing white horse – galloping across the racecourse on moonlit Saturday nights, its ethereal presence a haunting reminder of Pride’s untimely demise.

The locals know of this spirit as “William Saheb er Sada Ghora” – or “Sir William’s white horse.”

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References:

A Spooky Walk through Calcutta… – The Write Space 

Royal Calcutta Turf Club – Wikipedia

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Lake Crescent and the Lady of the Lake Haunting it

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The Lady of the Lake said to haunt the Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. The ghost said to linger in the water is said to be the spirit of Hallie Latham Illingworth, who was murdered and dumped at the bottom of the lake.

Within the mist-shrouded landscapes of Olympic National Park in Washington lies Crescent Lake, a serene body of water with a haunting secret that transcends its natural beauty. The spectral narrative of the Lady in the Lake, rooted in a tragic tale from a horrible murder that was left floating and unsolved until the lake itself revealed it, casts an eerie spell over this enchanting wilderness.

Lake Crescent: The lake in the Olympic National Park is said to be haunted by a ghost they call the Lady of the Lake. // Source: Dave Lichterman/Flickr

Lake Crescent

The 12 mile long lake on the northwestern part of the park is said to be a stunning destination, but with haunted depths. There are many mysteries about the dark waters of the lake, often thought to be 1000 ft in popular belief. Some of them have been cleared up, like the true depth is actually 596 feet. 

The tales about Lake Crescent are old, like when the Klallam Tribes 10 000 year old oral story told about how they were fighting against the Quileute people and the Mount Storm Mountain got angry and threw a boulder at them to stop their fighting, splitting the valley in two, forming both Lake Southerland and Lake Crescent.

Read More: Check out all of our ghost stories from Haunted Lakes

According to legend, the lake never gave up on those that died back then and ever since, and for many generations the natives didn’t want to go near the lake. Although there actually is some truth to the story, there really was an earthquake at the time of battle that split the valley, is there also some truth to the legend about the lake holding on to its dead?

In 1929 a couple driving along the lake went missing and the case remained a mystery for decades. That was until 2002 when they found their 1927 Chevrolet under the surface of the lake. Although still, no bodies have shown up. 

But the most famous story is about the Lady of the Lake and the stories behind the true mystery of Hallie Latham Illingworth, the dead the lake gave back. 

The Death of Hallie Latham Illingworth

Hallie Latham Illingworth: Thought to be the spirit haunting Lake Crescent.

In 1937, the Lake Crescent Lodge and Tavern was a gathering place for those seeking respite amid the park’s breathtaking lakes. It was here that Hallie Latham Illingworth, a beloved waitress, lived and worked. Originally from Kentucky, she had found herself ensnared in the tumultuous web of her marriage to Mr. Monty Illingworth, a beer truck driver. Her latest of her three marriages. 

Unlucky in love, she had moved in search of a better life, but only found her early end of it. Both heavy drinkers, they often fought and the fights often ended violently. She would often show up to work with bruises, broken teeth and told her coworkers about how he choked her. 

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On December 22, 1937, Hallie at the age of 35 mysteriously vanished, just five months after they had married. Mr. Illingworth, quick to deflect blame, asserted that she had eloped with another man, a sailor from Alaska. 

Three long years passed before the secrets hidden beneath Crescent Lake surfaced. Monty had already gone to Long Beach in California with his new wife, whom he married the year after. She was the former roommates of Hallies sister and it was said they had gotten together before she disappeared. 

Lake Crescent Lodge: The place where Hallie Latham Illingworth used to work and also thought to be haunted by her ghost.

The Soap Corpse in Lake Crescent

But Hallie had not disappeared, not forever. She was dead, and closer than anyone had thought. In 1940, the lifeless body of Hallie Illingworth washed ashore in the near freezing water temperatures and was discovered by two fishermen.

Investigations showed how she had been tied to rocks before being dropped in the lake rolled up in a blanket. But as the ropes decomposed, her body floated up to the surface. 

There were several strange things about this case, least of all how her body and particularly her waxy and soapy skin had been preserved all these years although her features had faded. This almost perfectly preserved body because of the cold waters and minerals of salt and calcium in the water known as saponification or Ivory soap even showed evidence of being beaten and strangled. 

Her name was not identified until 14 months after the discovery as there were more than one woman gone missing in these parts the last few years and the public named her corpse the Lady of the Lake.

Her estranged husband, now implicated in her murder, faced arrest and charges that would forever tie his name to this tragic episode. He served nine years in prison for this until he was paroled in 1951.

Despite the legal resolution, the ethereal presence of Hallie’s spirit lingers along the tranquil shores of Crescent Lake. Park rangers and intrepid guests have reported eerie sightings—a ghostly figure of a woman, clad in a bygone era attire, her green dress from when she went missing and found, meandering along the water’s edge. The mournful cries that echo through the stillness of the night speak to the anguish of a life cut short and a love lost to the shadows.

The Ghost of Lake Crescent

As the Lady in the Lake, Hallie Illingworth’s ghostly apparition continues to wander the edge of Crescent Lake, a silent testament to the enduring power of tragedy and the spectral threads that bind the past to the present in Olympic National Park. It is also said she is seen gliding over the surface of the water.

Some even claim to have seen the ghost of Monty rowing over the lake to drop Hallie’s body into the water. 

It is also said her ghost is still haunting the Lake Crescent Lodge and Tavern where she used to work. Guests and staff tell about how they hear her walking up and down the stairs and that lights flicker, doors bang shut and the music turns on louder and louder. 

Some have even claimed to have seen her sit down on a table as she is smoking, perhaps even speaking to them. 

The Mysteries of Lake Crescent

The story of the Lady of the Lake is still told on the campsites of hikers taking the Spruce Railroad Trail around Lake Crescent. 

An underground stream is running between Lake Crescent and Lake Sutherland, and it has never really been explored. Some experts believe that the stream is hiding bodies of more missing people, but until then, the lake keeps it people. 

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References:

The Lady of the Lake – Hallie Illingworth • Morbidology 

Spooky National Park Experiences this Halloween 

12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide 

The Hidden History of Olympic National Park’s Lake Crescent – THE OUTDOOR SOCIETY 

The Lady of Crescent Lake | It never gave up its dead until… 

True Crime: The Lady of the Lake – HistoryLink.org

The Lady of the Lake: A ghost story 

https://seeksghosts.blogspot.com/2014/07/washington-state-lady-of-lake.html

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The Haunted Sabatini’s Customs Office

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In the Sabatini’s Customs Office in Madrid the people working there think it is haunted by the victims of the Spanish Civil War that died in the basement. Loud noises, banging and strange noises have made the guards making their rounds filled with fear. 

Just around the corner of the crowded square of Puerta del Sol you will find Alcala Street in Madrid where the Architect Francisco de Sabatini designed a building on the behest of King Charles III.

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Sabatini’s Customs Office, also known as Real Casa de la Aduana, is a historic building located in Madrid. Constructed by the renowned architect Francisco de Sabatini under the orders of King Charles III, this monumental structure holds immense historical significance. Originally serving as a customs office, the building played a vital role in the city’s trade and commerce during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is utilized by the Ministry of Finance, but it’s eerie past continues to intrigue visitors and locals alike.

Haunted Basement: The Dark Secrets Unveiled

One of the most chilling aspects of Sabatini’s Customs Office lies beneath its grand facade – the haunted basement. This subterranean level was once home to prison cells and even served as a mass grave for those who lost their lives during the Spanish Civil War. The residual energy of the traumatic events that took place within these walls is said to linger, creating an atmosphere of unease and fear.

Visitors and employees have reported experiencing inexplicable phenomena while venturing into the basement. The air grows heavy, and an overwhelming sense of foreboding fills the space. It is not uncommon to hear ghostly whispers or witness shadowy figures lurking in the shadows. Some have even claimed to feel icy fingers brush against their skin or the sensation of being watched by unseen eyes. The haunting of the basement is an undeniable testament to the building’s dark past and the restless spirits that still roam its halls.

Haunting the Guards: A Terrifying Encounter

The guards tasked with protecting and patrolling Sabatini’s Customs Office have had their fair share of spine-chilling encounters. Many have reported strange occurrences while walking their rounds, leaving them shaken and questioning their own sanity. One common experience is a loud banging on doors and windows, seemingly coming from nowhere. As the guards rush to investigate, they are greeted with an eerie silence, as if the source of the noise has vanished into thin air.

These unexplained phenomena are often accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature, sending a chill down the guards’ spines. It is as if an otherworldly presence is passing by, leaving behind an icy reminder of its presence. On one occasion, a guard even heard a disembodied voice speaking loudly and clearly, asking, “Why are you following me?” The guard turned around, only to find no one there – no one they were intentionally following or anyone visible to the naked eye. Such encounters leave the guards bewildered and questioning the nature of reality within these haunted walls.

Visited by a Medium: Conversations with the Departed

In recent years, the paranormal reputation of Sabatini’s Customs Office attracted the attention of a renowned medium. Eager to explore the building’s haunted mysteries, the medium claimed to have made contact with a spirit who had been murdered within the premises in 1847. According to the medium, this tormented soul revealed that it was not alone in the building. Numerous other spirits, victims of violence and tragedy, wandered the basement, trapped between the realms of the living and the dead.

The medium’s encounter shed light on the lingering energy and restless souls that inhabit Sabatini’s Customs Office. The spirits, unable to find peace, continue to wander the halls, their presence felt by those attuned to the supernatural. The medium’s visit added another layer of complexity to the building’s haunted reputation, leaving us with even more questions about the mysteries that lie within its walls.

The Mystery of Sabatini’s Customs Office

Sabatini’s Customs Office stands as a testament to the duality of history – a place that once bustled with the activities of trade and commerce now echoes with the whispers of the departed. The haunting tales, experienced by guards and visitors alike, add an air of mystery and intrigue to this architectural marvel. 

Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the stories surrounding Sabatini’s Customs Office cannot be easily dismissed. The ghostly encounters, the chilling voices, and the eerie atmosphere continue to captivate those who dare to explore its haunted past.

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Haunted Madrid – CaramelTrail

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The Haunted Mysteries of 25 GB Bungalow in Bonacaud

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An abandoned house in Bonacaud known as 25 GB Bungalow by an old tea plantation is now thought to be haunted. A story about a British child who died under mysterious circumstances started to circulate and it is said that her ghost is haunting her home.

Atop a hill in Bonacaud, Trivandrum, 25 GB Bungalow stands as a relic of the past, overlooking a sprawling tea plantation and estate bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu. By day, this abandoned bungalow whose actual name today is B2 is a popular destination for adventure seekers drawn by its panoramic views and historical allure. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

By night, when the fog gathers around, the bungalow transforms into one of the most haunted places in Kerala, shrouded in eerie legends and tales of ghostly apparitions of a young girl who died under mysterious circumstances. But just how much of this haunted rumor is true?

A Glimpse into History

The story most told goes like this: The 25 GB Bungalow, once owned by a British landlord and his wife, was a symbol of colonial grandeur and it was said they were manager of a tea estate only three kilometers away from the former Boncaud Tea Estate. In many of the sources they name in Manager Saip.

Constructed during the British era, the estate boasts a majestic view of the Agasthya mountain ranges, with its hilltop location offering a 360-degree panorama of the verdant plantation and surrounding landscape. However, the grandeur of 25 GB Bungalow is overshadowed by the tragic events that unfolded within its walls.

The landlord’s children or child succumbed to mysterious illnesses. Most sources says it was a single daughter around the age of 13. Her death cloaked in uncertainty and sorrow. It is also said that the child was killed under mysterious circumstances.

The grief-stricken parents left the bungalow, abandoning it to the ravages of time and nature. It is said that the spirits of the child remain, unable to move on from the place where her young life were abruptly cut short.

Ghostly Whispers and Unseen Presences

Visitors to 25 GB Bungalow after dusk often report unsettling experiences. Several people after tried to make the bungalow their new home, but no one lasted for very long as they all claimed it was haunted by the girl.

One of the most common phenomenon is the sound of disembodied voices speaking in English with a distinct British accent. 

Despite the absence of any electrical connections, mysterious lights are frequently seen glowing within the bungalow. 

Among the various reports of paranormal activity, the apparition of a child-like figure stands out. This shadowy presence is often seen roaming around the bungalow, its form barely discernible but unmistakably that of a small child through the window of the abandoned bungalow. 

Another spine-chilling aspect of 25 GB Bungalow’s haunted reputation is the sound of glass breaking, echoing through the silent night as the screams and laugh of a child can be heard. Is it the sound of the actual living local children, or perhaps the ghost of the child that were left behind?

Possession of a Local Girl

One of the most famous stories connected to this house and haunting was when a young local girl went up to the house to collect firewood. It was said that the girl was unschooled when she went out, but when she returned, she behaved strangely. According to the locals, she now spoke English fluently as well as reading and writing. 

This led people to believe that the ghost of the British girl had somehow possessed the girl and made the haunted rumours spread even more. Did this really happen though is the question as there is no information about how the girl turned out and further details about the possession.

The Truth Behind 25 GB Bungalow

The name as mentioned, is not actually 25 GB, who actually refers to the next door building used by the drivers to stay in. A plaque marking the buildings got people confused, and therefore the bungalow has become known as 25 GB.

When was it built though? Some sources state that 25 GB Bungalow is actually from the 1850s, but the reality looks quite different. It seems like the bungalow was built when foreigners named Johnny and Brown were managers in 1961-62. Or perhaps it was built in 1951, the numbers given by different sources vary. Although the tea plantation itself is probably as old as the 1850s, the bungalow itself is not.

According to the locals, there was no Manager Saip living with his daughter who died. The rumor about people leaving 25 GB Bungalow because of it being haunted also looks false. Truth is that the bungalow was owned by tea plantations and there were many worker disputes until the company eventually went under. 

The tragic tale of the British landlord’s children, coupled with the numerous reports of paranormal activity, has cemented its status as one of Kerala’s most haunted locations. But did they actually exist? According to a journalist looking into the case for fact checking, the story first aired as a part of a private TV channel and that the locals were hearing the story about it first then.

The doors and windows are now all destroyed. The mosaic floor and fireplace is still standing as a skeleton of a home. Outside there is a large pine tree swaying in the wind, the only thing suppose to be still alive in the bungalow. 

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References:

Read the story behind Bonacaud Bungalow, which tops Google search for haunted places in Kerala

In Kerala’s Bonacaud, This 175-year-old Haunted Bungalow Is A Tourist Destination – News18 

പ്രേതകഥകളുടെ നിഴലിൽ ബോണക്കാട് ബംഗ്ലാവ് | Fact Check 

The Ghost Village of Bonacaud 

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The Haunted and Forgotten Ground of Kasauli Graveyard

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From colonial times, there are only graves left behind in Kasauli Graveyard, and they are slowly disappearing with no one to attend to them. Over time, the rumors of the graveyard being haunted also grew together with the wild grass taking over the headstones. 

The serene hill town of Kasauli, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is famous for its breathtaking vistas and tranquil beauty. Yet, amid the picturesque landscapes and lush forests, a spine-chilling enigma shrouds the Kasauli Graveyards inside of a forest, as old as the town itself. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Positioned on the way to Shimla in the Solan district, there are two cemeteries that have gained notoriety as a hotspot for paranormal activities that have left visitors bewildered and unnerved. These cemeteries can be found on the Kasauli-Dharampur and Kasauli-Parwanoo road around a kilometer from the town center.

Phantom Apparitions Among Weathered Graves

Visitors to Kasauli Graveyard have reported chilling sightings of apparitions, wandering the hallowed grounds under the cloak of night among the graves that are up to 200 years old, many of them not maintained where time and weather is about to reclaim them. 

There have also been problems with people stealing iron crosses as well as the marble headstones over the years. Has all of this helped fuel the haunted rumors?

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from cemeteries around the world

The first cemetery is on Dharmapur road and houses mostly Europeans that lived there in colonial times as well as 29 soldiers from the British army who died during World War 1. Some say they are still here. These ethereal figures, shrouded in mystery, cast eerie shadows that dance with the moonlight. 

The Lone Caretaker

As the sun dips below the horizon, Kasauli Graveyard awakens to a symphony of ghostly whispers. Eager ears have strained to decipher the incoherent murmurs that fill the night air, their origin a macabre mystery. 

As the current caretaker of the graveyard, Devi Lal, says: “The dead here need care.” He is better known as Kabristan ka Chowkidar in the town and has done as his father and grandfather before him, taken care of the graveyard. For free that is. 

And although it is the cemetery that is supposed to be haunted, the diligent caretaker has another opinion and claims: “This place haunted? Nah! But I do see dead people being haunted by the humans here.”

Nocturnal Laments and Unearthly Cries

The second cemetery with hundreds of graves dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, can be found on Parwanoo road not far from the old Central Research Institute. There is a small path in a forest area leading to the cemetery where the state is much like the first one and wild grass and shrubs are growing over the headstones. 

Who and why these graveyards are supposed to be haunted is unclear, however the stories about it have reached far. 

Most stories come from visitors that are claiming to have experienced different paranormal things while walking among the gravestones. They have talked about hearing the sound of ghosts weeping  and seen the spirits gliding through the cemetery. 

Perhaps this is why the local authorities forbid people visiting the graveyard after dark?

The Haunted Abandoned Kasauli Graveyard

The Kasauli Graveyard, veiled in an otherworldly aura, captivates the imagination of those who dare to explore its haunted terrain. The tales of phantom apparitions, ghostly whispers, and the woeful cries of the night beckon the curious and the fearless. 

While skepticism may shroud the paranormal occurrences within these grounds, the mystique of Kasauli Graveyard sits there, inviting those who seek the mystery of the abandoned and supposedly haunted. 

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References:

https://curlytales.com/most-haunted-places-in-himachal

https://thewildcone.com/web-stories/13-facts-about-kasaulis-cemeteries

10 Best haunted places to visit in Himachal Pradesh 

Visiting the Dead in Kasauli’s Cemeteries — Wildcone 2023 

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The Cherokee Legend of Spearfinger in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Disguised as an old woman or a loved one, the liver eating Spearfinger has terrified the Cherokees for centuries. She hides in the mountain, attacking children to eat their livers.  

In the mist-laden embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park between North Carolina and Tennessee lies a haunting tale, a Cherokee legend that weaves through the dense forests and shadowy trails under the misty mountain peaks. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The legend of Spearfinger, or the U’tlun’ta in the Cherokee language meaning “she had it sharp’, is said to live in this area. According to Cherokee lore, Spearfinger is no ordinary witch; she is a sinister entity with a penchant for deception and a hunger for the flesh of unsuspecting children.

The Legend of Spearfinger

The legend unfolds along the winding paths of the Great Norton Creek Trail, trails along the Chilhowee Mountain and by Little Tennessee River. Among her favorite places she calls home is the thunder mountain, Whiteside.  

Spearfinger is said to disguise herself as a kindly grandmother or a family member of children she sees to sneak up on her victims. Dancing in clouds, she sang her favorite song with her raven friend:

Uwe la na tsiku. Su sa sai.

Liver, I eat it. Su sa sai.

Uwe la na tsiku. Su sa sai.

Armed with a finger that resembles a sharp, knife-like blade that looks like a spear or obsidian knife, she lures innocent children away from the safety of their homes and into the heart of the ancient woods. Once under her spell, Spearfinger reveals her true form, her mouth stained with blood from livers she has eaten and with her Nûñ’yunu’ï, which means “Stone-dress”, for her stone-like skin. With a single, fatal stroke, she cuts her victims and consumes their tender body parts.

Arrows cannot pierce her stone skin and she is strong, picking up boulders without any effort. She is also said to often clutch her right hand tightly, as she is hiding her heart in her palm, her only weak spot. 

Stories About Spearfinger

The Cherokee have traditionally been very cautious about strangers, and were suspicious of those who wandered off alone. They could come back as the liver-eater in disguise, and there were many stories about this. 

Some tales told about her deceiving people by hiding the victims after turning into them. She went to their families and waited until they were asleep so she could steal the children’s livers. 

Hunters in the woods told about an old woman with a strangely shaped hand, singing her song and scaring them so they ran off. Because Spearfinger is quick and doesn’t even leave a scar, making the victims ill before they die after a few days. 

When birds flock to the sky, villagers say it was her. Her presence was marked by the graceful dance of the birds, as if they were paying homage to her mysterious spirit. The villagers whispered about her shadowy figure, weaving tales of her mystical connection to the natural world.

The Spearfinger Place

But where did she come from? What is her purpose? Was she just a story parents told their children to keep out of woods and strangers? According to the storyteller, Kathi Littlejohn of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, she says that there are portals to the other worlds. The upper world of the creator, the middle world of humans and the underworld were creatures like Spearfinger comes from. 

Years ago, sometime in the 19th century, the Cherokee pinpointed the location where the ruins of Spearfinger’s Tree Rock remain, in Blount County, Tennessee. This area, rich with history and legend, is known as Nantahala. The Cherokee name for the place is U’Tluntun’yi, which means “The Spearfinger Place.” U’Tluntun’yi holds a significant place in Cherokee lore as it is believed to be where Spearfinger built a rock bridge that offended the higher spirits who struck it down with a bolt of lightning, giving her a body of rocks. 

The Death of Spearfinger

The Cherokee called a great council, including towns like Tomotley, Tenase, Setico, and Chota, which were haunted by the liver eater, Spearfinger. The medicine man, adawehi, revealed Spearfinger’s deception and proposed a trap: a pit covered with brush and a smoky fire. Spearfinger, drawn by the smoke, approached disguised as an old woman. Though initially mistaken for one of their own, the medicine man recognized her trick. Despite arrows breaking against her stone skin, Spearfinger fell into the pit, unharmed by the stakes. 

Birds descended to help; a titmouse misled them to aim at her chest, but a chickadee correctly indicated her right hand. The hunters severed her heart by hitting her wrist, ending her curse. Stone Man, her ally, dismissed the warning of her death and continued his ominous song. In gratitude, the chickadee was forever known as the “truth teller.” Cherokee storytellers still recount Spearfinger’s legend and mark where her stone form fell.

But even though the Cherokee claim to have killed the liver-eating witch of stone, there are still stories of her cackles and shrieks echoing through the mountains. The legend tells of how she would lure unsuspecting travelers into her lair with promises of shelter, only to devour their livers in a grotesque display of her insatiable hunger. Some say her spirit still haunts the darkest caves and craggy peaks, seeking vengeance for her demise.

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References:

The Cherokee Legend of Spearfinger 

Spearfinger – Wikipedia The terrifying legend of Spearfinger as told by a Cherokee storyteller

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The Haunting of Naggar Castle in the Hills

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In the mountainous hills in India, Naggar Castle is said to be haunted and visitors and staff that have stayed at the hotel it now operates as, talk about their paranormal experiences. 

Sat in the picturesque landscape of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India, is Naggar Castle overlooking the green mountain ranges in the Kullu valley on the way to Manali. Although not the biggest castle, this medieval stronghold, which dates back to around 1460 A.D., carries with it not only a rich history but also a spectral mystique. 

The Kullu Valley: Known as the “Valley of the Gods” or “Dev Bhumi” because almost every village in the valley has a local deity and annual festivities around them. Naggar Castle was the seat of the Kings ruling the valley.

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Today it is a heritage hotel you can stay in, but Naggar Castle’s history is as captivating as its Himachali architecture of wood and stone. It housed the Kullu kings for almost 1500 years before Kullu Town was made the capital in the mid-1800s. 

The name Kullu derives from the word “Kulant Peeth”, meaning “end of the habitable world” and the secluded place only got a road for cars after Indian Independence in the mid 20th century. Constructed under the patronage of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, it has seen centuries pass by from its perch on the hills and the lower rocky ridges. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Castles around the world

One legend about the building of the castle suggests that Raja Sidh Singh utilized stones from the abandoned palace of Rana Bhonsal, known as “Gardhak,” to build this castle. 

The Eerie Echoes of Naggar Castle

As mentioned Naggar Castle is today a heritage hotel and has been so since 1978, so even as a hotel it has a rich and long story. So where do the ghost stories come from? From its time as a castle or as a hotel? 

Naggar Castle: constructed c. 1460 CE in local Himalayan architecture in Naggar, district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. //Source

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Hotels around the world

Over the years, Naggar Castle amid the pine and deodar forest has acquired a reputation for being haunted, with countless eyewitnesses attesting to the inexplicable and the paranormal within its walls. But what are they seeing and hearing?

Although there is not one single ghost story, the tapestry of history weaved into the old castle-like building is said to linger and strange and ghostly occurrences constantly happening. 

Visitors have reported hearing distinct voices engaging in conversation and witnessing objects mysteriously moving of their own accord in the hotel. Typically classical and vague signs for haunting. But are they true? The visitors checking in and spending time there must be the judges.

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References:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/naggar/naggar-castle/ps59178641.cms

10 Best haunted places to visit in Himachal Pradesh 

Naggar Castle – Wikipedia