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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 

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 

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 

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 

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

The Haunting of Dona Paula Beach and the Pearl Wearing Ghost

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People on the Dona Paula Beach in Goa, India claim to have seen the ghost of a woman coming out from the ocean, wearing only a pearl necklace. Legend claim it is Dona Paula, lamenting over her tragic love.

Along the coastline of Goa, Dona Paula Beach is a renowned destination for tourists seeking relaxation and adventure in Panaji. With its pristine sands, azure waters, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers an idyllic escape where the Mandovi and Zuari meet the Arabian Sea. It is crowded during the tourist season with people flocking to the beach, but a calm place during monsoons. 

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from India

However, as the sun sets and shadows deepen over the Marmugao Harbour, this seemingly serene paradise transforms into one of the most haunted places in Goa, steeped in tales of love, loss, and the supernatural.

Dona Paula Beach: Source: Flickr

The Story of Dona Paula

The Dona Paula Beach derives its name from Dona Paula de Menezes, or as her full name was: Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior. She was the beautiful daughter of  the Portuguese Viceroy of Jaffnapatnam, Sri Lanka, or at least related to him. 

Dona Paula is said to have come to this place in 1744. It used to be a fishing village known as Oddavell. So what happened after Dona Paula arrived in the village that would eventually be named after her?

The legends about Dona Paula are many and confusion about who she really was runs so deep, even the tourists guides slip up. 

The Tragic Love Story

Legend has it that Dona Paula fell deeply in love with a local fisherman, some give him the name Gaspar Dias or Paulo, a romance that defied the rigid social norms of their time. Her aristocratic family vehemently opposed the union, forbidding Dona Paula from seeing her beloved. 

Heartbroken and despairing, she chose to end her life rather than live without him. One fateful night, she leaped from the cliffs into the turbulent Arabian Sea, her tragic story forever entwined with the locale. In some versions, he jumped with her. 

Other Variations of the Legend

There is also a bit of a different myth about her where she was a lady-in-waiting for the Governor General’s wife. The Portuguese Governor took a shining to her and his wife didn’t like it one bit and took action to tear them apart. 

According to the stories, the Governor even gifted her a pearl necklace. As punishment, she was stripped of all of her clothes on top of the cliff. With only a pearl necklace around her neck, the wife pushed her off the cliff. 

Dona Paula Cliff: It is also said that she actually did marry the fisherman, but he went to sea, but never returned. She waited for him at the cliff for the rest of her life, eventually turning into stone. Here from the unrelated statue on Dona Paula Beach that have started to merge with the legend. // Source: Wikimedia

Lovers Paradise in Goa and Dona Paula Beach

It is said that Dona Paula was entombed in the Cabo Chapel nearby and that her spirit remains. To this day, the area where she leapt off the cliffs are still referred to as lovers paradise. According to many locals, it is also thought to be haunted by Dona Paula. 

It is said that on moonlit nights, the ghostly figure of Dona Paula can be seen emerging from the sea, clad only in a shimmering pearl necklace. Her spectral form glides silently along the shoreline, a forlorn reminder of her unfulfilled love and untimely demise. The sight of her apparition has left many with an unsettling chill, as her sorrowful eyes seem to search for the lover she lost to the cruel tides of fate.

The True Tale of Dona Paula

The haunting tales of Dona Paula Beach have persisted for generations, with each retelling adding new layers to the legend. Some believe that her spirit wanders not out of malevolence, but out of a desperate yearning to reunite with her lost love. Others suggest that her restless ghost guards the beach, ensuring that no one else suffers a similar fate. But how much of it is actually true?

What we do know is that Dona Paula married when she arrived in Goa, as her title Dona would suggest. She married a hidalgo, a Spanish nobility in 1756 called Dom António Caetano de Menezes Souto Maior. They were a very affluent family, owning everything from Cabo Raj Nivas to Caranzalem.

She was known to the locals as a woman with a big heart and remembered for her charity and this is the reason why the former village, now neighborhood, named it after her. As of her death, she is said to have died on 21st of December, 1782, but of what is uncertain.  

How her legacy became a haunted one though is uncertain. One can perhaps wonder if a woman dedicating her life to charity, must be reduced to a lovesick woman that can’t deal with life if she can’t have her possible fictional lover. 

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References:

Problems `haunting’ Dona Paula | undefined News – Times of India 

Dona Paula – Wikipedia

The legend of Dona Paula – truth or tall-tale | undefined News – Times of India 

Of love and legends: The story of Dona Paula

Chudail Baudi and the Woman Haunting the Well

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A woman wearing a white saree is said to haunt the road close to the well known as Chudail Baudi and said to try to get into the cars of those passing on the road as well as crying from the depths of the water hole. 

In the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is celebrated for its natural beauty and tranquil vistas. However, beyond the serene mountains and lush valleys, the state harbors a darker, enigmatic side. 

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

Among the most haunted places in India, Shimla is home to the enigmatic Chudail Baudi, a location steeped in eerie tales and haunting mysteries that have sent shivers down the spines of many.

The Chudail Baudi in Shimla

Chudail Baudi: a haunted place on Nawbihar-Chota Shimla road.//Source: Deepak Sansta / Hindustan Times)

Chudail Baudi is situated on the Shimla Highway between Chota Shimla to Navbahar, cocooned within verdant forests and picturesque natural splendor. This particular stretch of road close to the water hole is known to have a large amount of accidents according to local tales. 

Read Also: Many wells around the world have a ghost story attached to them. For more of these check out Minxiong Ghost Mansion, The Grey Lady of Stavern at Hotel Wassilioff and Banchō Sarayashiki — the Ghost of Okiku

The water hole found in the forest is also known as the Witch’s Well. The term “Baudi” translates to a well, and as per local legends, this well at Chudail Baudi was excavated during the British colonial era. However, this well holds more than water—it holds a chilling curse, believed to be the creation of a vindictive spirit.

The Woman in White Saree

Local folklore narrates the haunting tale of a woman who met a tragic fate many years ago, and her lingering spirit is said to torment this well. She is often described as an English woman with long black hair and a white saree. Many claim that she is asking passing cars for lift or just constantly staring at you from the backseat of your car if you refuse her. 

According to the legend, the woman was unjustly accused of adultery, a crime that led her husband to mete out a gruesome punishment—he buried her alive near this very well. Her restless spirit is thought to haunt Chudail Baudi, forever seeking retribution against those who cross her path.

Chilling Encounters on the Road

Around Chudail Baudi, many have recounted eerie experiences bordering on the paranormal, especially on the surrounding roads. It is said that cars automatically slow down in the area, no matter how much you try to accelerate. It is also said that if you encounter the woman in the white saree and doesn’t give her a lift, she will chase after your car. A story very similar to The Ghost of the Lady in White Sari of Delhi Cantt.

There are tales that her showing up has caused many accidents on the nearby roads, where even some of the car crashes have cost more lives. 

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

Some claim to have heard a woman’s anguished cries echoing from the depths of the well, while others have witnessed a spectral figure, ethereal and haunting, hovering above the water’s surface. Venturing close to the well after nightfall, they describe an unsettling silence.

The Future of Chudail Baudi

Although the haunted legends around the water hole are well known in the region, this doesn’t stop life for moving forward. Plans are to make this area a playground for the local kids. The question is, will the haunting stop for this reason? Or perhaps it will just get more fuel?

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References:

Haunted no more, Shimla’s Chudail Bauri to turn into children’s park – Hindustan Times 

Chudail Baudi Shimla (History, Distance, Images & Location) 

Discover the Chilling Story of Chudail Baudi in Haunted Shimla – Mysterious Himachal 

Is the Water Palace Jal Mahal Haunted?

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The partially submerged Jal Mahal water palace in Jaipur certainly looks haunted, slowly drowning and abandoned for years. Rumors of it being haunted and people hearing screams from the palace goes around, but what is the truth? 

Jal Mahal, the breathtaking water palace in Jaipur, stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural brilliance of Rajasthan’s history. This 300-year-old marvel, with its five stories built in the middle of the serene Man Sagar Lake, a man-made reservoir created in 1596, has always been a subject of wonder and admiration. 

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

Four of its five floors remain submerged in water, leaving only the top story visible, creating an enchanting sight that draws tourists and locals alike. This also causes people to not be able to go there and see for themselves how it is there. But beneath its tranquil beauty lies an eerie mystery that leads many to question: is Jal Mahal haunted?

A Historical Jewel

Constructed in the 18th century by Maharaja Madho Singh I, Jal Mahal was initially designed as a summer retreat and a hunting lodge for the royal family. The locals claim that the palace was built during an intense famine and drought as the lake floor was dry during the construction.

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Despite its beauty, Jal Mahal now stands abandoned in the middle of the lake. The palace’s isolation and the inaccessibility of its submerged levels contribute to its mysterious aura. While the fifth floor remains a popular spot for photography and sightseeing, the secrets of the lower submerged floors remain hidden from the public eye, fueling speculation and intrigue.

Haunting Legends of Jal Mahal

The haunting reputation of Jal Mahal is not as well-documented as some other haunted sites in Rajasthan, yet whispers of supernatural occurrences persist. The palace’s abandonment and its eerie silence at night have given rise to various ghost stories and legends.

Screams in the Night: One of the most talked about legends is how some claim to have heard screams coming from the submerged palace. 

Mysterious Lights: On occasion, mysterious lights have been reported flickering within the palace, despite the absence of any known electrical connections. These lights are said to appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Apparitions: There are tales of ghostly figures seen moving across the palace terrace and balconies. These apparitions are often described as shadowy silhouettes that disappear upon closer inspection, leaving an unsettling feeling among those who witness them.

Exploring the Mystique of Jal Mahal

For visitors seeking a unique experience, a visit to Jal Mahal at dusk or dawn, when the palace is shrouded in the soft light of the rising or setting sun, can be particularly evocative. There are no names though, no particular happening or anything but its look that would allude to it being haunted. The tranquil beauty of the palace, combined with its haunting legends, offers a rare opportunity to explore the intersection of history, architecture, and the supernatural.

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References:

Jal Mahal – Wikipedia 

Guide To The Enchanting Mystique Of Jal Mahal Jaipur 

Jal Mahal: A classic horror – Jaipur Explore A Travel & Lifestyle Magazine

The Haunting of Madh Island Road and its Beaches by the Murdered Bride

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On this serene vacation island with its lush beaches, it is said that Madh Island Road and the nearby beaches are haunted by a would-be bride that was brutally murdered in the area. 

Madh Island Road, located in Mumbai, India, is known for its picturesque beach and luxurious resorts facing the Arabian Sea. However, what many people don’t know is that this seemingly idyllic location is also home to one of India’s most terrifying ghost stories. 

This road connects the mainland of Mumbai to Madh Island, which is a small fishing village with a population of about 10,000 people. The narrow and deserted road is about 15 kilometers long and is surrounded by mangroves, salt pans, and fishing villages. 

The legend goes that a woman in white haunts the road at night, causing accidents and terrorizing anyone who crosses her path both on the Madh Island Road and the surrounding beaches. 

The Murdered Woman in the Mangroves

One of the most told legends about this area is about the young woman that is said to linger. According to the stories she was brutally murdered on her wedding day and her body was disposed of in the thick forests of mangroves nearby.

She is said to roam the beaches, and streets where it is said she is stopping passing cars. According to the stories she is still wearing her bridal clothes and anklets as she is sobbing. For what is uncertain. To get help or to warn people? To get some sort of revenge? In any case she is said to have been the cause of several of the road accidents that happen on these roads.

The Death on the Road

Another variant of the legend is that she wasn’t murdered per se, but died in a car crash together with her husband on their wedding night. The reasons for their crash have many variants. Some claim that they simply were unlucky, some say that the husband sped the car in front of the car and jumped, leaving his wife to fatally crash into it. 

The woman died on the spot, and her spirit is said to have haunted the road ever since. According to the legend, the woman’s ghost appears on the road at night, causing accidents and terrorizing anyone who crosses her path.

When these stories are said to have happened varies, but the legends go back at least a couple of decades. According to the stories she is said to appear on nights with the full moon and staff working at the hotels nearby are said to have heard her dying screams. 

The Ghost of the Bus Passengers

Another told legends from these parts is about the ghosts of passengers of a ghost that crashed somewhere along the road. It is said that ghosts haunt the road, looking for help. There are also several car crashes that are said to have left their ghosts, as they wander the road they died on for eternity. 

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References:

https://www.india.com/travel/articles/be-warned-drive-down-these-10-haunted-roads-in-india-only-if-you-must-3238874/

Mumbai’s Bone-Chilling🥶10 Most Haunted Places 

Will You Give In To Your Worst Fears When You Travel On These Roads 

10 Haunted Indian Roads You Should Never Drive On At Night | RenewBuy 

The Haunted Streets of Jagatpura of Witches and Ghosts

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Beyond the opulent palaces and majestic forts of Rajasthan lies a lesser-known, eerie corner of the state: Jagatpura, a residential area where witches as well as the starved ghosts from a famine lingers. 

This busy and seemingly normal residential area in the south eastern periphery of Jaipur, is infamous for its haunted vibes and spine-chilling legends among the local paranormal enthusiasts. 

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Unlike many haunted places that are abandoned and desolate, Jagatpura is a living, breathing community where residents coexist with the supernatural, making it one of the most horrifying places in Rajasthan.

A Dark History of Hunger and Famine

The haunting of Jagatpura is rooted in a dark chapter of its history. Legend has it that the ruler of this area, known for his greed and arrogance, was responsible for the suffering of his people. 

As famine and starvation swept through the village, people died in masses. Which famine could it be? Rajasthan being much desert-like climate are perhaps more exposed to it and there have been several throughout the years. 

You have the Rajputana famine of 1869 that killed over 1.5 million people. The Indian famine of 1899 took between one to 4.5 million lives. These are just some of the most recent ones that affected cities like Jaipur and areas like Jagatpura.

Some of the afflicted villagers cursed the king with their dying breaths. They were witches, or perhaps the curses made them witches in their afterlife? These curses, steeped in sorrow and desperation, have seemingly bound their souls to this place, eternally seeking aid from the living.

An Encounter with the Ghosts and Witches in Jagatpura

The tormented souls of the villagers are said to wander the streets, their whispers of despair carried on the wind, calling out to those who pass by for help, begging for alms and food.

Residents and visitors alike have reported sightings of witches, eerily similar to those depicted in classic Indian horror tales or Bollywood movies. These apparitions are described as old women clad in white dresses, with long, grey hair hanging loosely over their faces as they appear on the roads.

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