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The Headless Bride of Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone

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Within the rustic embrace of the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, a haunting tale unfurls—a tragic narrative of love, rebellion, and a spectral bride forever bound to the halls of this historic lodge.

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, spans across three states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Renowned for its stunning geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone encompasses a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, expansive forests, and picturesque lakes. 

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The park is home to an array of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk, offering visitors a rare glimpse into unspoiled natural habitats. With over 2 million acres of breathtaking wilderness, Yellowstone is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring its unique geological wonders. If we are to believe the stories, there are also ghosts haunting the park, with one story being more famous than the others of the ghost of the decapitated bride at the Old Faithful Inn.

The Old Faithful Inn and its Ghost

The story begins with the rebellious daughter of a wealthy shipping magnate from New York, who defied her family’s wishes and married an older servant. Many also said she was a modern woman who rejected an arranged marriage from a young man from a “better” family. When it was difficult to say, in some versions they say it was in 1915. 

Her father tried for a long time to convince her he was only a gold digger, but she refused to listen. In a bittersweet compromise, the father reluctantly granted a dowry for his daughter’s union, and the newlyweds embarked on their honeymoon to the heart of Yellowstone. In some version this compromise was done with her having to give up her family, her inheritance and had to leave New York. Perhaps he hoped this would scare away the man, but the wedding was held and they left for Yellowstone.

Their chosen abode was the Old Faithful Inn, a grand testament to rustic architecture nestled amid the park’s pristine wilderness built in 1903. The hotel was one of the first park lodges in the American west and one of the few still standing. The hotel is still in operation overlooking the Old Faithful Geyser Basin. 

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However, the idyllic honeymoon took a dark turn when a violent argument erupted between the newlywed couple within the confines of their room. Many say that it was room 127. It was said he was gambling their money away and they argued all the time. This night was the worst thus far though. After a mere month of honeymooning they had run out of money, and her father refused to help them with more. After everything that could kill you in the park—bears, forest fires and avalanches, the most dangerous thing for the bride was the one she was sharing rooms with. 

The Ghost in the Crows Nest

One night the man stormed out and was never seen again. After a few days of silence from the rooms got the staff worried and they opened the door:

The aftermath of what went down revealed a gruesome scene—the bride was found decapitated in the tub, her head gruesomely separated from her body and missing.

The Crows Nest: The head is said to have been found in the Crows Nest where they used to have bands playing. Although the whole detailed story was said to have been a bluff, the staff claim to really have seen something looking like a ghostly bride descending from it. // Source: Wikimedia

As if the tragedy wasn’t harrowing enough, the lore deepens with the discovery of the bride’s severed head in the hotel’s crow’s nest where the band played. The once-celebratory space now harbors the ghostly echoes of a love gone awry, forever etched into the timeworn walls of Old Faithful Inn.

The Haunting of the Old Faithful Inn

Since that fateful night, guests and staff alike have reported chilling encounters with the spectral bride. A phantom figure, adorned in a wedding dress, descends the inn’s staircase with an eerie calmness, her disembodied head cradled under her arm. 

The Crows Nest was damaged in the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and is now not allowed to visit for the guests. So if you see something up there, they really aren’t supposed to be there. 

The Hoax of the Park or a True Haunting?

George Bornemann used to be assistant manager of the inn in 1991. Closing a night in the winter, it was only him and another staff member at the hotel. When investigating the sound of running in the hallway, he saw her on the stairs. After many years he told the story again and added the details, year and room number. 

But then, was it true? George himself said in 1983 that he had made the whole thing up himself to make the hotel seem more spooky and mysterious. According to the story told by Leslie Quinn working in the park, he was chased down by a reporter, and made the whole thing up to get rid of him. Even though he told the reporter to make it to whatever year he wanted, the story stuck as true for a long time. 

But the thing is, he never said that the sound of running in the hallway was false, and still claims that part is true. He is also been rumored to have said to see doors open and close mysteriously. So then, could there really be a true haunting within the Old Faithful Inn?

Other Hauntings at the Old Faithful Hotel

There may be no truth to the tragic tale of the decapitated bride, but the other stories, could there be something about those? 

Another story told from the inn is about a woman that woke up in Room Number 2. She was scared, woke her husband and asked if he too could see the woman in Victorian clothing at the foot of their bed. 

And although the inn itself was built decades after the Victorian area, the hotel was built upon the site of the Fountain Hotel that was destroyed. 

The newer addition of the Inn, the West Wing is said to have been built over some unmarked graves as well. The park is riddled with people that have died, from falling into the springs, eating poisonous mushrooms and in child labor at the inn. So even though the details of the story of the headless bride is made up, could there really be something haunting the Old Faithful Inn?

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References:

GHOST STORIES GIVE OLD FAITHFUL INN A HAUNTING REPUTATION – Deseret News 

Old Faithful Inn – Haunted Houses 

Haunted Yellowstone | Ghosts of Old Faithful Inn 

https://www.usparklodging.com/yellowstone/old_faithful_inn.php?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXO3mvV_n1mnDiaR_2r1884Vq9gEZdPgZuwKVivw0cFQA6OP4-xgDOxoCcZ0QAvD_BwE

Ghost Stories from Yellowstone National Park 

Headless Bride Ghost of Old Faithful Inn 

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The Ghostly Presence at El Tovar Hotel in the Grand Canyon

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On the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Hotel is right on the edge. There are many haunted rumors about the hotel, many claiming that the founder of the hotel, Fred Harvey as well as some of those working there must linger as ghosts. 

On the edge of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon South Rim stands the historic El Tovar Hotel, a timeless gem that not only boasts breathtaking views but also carries with it the whispers of a spectral past. The tale that lingers within its halls tells of a distinguished visitor, none other than Fred Harvey, the visionary founder of the Harvey Company and the mastermind behind the hotel’s elegant design.

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Perched majestically on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Hotel is a testament to early 20th-century elegance and a beacon of historic charm. Opened in 1905, this luxurious hotel was designed to provide an opulent retreat for travelers exploring the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. Its rustic architecture, inspired by European hunting lodges, blends seamlessly with the rugged landscape. Over the years, El Tovar has hosted numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and adventurers, making it an integral part of the canyon’s rich history. Guests are captivated by the panoramic views, the hotel’s storied past, and whispers of ghostly apparitions said to wander its hallways, adding a touch of intrigue to this iconic landmark.

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Guest that Never Checked Out

Several years ago, an unsuspecting guest approached the front desk in search of a holiday celebration. “Where is the holiday party?” inquired the puzzled guest, their anticipation evident. The front desk clerk, equally perplexed, responded with genuine confusion, unaware of any festive gathering. The guest insisted, recounting an encounter with an employee in the hallway who had extended a gracious invitation to a grand holiday ball, adorned in fashion reminiscent of the early 1900s.

“I’m sorry,” the clerk admitted, “There is no holiday party, nor is there a gentleman dressed in period clothes working here.” The mystery deepened as the guest described the well-dressed man who bore a striking resemblance to none other than Fred Harvey himself. Could it be that he is haunting his hotel?

This encounter was not an isolated incident; it marked the beginning of a series of ghostly sightings that have left both guests and employees in awe. Mr. Harvey who died in 1901, four years before the hotel opened to the public, it seems, has not departed from the corridors of El Tovar. 

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Instead, he frequently graces the hallways, the third floor, perpetually adorned in the attire of a bygone era, wearing a very long coat and a prominent black hat, often observed gazing thoughtfully at the expansive beauty of the Grand Canyon from the front stairs of the hotel.

Fred Harvey: Born in England in 1835, he emigrated to the United States and eventually founded the Harvey House chain of restaurants, hotels, and dining cars along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Harvey’s establishments set new standards for quality and service in a time when travel accommodations were notoriously poor. He is believed to still be haunting his hotel according to stories.

Legends of the El Tovar and the Ghost Residing there

There is also the legend about the hotel staff seeing a painting followed the guest with its eyes wherever they went. They also claimed to have seen a wandering ghost in front of the stairs before disappearing into thin air. 

There have also been watchmen working nights that have seen the body and left immediately, never returning to the job because of the paranormal fright they experience working the night shift. 

There has also been a female spirit, appearing to be from the 1930s as well as strange silhouettes seen by various guests and staff that have no way of explaining the strange things that seemingly happen in the hotel. 

The Haunted Hotel: El Tovar Hotel is believed to be haunted by more than one ghosts. Here from the front from around 1905 as it was when it opened.

On the premise it is a mysterious grave in the parking lot, only marked “Pirl A. Ward: 1879-1934.”. It is said to be a grave belonging to a Harvey girl, working at the hotel. This looks like it is just a rumor though as according to Find a Grave it is the grave of Mr. Ward, a construction worker at the hotel who stayed for many years and died when he was 55 years, and it is in fact a cenotaph, not a grave since no one is actually buried under it.

But who are these Harvey Girls and who could it be that are reported to haunt the strange grave?

The Harvey Girls Haunting the Hotel?

The Harvey Girls, renowned for their impeccable service and hospitality, played a pivotal role in the history of the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. Employed by the Fred Harvey Company at his chain of hotels, these young women were recruited from across the country and brought a touch of sophistication and professionalism to the rugged wilderness. Dressed in crisp uniforms of starched white aprons over black dresses, they provided top-notch service in the hotel’s dining room, serving travelers with grace and efficiency. 

The Harvey Girls: When talking about who is haunting the hotel, people often start talking about the Harvey Girls, working at the hotel. Pictured is the Grand Canyon Harvey Girls pose for a photo in uniform. Circa 1906.

They also had to adhere to strict rules about not getting married and the likes. Although perhaps a bit strict, it really served as a chance for young women to experience an adventure and travel. Could some of them be haunting the premise?

Some claim to have seen a figure in a black cape and veil over the face, standing by the grave or disappearing behind the Hopi House right by. Perhaps a relative of the one working there coming to grieve? Perhaps one of the Harvey Girls that ended her days working in the Grand Canyon?

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References:

Pirl A. Ward (1879-1934) – Find a Grave Memorial 

The Grand Haunted History of the Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel 

Grand Canyon Ghosts! ooohhh. Ready to go Ghost Hunting? 

12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide

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The Ghost of Rees Griffiths Haunting the North Kaibab Trail

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A former worker on the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon died when a boulder fell over him. Ever since, strange lights and apparitions close to his grave on the trail as well as the Phantom Ranch on the bottom of the Canyon are said to haunt the park. 

In the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon, nestled near the iconic Phantom Ranch, lies the North Kaibab Trail—a path steeped in history and tragedy. It is a two day rim to rim trek of the Grand Canyon, but the area you are hiking is thought to be haunted by a former park employee. 

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The North Kaibab Trail is the least visited and most difficult trail of the inner canyon in the park. It starts at 305 meters and is challenging with a steep trail carved out bit by bit by those said to be haunting it. 

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Haunted story of Rees Griffith

Rees Griffith: The man from Pennsylvania was a trail forman working on building the North Kaibab Trail

In February of 1922, Rees B. Griffiths, the 48 year old foreman of a construction crew tasked with blasting out a section of the Grand Canyon, met a grisly end on the North Kaibab Trail. As he was working on a building on the southern part of the trail, a boulder crushed him, ending his life abruptly when it tumbled down the slope. 

He survived the initial crush but died later in the camp on the trail. Griffiths, who had a profound connection to the canyon and loved the outdoors, had expressed a wish to be buried there upon his death. 

Honoring this wish, his grave was situated between Black Bridge and Phantom Ranch, directly across from the Pueblo Ruins on the North Kaibab Trail. His coffin was made from materials they had around the camp and a pile of rocks marked his grave. His burial site remains a poignant reminder of his untimely demise.

Haunted Legends of the Strange Lights

Since Griffiths’ tragic death, the area around his grave has become a focal point for ghostly legends and eerie encounters. Many visitors and hikers have reported seeing the ghost of Rees Griffiths wandering the North Kaibab Trail. 

These apparitions are often described as a solitary figure, appearing just as the light begins to fade. Some witnesses have reported seeing a small, mysterious light hovering above Griffiths’ burial site, which many believe to be his restless spirit. The spectral sightings are not limited to the trails alone; campers in the vicinity of the North Kaibab Trail have also recounted chilling experiences, including unexplained noises and a pervasive sense of being watched.

The Haunted Phantom Ranch

Many of those spotting him are people staying at the Phantom Ranch, east of the Bright Angel Creek, with its eerie name can only be reached on foot or by boat. The little ranch opened in 1922 at the bottom of the Canyon and there are also mules taking hikers out in the wilderness for people that have won the lottery of staying there as they don’t take any reservations. 

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The ghostly presence of Rees Griffiths is not merely a tale for the campfire. Numerous hikers and visitors have experienced signs of paranormal activity in the area. The ghostly figure is often seen at dusk or dawn, silently walking the trails, but is he haunting the place alone?

According to some sources, another name is said to be haunting the place in a very similar manner and the reason why it got its name. The Phantom Ranch is found in the Phantom Canyon, a side canyon off Bright Angel Canyon. It is said it got its name after John Shane, a prospector died years before the ranch. A stone fell off the wall and killed him at the mouth of a side canyon close to the creek. Hunters and prospectors alike claimed to have seen strange storms and nights. 

Phantom Ranch: Further along the North Kaibab Trail you will find the Phantom Ranch. This place is said to have a haunted atmosphere and is what gave it its name. Overview of phantom ranch swimming pool with entry ladder and waterfall water inlet. Guest cabins behind. Circa 1965.

Caretaker of the Phantom Ranch in the early years, Noah Kelley knew Shane well and after him and others saw strange things, they named it Phantom Canyon. : “I saw what looked just like someone was carrying a lantern going from place to place. Then it would go out and in a minute would come again. It sure would, and sometimes it was just awful dim like and then it would brighten up and the thunder kept on rolling. I just laid in bed and covered up my head. I sure did.” (Source)

The Allure of the Haunted Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, with its majestic beauty and profound silence, has always held an air of mystery. The haunted legends of the North Kaibab Trail add a layer of intrigue to the natural wonder, drawing both paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors. The tale of Rees Griffiths and the other ghosts possibly haunting the North Kaibab Trail as well as the Phantom Ranch serves as a stark reminder of the canyon’s dangerous history and the lives that have been lost amidst its rugged landscape in search of adventure and wilderness. 

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References:

History of Phantom Ranch in Grand Canyon- 1922-1934 

Grand Canyon – Phantom Ranch Information 

Signs of Paranormal Activity in the National Grand Canyon – Part 1 

GRIFFITHS, Rees B. – Ariizona Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project 

Rees Bladen Griffiths (1873-1922) – Find a Grave Memorial 

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The Ghostly of Gram Parsons at the Joshua Tree Inn

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Haunting music is said to linger in the Joshua Tree Inn, said to be the ghost of the musician Gram Parsons, who died tragically in one of the rooms of the Inn. Now, musicians from all over the world come to the desert in search of inspiration as well as his ghost. 

In the vast expanse of the Californian desert lies a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits alike – Joshua Tree National Park. Established on the hauntingly fitting date of October 31, 1994, this arid landscape draws thousands seeking inspiration from its mesmerizing rock formations. 

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Yet, amid the stark beauty of the desert on a seemingly simple roadside motel, a ghostly legend resonates – the spirit of the legendary musician, Gram Parsons. He is said to haunt the motel Joshua Tree Inn, the place he always stayed in for inspiration as well as the place he died. 

Joshua Tree State Park: There are many ghost stories connected to the desert landscape of the Joshua Tree State Park. The most well known is perhaps the ghost of that of Gram Parson who is said to haunt the Joshua Tree Inn.

Country Music Legend Gram Parson

Gram Parsons, left an indelible mark on the industry through collaborations with iconic bands like the Rolling Stones and Emmylou Harris, found solace and creativity in the desert’s embrace. The Joshua Tree Inn became a sanctuary for Parsons and his musical companions, where drug-fueled nights were spent jamming, creating, and forging memories that would echo through time. Tripping on acid, he also claimed to have seen UFOs there. 

He was raised in Georgia and Florida, and was heir to an orange farming empire with plenty of money, but he was drawn to the mostly penniless musical career. His brief career in bands like the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers as well as trailblazing writing some kind of country with a bit of hippie, he wanted to create a type of Cosmic Country genre. Perhaps this was not commercially successful then, but inspired people like Keith Richard with the Rolling Stones and discovering Emmylou Harris is also attributed to him.

Gram Parsons: The musician who died September 19, 1973 is one of the most well known ghost stories in Joshua Tree National Park. //Source: GAB ARCHIVE/REDFERNS

The career was filled with alcohol, drugs, fighting and at least one arrest. Some performances he was almost unable to stay on his feet, some shows were like magic where everything was right and the music was flowing. 

Tragically, the music came to an abrupt halt on the fateful morning of September 19, 1973, when Gram Parsons succumbed to a drug overdose aged only 26, right before his rise to fame. 

He had checked into room 8 at the Joshua Tree Inn in the Morongo Valley in San Bernardino. A highway motel on the side of the road that attracted musicians, poets, photographers and the like, already before he made the place infamous. He had lost his home and belongings in a fire and was planning to go on another tour in October.

After six double tequilas at the bar with friends, he bought morphine from a woman staying at the hotel who injected him. They tried to revive him, but to no end.

Joshua Tree Inn: Found at 61259 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, the Inn is believed to be haunted, most notably by the musician, Gram Parsons.

In a surreal turn of events, his friends, in adherence to his wishes, “kidnapped” his body before his stepfather could intervene. Friend and road manager, Phil Kaufman remembered a promise they had made to each other drunk: Whichever one of us goes first, we’ll cremate the other’s body in Joshua Tree Park.

Chaos ensued when the stepfather wanted to send his body east, something his friends felt it was the last he would have wanted. They stole his casket and brought it into the desert to Cap Rock. There they put on a big fire of the casket, turning the landscape into a final canvas for the artist’s unconventional farewell in a funeral pyre.

The friends were found, charged with grand theft larceny of the coffin and what remained of Gram were sent back east to his family. 

The Haunted Joshua Tree Inn

Guests, unsuspecting visitors to a musical sanctuary, have reported ethereal encounters – the faint strains of singing in the wind, the lingering aroma of cigarette smoke, and even companionship with the ghostly figure of Gram Parsons himself. 

It is especially the Room 8 that people claim strange things happen, like opening and closing of doors, a mirror on the wall rattling and a nightstand that seems to move. 

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Outside the room, a small memorial of guitar shaped stones, beer bottles, candles and guitar picks, vinyl records and cowboy boots in honor of the late musician. A note reads: “It’s good to be back in room 8. Five years ago I almost died here. You kept me company in the early morning hours while I recovered and watched the sunrise & listened to the morning doves.”

Room 8: The Joshua Tree Inn is said to be haunted by the ghost of Gram Parson who died in the room after giving his all to country music. // Source: Wikimedia

Another note hinting to the haunted rumors: “Gram, it was a little trippy when you locked me in here,” 

The motel has leaned into the haunted stories and dark tourism, charging well over 100 dollars for a night at the haunted room. According to the man standing behind the desk at the motel, he says it “It’s definitely our most popular room,”  

Musicians in Search for Ghosts

The place has become a cult place, especially for musicians, wanting to make their tribute to his spirit, some park rangers and hikers call them the Grampires. Kacey Musgrave for example told about her encounter with his spirit when staying at the Inn, filming her Follow Your Arrow music video. 

It is also said that his only child, Polly Parsons sometimes takes the trip anc checks into the room to stay and tries to communicate with his spirit.

Other Haunted Rooms

But could it be that Gram is not the only ghost haunting the Inn, and that there are more haunted rooms? According to people working there, some believe there is. There has been a voice of a woman from Room 6 when there was no one there. There have also been said to be some sort of energy and presence in other places of the motel as well. 

In the realm of ghosts, Gram Parsons emerges as a benevolent spirit, offering a hauntingly beautiful connection to the creative energies that flow through the desert landscape. For those who dare to venture into the mystic realm of Joshua Tree National Park, Gram Parsons’ ethereal melodies and timeless presence await in the starlit nights of the Californian desert.

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References:

A Joshua Tree Motel Room, Haunted by the Ghost of a Country Legend – The New York Times 

 12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide 

Gram Parsons Room 8 

How a beloved L.A. record store unearthed a long-lost Gram Parsons recording 

An evening at the Joshua Tree Inn and the Spirit of Gram Parsons 

Enough About Gram Parsons’s Death. It’s Time to Celebrate His Music. 

Gram Parsons’ Joshua Tree legacy endures 50 years after he died – Los Angeles Times 

https://eu.desertsun.com/story/desert-magazine/2015/12/09/haunting-allure/76982908

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The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel in India’s Hills

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Amidst the green hills is the red Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel which are said to be haunted by people that have stayed there. There are many legends, and there are even rumors that the hotel had to close down for a while because of the paranormal activity going on. 

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, lies the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel, a luxurious resort that boasts picturesque views of the lush Nilgiri Mountains covered in blue Kurunji flowers in Ooty town, known as “Queen of Hill Stations” in the country. 

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Many have reported strange sightings and supernatural occurrences within the Swiss styled hotel’s walls, leading to its reputation as one of India’s most mysterious and haunted destinations. 

Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel: The old hotel is thought to be haunted. This rumor gre popular especially after a horror movie was set there and when the crew claimed to have experienced strange things during filming. // Source

The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel

The most famous ghost story retold from the hotel comes from a Bollywood production. In 2002, the Bollywood dance choreographer Saroj Khan traveled to Ooty to shoot the movie, Raaz. She and her troupe checked into the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel and expected a relaxing night. During the night however, they were kept awake by the people upstairs where it sounded like they were rearranging the furniture, making such a ruckus that they couldn’t sleep. 

They called the receptionist, but there was no answer, like the phone was dead. They endured the night with all the moving upstairs without making any more fuss, and the next day they complained about it to the receptionist. 

The receptionist was confused and said: But there is no floor upstairs, and even took the time to show them from the outside when they all became confused. Indeed, there was no room above them. But what then, had kept them up all night?

The History of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel

But let’s have a look at the hotel’s history to understand where the haunted rumors could come from. The Fern Hill Hotel, formerly known as the Palace Hotel, was built in 1844 as the summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The Swiss Chalet gives it an alpine look where it sits in the lush greenery of cardamom and tea plantations. 

The hotel was also initially used as a summer retreat for British officials during the British Raj era and their families as an escape from the heat from the humid plains of the Madras Presidency to the much cooler climate. 

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It was later converted into a hotel in the 1920s and was renamed the Fern Hill Hotel. The hotel has since undergone several renovations and is now a luxurious resort that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Ghost Sightings and Paranormal Activity

Over the years, many strange events have been reported at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel. Guests and staff members have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling a presence in their rooms. 

There are several theories behind the haunting at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel. Some believe that the hotel was built on land that was once a burial ground, which has caused the spirits of the dead to haunt the hotel. 

Others believe that the haunting are a result of the hotel’s dark history, which includes the deaths of several guests and staff members. One rumor of a particular woman who committed suicide at the hotel has been widely spread as well. 

The Controversy Surrounding Fern Hill Hotel

Despite its haunted reputation, there are some who believe that the haunting at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel are nothing more than a hoax. Some skeptics have pointed out that the hotel has a financial incentive to promote its haunted reputation, as it attracts visitors and increases revenue. 

As for the filming of the movie Raaz and what the dance troupe experienced during their night, it is worth noting that the movie is actually a supernatural horror movie, and that the stories of the haunted room upstairs that didn’t exist was all rumored to be a part of the movie promotion. 

For a long time the hotel closed down in March 2018. The official reason is that they closed down for renovation. Many claimed it was because of the haunted rumors that had started to accumulate around the hotel and the many incidents of paranormal activity. It has reopened again now however, the question is, with or without ghosts?

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References:

The Fernhills Palace, Ooty – Wikipedia 

Most Haunted Places in Ooty and Their Spooky Stories 

Secrets behind Raaz and more… | Bollywood – Hindustan Times  

Raaz (2002 film) – Wikipedia

Ghostbusting goals: the most haunted hotels in India 

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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

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The Ghostly Presence of Beverly at Lake Quinault Lodge

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At the old Lake Quinault Lodge in Olympic National Park, it is said that the ghost of Beverly, the former employee that died in a fire, still haunts the suit named after her.

Lake Quinault Lodge was built in a span over 10 weeks in 1926 and still stands like it did then in the middle of nature. The Lodge has drawn people wanting closer to nature for years but also bore witness to a tragic tale that left an indelible mark on its storied history. 

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This remote Lodge far from most things in the In the Pine peaks of Olympic National Park in Washington was built in 1926 and still today it cling to its rustic and spartan way of living with no internet and designed to socialize with other guests. A lot of the conversations are about  the designated house ghost, a former employee called Beverly. 

Lake Quinault Lodge : The old lodge said to be haunted by Beverly, the former housekeeper who died in a tragic fire. // Source: Flickr

The Haunting in The Beverly Suite

One time a guest was unpacking her bag inside of her booked room when she was suddenly face to face with a woman. The woman told her name was Beverly and that she worked at the hotel. The guest got so upset about the unannounced staff and went to complain to the front desk. The ones working behind it had to tell her that they did in fact not have a worker called Beverly, not anymore. The guest checked out the same night. The room the woman was staying in was called The Beverly Suite.

There are plenty of different rooms in the Lake Quinault Lodge, one of them being The Beverly Suite filling up the entire third floor in the Boathouse Building. The staff used to call it that after they noticed that their ghost seemed to prefer to appear inside of it. 

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According to the story, there was a woman named Beverly, once the dedicated housekeeper of this remote haven. However, one night a fire engulfed the lodge’s attic in the Main Lodge, in some versions the Boathouse that used to serve as a kitchen. 

The fire claimed the life of the unsuspecting Beverly who slept soundly in her room, or worked in the kitchen. 

Interior: Inside of Lake Quinault Lodge as it was in 2017. // Source: Joe Mabel/Wikimedia

The Death of Beverley at Lake Quinault Lodge

Beverly’s untimely demise cast a melancholic shadow over Lake Quinault Lodge, but her spirit, it seems, refused to depart from the place she worked. In the quiet corners of the lodge, her apparition is said to wander, a ghostly specter that traverses the halls with a quiet grace and her presence is thought to be most powerful in the attic. 

Witnesses to Beverly’s ghostly manifestations recount the subtle opening of windows as a testament to her lingering benevolence. The gentle touch of her unseen hand, still imbued with the essence of a caring housekeeper, leaves an ethereal trail that hints at her enduring connection to the lodge and its occupants.

Although mostly a friendly ghost it has been said she sometimes throws glasses and silverware. 

The True Haunting of the Lodge

But was there really a fire at the Lake Quinault Lodge that took the life of one of the employees? Was there ever a housekeeper named Beverly? One year we dated was 1924, when the owner of the hotel was Olena Egge. On an August day she brought her family to a picnic of Higley Peak and saw black smoke through the fog.  

In this version Beverley was her cook and chambermaid and the fire had started in the flue in the kitchen. All was gone at the hotel except the fireplace and chimney. After this, the hotel we see and stay in today was built on top of it. 

Lake Quinault Lodge: The original building that was completely destroyed by the fire and the starting point for the ghostly legends of today.

It is said that she watches over the lodge, a silent guardian from beyond the veil, ensuring that the tranquility of this remote retreat is maintained. As the winds sweep through the dense forests surrounding Lake Quinault, whispers of Beverly’s presence are carried through the air. 

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References:

LeRoy Tipton’s take on local lodge history – Washington Our Home 

Lake Quinault Lodge – FrightFind 

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Ledgelawn Summer Estate and the Bridal Ghost in the Attic

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In a former summer house for the rich and wealthy in Maine, the Ledgelawn Summer Estate has long been thought to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Margaret, the jilted bride haunting the house wearing her wedding dress.

Built in 1904 in the seaside town of Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Ledgelawn Summer Estate was one of the original grand summer estates from the Gilded Age in the harbor for the elite that used to spend their summer here by the sea. 

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Ledgelawn Estate is a 21-room shingle-style cottage on Mount Desert Street, found close to the church. They used to call these estates for the cottages where the rich summered and it is said that this building is the most haunted one in Bar Harbor and a story all the locals know about.

Bar Harbor: On Mount Desert Island in Maine you will find Bar Harbor where the Ledgelawn Summer Estate is. There are many places in this picturesque said to be haunted.

The Haunted Ledgelawn Summer Estate

The red building built for the wealthy summer visitors in 1904 was built upon something older, equally a mystery as the supposed haunting. It is said to be haunted by the woman in white known as Mary Margaret. According to legend, she was jilted just about to get married. 

Most of the variations of the stories tell that Mary Margaret was a dark haired beauty from that time, a member of the rich and powerful Astor family, or at least related to them.

Her soon to be husband took off right before their wedding and left her alone. Mary Margaret took this so hard and went straight up to the third floor, dressed herself in her wedding dress before hanging herself from the rafters in the attic with her wedding veil.

It is said that when her family found her, her face was so bruised, they almost didn’t recognize her. Her lips curled up to a smile. She has ever since then lingered and haunted the Ledgelawn Summer Estate through the years. 

The Haunting of Mary Margaret

Although her death is said to have happened in the attic of Ledgelawn Summer Estate, she is most often seen on the third floor. Her ghost is said to be transparent and floating about, returning to the place she died again and again.

The former summer estate used to be an inn and there is a particular one story from this time that is retold. Back then, the place used to be called Ledgelawn Inn and it was said that room 326 was the place she most often appeared. 

Guests checking in or staff working there would often get an ominous and gloomy feeling before claiming to see the ghost of a woman floating at the foot at their bed or even a ghostly wedding veil was coming from the ceiling and swaying in the night. 

According to this guest, the ghost got into bed with him. Scared of what happened he tried to ignore her lying next to him and simply rolled over, petrified and didn’t dare to open his eyes. 

The Ghost of a Maid in Ledgelawn Summer Estate

Ledgelawn Summer Estate: Source

The dramatic ghost of Mary Margaret is supposedly not the only ghost said to haunt the Ledgelawn Summer Estate. Apparently there is also a former maid most often called Catherine said to be haunting the former summer house and former inn. 

It is said that she had an affair with the owner of the house at the time and became pregnant while working there. The story is often been told to have happened in the 1930s. She died after falling down the stairs in the back. If she fell or if she were pushed is up for debate and was hushed up at the time. 

In addition to the women said to haunt the Ledgelawn Summer Estate there is also a child said to haunt the cupboard he hides in. According to the stories, he drowned somewhere in Bar Harbor. 

The Truth Behind the Legends

So how true is this very specific story said to haunt the Ledgelawn Summer Estate? The historic inn was bought by a firm in 2010, ending its time as an inn. 

The story behind the house is that Ledge Lawn was built by Samuel Willard Bridgham and Fanny Shermerhorn in the beginnings of the 1900s. Fanny was related to the Astors, a family filled with money and scandals. Samuel and Fanny though were known to be kind people, didn’t have any children and other mysterious deaths happening inside of their home. 

So what about the ghost that people keep seeing? Could it just be a trick your mind plays you when staying in an old building, and a local story told for fun in a sleepy seaside town. Or could it be something that the history didn’t record or where the details and facts have become distorted over time?

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References:

American Ghost Walks – Bar Harbor | Culture & Tours | Family Friendly Activities 

The Haunting of Ledgelawn – by Carrie Jones 

Resort company buys historic Bar Harbor inn 

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The Ghost Walking the Morgan House Tourist Lodge

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The sound of ghostly clicking of heels is said to roam the Morgan House in Kalimpong in India. It is said that it is the ghost of the wife that died prematurely under mysterious circumstances. 

Amidst the serene Durpindara Hill of Kalimpong, the Morgan House Tourist Lodge stands as an enchanting old British residence, shrouded in history, charm, and a whisper of the supernatural with a view of the Kangchenjunga mountain range. 

Built in the 1930s in the border town in West-Bengal, this beautiful property was once the cherished abode of an Englishman in the jute trade, George Morgan and his wife who owned an indigo plantation. Her name is not easily found and not mentioned. The Morgan House Tourist Lodge was built for their wedding and marital happy life. But if their marriage in fact were happy has been up for debate. 

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Back in the days, The Morgan House Tourist Lodge used to be known for its elaborate parties and celebrity guests, and now it is known as a haunted hotel. 

The Morgan House: Source

The Haunted History of Morgan House

The Morgan House Tourist Lodge has also been known as Singamari Tourist Lodge or Durpin Tourist Lodge. It’s a living relic of the British colonial era. Its architecture and ambiance transport visitors back to a time when the British Empire left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent of a bygone era.

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After the wife died a premature death, Mr. Morgan left their home soon after and the mansion was left deserted as no one from the Morgan family wanted to live in it as they had no direct heirs, only trustees. In the end it was handed to the Indian government after independence and the Bengal Tourism Board decided to start a hotel in the old mansion. 

The Legend of Lady Morgan’s Ghost

Visitors and guests who have ventured to stay within The Morgan House Tourist Lodge have, on occasion, experienced encounters like the sound of laughter, weeping or even singing and screaming inside the hotel. As per local legends, Lady Morgan’s spirit lingers within the walls of this old British house, walking the corridors in a timeless search for solace or an unfinished business.

It is said that Mrs Morgan died suddenly in the Morgan House and perhaps for a dark reason. Perhaps it was by suicide by hanging herself in room 101 as most reports about the hotel clams, and the most extreme legends claim that she was tortured to death by her husband, or at least drove her to suicide in the mansion. 

The ghostly apparition of Lady Morgan, as the stories go, makes her presence known in the Morgan House through mysterious footsteps echoing across the wooden floors of the lodge. She is seen floating up to the second floor where she allegedly died. 

Those who have listened closely claim that the footsteps distinctly sound like someone walking in high-heels.

The Ghost of from Landslide

There is a second theory about the haunting, and that is the buried bodies under the Morgan House. Apparently there was a massive landslide at the hill before the mansion was built. The dead people were caught under it and they were unable to dig them out. Instead the mansion was built on top of them. 

Some of the guests that have stayed at Morgan House, brought up their concerns about the ghosts lingering there. Some of them have been handed a bible to carry around with them for help.

An Enduring Enigma of The Morgan House Tourist Lodge

The Morgan House Tourist Lodge in Kalimpong continues to be a place of intrigue and fascination for travelers. And as of now, their old bedroom and most talked about room of 101 where Mrs Morgan allegedly hanged herself is one of the more popular rooms at the hotel.  

The question of whether Lady Morgan’s spirit truly lingers here or if the sounds are a product of the imagination to the guests remains unanswered. Yet, it is the allure of the unexplained that draws curious souls to this historic hill station retreat.

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References:

No Bag Can Weigh Extra By Even 100g Over Limit At Bengaluru Airport; Why Such Strict Measures? 

Haunted places in Kalimpong | Times of India Travel 

Morgan House – My Haunted Night – BikingMystery 

Morgan House- History Of The Most Haunted Hotel In Kalimpong! 

Mysterious Morgan House in Kalimpong – Travel Blog Indian Backpacker 

Morgan House, Kalimpong – Wikipedia 

Morgan house is the latest spooky joint giving rise to haunted tourism 

Morgan House Kalimpong revisited in mystic monsoon – Good Food Bro 

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Haunted Nights in the Closed Room in Raj Kiran Hotel

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In the small village Lonavala in Pune, there is a small hotel where the reviews claim it’s haunted. Although no backstories are given, guests complained so much about a room in particular the staff closed it off. Would you dare to check into the haunted Raj Kiran Hotel?

India, a land of diverse landscapes and cultures, is often associated with age-old tales of the supernatural, or dramatic events from colonial times. While many of these stories originate from places of great historic importance, there are exceptions and even seemingly ordinary buildings in small places can come with a haunted story. 

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Where the hotel used to be: Source

One such exception is the Raj Kiran Hotel in Maharashtra, a petite establishment that used to be in the picturesque town of Lonavala in the Pune district with two floors. During monsoon season the weather is pleasant and green around the hill station and there are several hotels in Lonavala to accommodate this. Like the Raj Kiran hotel that used to be found just by the main street.

Used to, because the hotel looks like it is no longer in operation, and comparing the maps to Google maps, it looks like the entire building is gone as well in 2014. The story about it continues though, and even reviews on other hotels in Lonavala retell the haunted rumors that once belonged to this particular hotel.  

The Hotel’s Mysterious Tale:

Source: Exterior of the hotel

Surprisingly, there is no known story or legend attached to the Raj Kiran Hotel that might explain the supernatural occurrences within its walls. Instead, it’s the guests who have ventured into this unassuming abode who share the hair-raising tales of their stay and ended up on more than one list of India’s most haunted. 

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Among the unsettling accounts, one room on the ground floor, situated next to the reception counter, emerges as the epicenter of paranormal activity. Many have reported experiencing unexplained phenomena within its confines, enough to leave them tossing and turning through sleepless nights.

The Hair-Raising Encounters at Raj Kiran Hotel

Source: Was it behind this reception the room was?

According to the rumors, the haunted room is a room in a corner behind the reception at the hotel. Numerous guests have reported a peculiar occurrence – their bed sheets being tugged off during the dead of night. It’s as if an invisible presence were pulling the sheets, leaving startled occupants in sheer disbelief.

For some, the night takes an eerie turn as they suddenly awaken to a surreal sight – a mysterious ray of blue light illuminating the area around their feet. The source of this uncanny radiance remains a perplexing mystery.

Perhaps the most unsettling encounter is the sighting of an indiscernible apparition that seems to float through the room’s darkness. Guests have recounted the unnerving experience of witnessing an inexplicable presence making its presence known in the dead of night.

Room of Unrest

Source: Picture of one of the room

In light of the inexplicable incidents that have unfolded within this room, it has earned a notorious reputation and even the reviews for it people claim it is haunted. As a result, hotel management has taken the extraordinary step of permanently locking this room. It is no longer available for rent, as the unsettling encounters have left guests with restless nights and enduring unease.

The Raj Kiran Hotel doesn’t boast historical significance or a well-documented ghostly legend, so it’s hard to pinpoint the background story for the potential haunting. 

Where, what and who is behind the haunting the hotel in the lush green valleys remains a mystery.

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References:

RAJKIRAN RISHIKESH RESORTS – Prices & Hotel Reviews (Lonavala, India) 

Dare To Stay Here? This Place In Lonavala Is Supposedly The Most Haunted Hotel In Maharashtra 

India’s Most Haunted: Raj Kiran Hotel in Lonavala | India.com 

Ghostbusting goals: the most haunted hotels in India 

Horror Tales of Raj Kiran Hotel, Lonavala – Tripoto