The 15 most haunted places in Delhi to visit in 2024
From graveyards to forts, explore a journey through Delhi's most haunted places.
By Riddhi Chaudhari
21 Jan, 2024
Delhi, a city of rich history and bustling streets, conceals more than just stories of emperors and revolutions. Beyond its lively facade lie hidden corners and untold stories. For those fascinated by the paranormal, Delhi unfolds as a mysterious canvas, showcasing some of the most haunted places across India. From mysterious historical stories to desolate urban spaces, each haunted place in Delhi whispers dark secrets and stories of the unknown. In this blog, we will explore the places that have been wrapped in long-held secrets. Whether you're a local or a visitor eager for a thrilling adventure, get ready to explore as these places are not just about ghosts; it's about the history, the mystery, and the spine-tingling allure of the haunted places in Delhi that refuse to fade away.
The haunted Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
Here is a list of 15 most haunted places to visit in Delhi:
1. Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
The Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, a tragic history etched within its walls, stands as one of the most haunted places in Delhi. Many visitors have reported encountering paranormal activities like shadowy figures, inexplicable cold spots, and unexplained whispers. Some have even claimed to have been touched or pushed by an unseen force. These spine-chilling encounters have set the fort's reputation as one of the most haunted places in Delhi.
Built-in the 14th century, the fort is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of Djinn and other supernatural powers. According to locals, when the fort was being built, many lives were lost and the spirits of those individuals are said to linger in the nearby 14th-century burial ground. It is also said that Feroz Shah Tughlaq used black magic and practices to summon supernatural power to protect the fort from any harm which backfired creating a spooky atmosphere
Facade of Jami Masjid, a historical serenity within Feroz Shah Kotla
2. Khooni Darwaza
Khooni Darwaza translating to 'Bloody Gate' has been a silent witness to some of the most horrifying events in Indian history. Dating back to the Mughal era, it was initially built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century and has seen Delhi evolve through centuries. However, it is not its architecture that draws the attention, but also the stories that are still unexplained. Legend has it that the spirits of those who met their tragic fates here still haunt the Khooni Darwaza. The most notable incident drawn on its walls is the brutal murder of three princes during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, rendering the gateway a site of historical horror.
Visitors to this place often report feeling uneasy and scared. There are stories of people hearing strange voices, especially those attempting to visit at night. Some claim to have heard a voice saying "Mat Aao," meaning 'Don't come,' and have even spotted figures mostly on the second floor. Additionally, those who recorded videos at the site have captured strange and weird sounds. In essence, the Khooni Darwaza stands as Delhi's most haunted place, weaving together history and the supernatural.
The arched entrances of Khooni Darwaza
3. Mutiny House
Among its many historical landmarks, Mutiny House stands as a silent witness to the most disturbing events of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Beyond its historical significance, this memorial is also considered to be one of the haunted places in Delhi. The Mutiny House was built by the Britishers to commemorate the death of the people who lost their lives during the war in 1857. However, as time passed, rumours of the place being haunted started circulating about Mutiny House.
It is believed that the echoes of the War of 1857 still resonate through the corridors of Mutiny House. Locals and visitors alike have shared stories of feeling some sort of negative energies around the Mutiny House. Additionally, unconfirmed reports suggest that, during late evenings, some claim to have witnessed the movement of body parts belonging to deceased officials.
Facade of the Mutiny Memorial
4. Jamali Kamali tomb
Jamali Kamali finds its place among the haunted places in Delhi due to an unfinished love tale associated with this site. The tomb is named after the Sufi saint Jamali and his companion Kamali, but not much is known about them. According to traditional stories, they were madly in love with each other. Their graves have special pen boxes arranged in a way that clearly shows they were lovers. The symbolic pen boxes add to the belief in people that their souls are still in the tomb.
There was an incident in Jamali Kamali's tomb where a group of friends decided to explore the tomb at midnight. They reported saying that, as they entered the complex, they felt something strange in the air. Later they heard the sound of footsteps echoing, but no one was there. Local guides and caretakers have also experienced strange things like shadowy figures moving around the tomb.
Graves of Jamali Kamali
5. Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal
If you search the internet using the keyword "Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal," you will only come across stories and narratives related to experiences of haunting associated with this location. The story of this historical monument dates back to the early 19th century which was built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. According to locals, Bhatiyari was a beautiful queen who was abandoned by her king and later ended her own life in the palace. Since then, people claim to have witnessed strange noises, the ghostly presence of someone and mysterious shadows.
It was reported that a blogger went to explore Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal at night just to check whether the stories circulated on the internet about Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal are true or not. He claimed that upon entering the premises, a few people stopped him from going in, yet he continued. He reported in his blog later that he had heard the echo of a woman's cry through the corridors and felt a sudden drop in temperature. This incident has established Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal as one of Delhi's most haunted places.
Entrance of the Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal (Source - Whatshot)
6. Chor Minar
Built under the rule of Alauddin Khalji in the 13th century, Chor Minar tells a haunting tale of brutality and retribution. Back then, Khalji wanted to stop Mongol people from teaming up in 'Mongolpuri,' so he planned something very terrible. He killed 8,000 Mongol prisoners and their heads were hung on towers around Siri.
Locals say Chor Minar was like a 'tower of beheading,' where thieves' heads were hung on spikes protruding out of the monument through the many holes in its walls. If there were too many heads, they made a pile outside the tower. Chor Minar is considered a reminder of Delhi's dark past, hidden in Chor Minar's walls. It is still believed that the tower is possessed by the spirits of these thieves that were hanged and they seem to cry at midnight making it a haunted place to visit in Delhi.
Chor Minar an ancient cylindrical stone tower stands amid lush greenery
7. Agrasen ki Baoli
The last reported incident was in 2007 (according to Times of India). It might sound strange because the water is quite shallow, around 5 feet, making it impossible to drown. Visitors have reported feeling uneasy, hearing strange noises, and experiencing something strange that is unexplained, especially after the evening.
The site continues to be a source of mystery, with stories of lingering spirits and unexplained occurrences contributing to its unique allure. Agrasen ki Baoli, also called Ugrasen ki Baoli, is the ancient stepwell built by Maharaja Agrasen in the 14th century and has a history that dates back centuries. It's famous for its history and design, attracting many tourists but it is also the most haunted place in Delhi because of the mysterious water in the Baoli. It is believed that the dark water affects people's minds, leading some to attempt suicide.
Agrasen ki baoli an ancient step-well made with soaring arched walls and alcoves
8. Lothian Cemetery
The Lothian Cemetery holds a story that dates back to the British Raj era. Established in the 18th century, the Lothian Cemetery has been a silent witness to Delhi's violent history. It is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who were buried here, including Sir Nicholas, a British officer who took his own life out of unrequited love. At night, visitors have reported feeling his presence wandering among the graves, still pining for his lost love. The cemetery is also rumoured to be home to headless soldiers from the partition era.
The scary atmosphere of the cemetery is obvious, especially as the sun sets and the shadows grow longer. Visitors often report a feeling of being watched and an unexplainable chill in the air. Photographs taken here sometimes reveal orbs and figures that are disturbing to the naked eye, adding this place to the list of the most haunted places in Delhi.
Inside view of Lothian Cemetery
9. Delhi Cantonment
Delhi Cantonment, also known as Delhi Cantt, is a prominent area in the heart of Delhi known for its military presence and bustling activities. While it serves as a strategic location for defence establishments, it is also associated with paranormal activities, earning it the reputation of being a haunted place in Delhi. The haunted story of Delhi Cantonment unfolds the presence of a lady in white, believed to be British from the colonial era. According to locals, she met a tragic end, and her spirit is said to still wander the cantonment after dark.
People who live in the area and security guards claim to have seen a lady in a white saree. They say she asks for a ride, and if they say no, she starts following them. The haunted Delhi Cantt has become popular as people have used tools like EVP recorders and EMF detectors to capture evidence and record strange voices and unusual happenings. The mysterious and unsettling events have created a scary story that makes people curious and scared when they visit Delhi Cantt at night.
View of Delhi Cantt road at night (Source - EaseMyTrip)
10. Malcha Mahal
Malcha Mahal, despite being labelled as one of Delhi's most haunted places, has a more disturbing history than supernatural stories. The centuries-old Malcha Mahal was the residence of the descendants of the royal family of Awadh till 2017. The story behind the Malcha Mahal is from the 70s, Princess Wilayat Mahal, great-granddaughter of the last Nawab of Awadh came to Delhi with her two children, fifteen wild dogs and seven servants. They lived in the New Delhi Railway station first class waiting room for 8 years after the Delhi government offered them the Malcha Mahal. The Mahal had no doors and electricity and it never got refurbished and the family was living in isolation with no contact with the outside world.
In 1993, Princess Wilayat Mahal took her life by swallowing a crushed diamond due to depression. A few years later, all the dogs and servants died. By 2014, Princess Sakina passed away, and in November 2017, Prince Ali Raza was found dead. The mystery of their survival without electricity, the source of their food, and their isolation from the outside world, the deaths of the princess's children and the family's unusual lifestyle added Malcha Mahal as a haunted place to visit in Delhi, leaving the puzzling existence of its former residents.
Archival Images Of Last Descendant Of Nawab of Awadh Prince Ali Raza (Source - Facebook)
11. Sanjay Van
Sanjay Van, though a ppearing calm and beautiful during the day, becomes a haunted place in Delhi at night. People reported that there is the presence of an elderly woman draped in white, appearing along pathways and the scary laughter of unseen children echoing through the air. Exploring Sanjay Van at night is not for the faint-hearted. Those who venture into this forest often recount tales of hearing whispers and giggles, feeling cold gusts of wind, and feeling someone watching and touching them.
These paranormal encounters continue to fuel the belief that Sanjay Van is one of the most haunted places in Delhi. Exploring it might give you excitement and a little fear, showing that even peaceful spots can have mysterious tales.
The dense green foliage of Sanjay Van
12. Delhi Ridge
As dusk falls, the Ridge transforms into a realm of the supernatural. The story behind the Ridge is about the spirit of the British gentleman from the colonial past. Witnesses claim to have seen him still walking around the Ridge, carrying an old-school rifle, as if patrolling the area. His presence is said to be so powerful that it chills the air around him.
Many people who have visited Ridge often feel as if someone is watching them. They have also noticed strange things happening, like a sudden fluctuation in their phone network and strange smells appearing out of nowhere. What adds to the mystery of this haunted place in Delhi is the Ridge's historical significance. It has been a silent spectator to many battles like the Siege of Delhi and the Battle of Badli-ki-Serai, while witnessing the rise and fall of empires. Some believe that the ghost of the British gentleman is a guardian of the Ridge's secrets, eternally bound to protect the sanctity of this historic land.
Forest area of Delhi Ridge (Source - Indiano Travel)
13. Dwarka Sector 9
In the shadows of Dwarka Sector 9, close to the metro station, stands a Banyan tree which has a strange supernatural story. The tree is famous for being the site of a tragic event that has left a permanent mark on the locality. Decades ago, a terrible accident occurred near this tree. A woman was gravely injured and died there, since then, rumours have circulated that her spirit has never left.
Locals whisper about an invisible force that seems to slap people travelling in the night. These stories are fueled by numerous accounts of a strange presence felt by those who walk past this tree after dark. Some believe that the spirit curses the people passing by for ill fortune, particularly fearing the possibility of accidents. This tree in Dwarka Sector 9 is more than just a part of the urban landscape, it’s a blend of superstition and unexplained mystery that makes it the most haunted place in Delhi.
Night view of Dwarka Sector 9 (Source - WildHawk)
14. Khooni Nadi
Khooni Nadi, also known as the "Bloody River," is considered one of the most haunted places in Delhi. This ancient waterway, flowing quietly near Rohini, is believed to be cursed, with a dark history dating back centuries. This river has witnessed horrifying battles and crimes, leaving behind a trail of revengeful spirits. There is a belief that those who visit Khooni Nadi never return, as the water seems to pull them in. Surprisingly, the water's depth is not enough to take anyone's life, yet people who dare to visit Khooni Nani have lost their life either by suicide or by accident, and their bodies are never recovered.
The locals also claim that anyone visiting Khooni Nadi can hear crying sounds and feel a sense of someone staring at them, even when they are all alone on the riverside. The occurrence of these events is believed to be linked to a curse of the people who died here in history. Khooni Nadi is considered the most haunted location in Delhi, similar to a Bermuda Triangle where mysterious and unsettling events unfold.
The old stone bridge quietly arches over Khooni Nadi in the night (Source - Navbharat Times)
15. The Karkardooma Delhi Court
The Karkardooma Delhi Court known for its busy courtrooms interestingly considered one of the haunted places in Delhi. After working hours, when people start leaving the court, some unusual events have been reported. Workers have claimed to feel the presence of spirits; these occurrences gained media attention. To investigate, CCTV cameras were installed which revealed that some strange things were happening in the evening time. The videos showed a white figure appearing from the wall, computers turning on and off, and drawers opening automatically. Concerned about these findings, a team of paranormal experts was called in to inspect. They agreed on the existence of some supernatural presence in the court premises.
CCTV captures paranormal activities in Delhi Karkardooma Court (Source - Amar Ujala)
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Delhi's haunted places, it becomes evident that the city is not just a bustling metropolis but also a gateway to the past, offering glimpses into a rich history hidden in some unknown stories. If you're planning to visit Delhi to explore these haunted places and are looking for a budget-friendly stay option do check out The Hosteller Delhi , located in south Delhi, within walking distance from Ashram Metro station (pink line). The Hosteller offers clean and comfortable beds, attached WCs, free WiFi, common spaces, friendly front-desk, in-house dining and many more services.
Remember that these stories are more a part of local folklore than proven facts, and it's always essential to approach such tales with skepticism. If you are interested in exploring these places, please do so responsibly and respect any rules or regulations in place. Additionally, be cautious about trespassing on private property and ensure your safety while visiting these locations.
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FAQs about haunted places to visit in Delhi
1. Are there any restrictions for visiting Delhi's most haunted places?
There are no specific restrictions for visiting the haunted places in Delhi, but some locations may have local restrictions, particularly at night.
2. Do I need a guide to visit haunted places in Delhi?
While not mandatory though a guide can enhance your experience by providing historical context and local legends. Some spots might be difficult to navigate or understand without a knowledgeable local guide.
3. Is photography or video recording allowed at haunted places in Delhi?
You're generally allowed to take photos and videos, but be mindful of specific rules at each location.
4. What is the best time of day to visit Delhi’s most haunted places?
The best time to visit haunted places in Delhi is usually late afternoon or early evening when the atmosphere becomes eerie.
5. Can tourists stay overnight in the above-listed haunted places in Delhi?
It's generally not allowed to spend the night at haunted places in Delhi. These places are often public areas with restricted visiting hours, so staying overnight is illegal.
6. What precautions should be taken when visiting haunted places in Delhi?
Prioritize safety when visiting haunted Delhi spots. Stay within designated areas, follow local rules, and avoid risks. Respect the sites and cultural norms. Visiting in groups is advisable.
7. Are there any experiences of paranormal activities reported by visitors at these haunted places in Delhi?
Visitors to some of Delhi's haunted places have reported experiences that they attribute to paranormal activities such as unexplained noises, eerie sensations and sightings of apparitions. However, such experiences are often subjective and part of local folklore.
8. Are there any age restrictions for visiting haunted places in Delhi?
Generally, there aren't specific age restrictions. However, given the nature of these locations, parents are advised to use their discretion when deciding whether to bring children. Some organized tours might have age restrictions.
9. Is there an entry fee for visiting these haunted places in Delhi?
Most of the places doesn't charge but some might have an entry fee of Rs 800 approximately.
10. Are there any guided tours available for exploring haunted places in Delhi, and how can I book them?
Many tour companies in Delhi offer guided tours to haunted spots. These tours include knowledgeable guides who share spooky stories. You can book online or through your hotel. Some tours even offer nighttime adventures or storytelling sessions.
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