Since spooky season is here, let’s talk about something that gives every traveler goosebumps – dark tourism.
Most people book hill station trips or beach resorts, but if you are the kind of traveler who enjoys mystery, abandoned places, and stories that make your heart race a little faster, then dark tourism in India is for you!
Take a journey through these haunted places, forgotten ruins, and sites with tragic history that holds centuries of deep and dark secrets.
Here are the top 10 dark tourism destinations in India that will test your backbone.
Top 10 Dark Tourism Places in India (2025)
1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan
When we talk about haunted places in India, one place that comes to everyone’s mind is the Bhangarh Fort.
It is located between Jaipur and Alwar and was built in the 17th century. Although many legends surround this ruined fort, the most popular story says that a wizard cursed the entire town after the princess rejected his love. The curse wiped out the entire region, and since then, no one has ever dared to live there again.
Even the Archaeological Survey of India has to put up warning boards at its gates, restricting entry after sunset. Some locals even claim that they’ve heard strange noises echoing through the empty walls, sometimes laughter, music, or even footsteps!
Why visit: Bhangarh is more than just a haunted fort in India, preserving the story of fear, mystery, and the unseen in its ruins.
2. Kuldhara Village, Rajasthan
An abandoned village – The Kuldhara Village of Rajasthan is located near Jaisalmer. This village has confused historians for ages, as it was abandoned overnight more than 200 years ago. It was once home to the prosperous Paliwal Brahmins. No one exactly knows why it was abandoned overnight – some say it was due to water scarcity; others blame the oppressive rulers.
The villagers supposedly cursed the land before leaving the village, saying no one could ever live there again. And to this day, every attempt to rebuild or resettle Kuldhara has failed.
Why visit: You can experience one of the most mysterious abandoned sites in India, where silence speaks louder than words.
3. Cellular Jail (Kala Pani), Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Unlike other haunted sites, the Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, is not haunted by ghosts – but by pain. Kala Pani was used to imprison and torture our freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence during British rule.
The jail was designed in a way to completely break a person’s spirit – the cells were narrow and isolated. Many prisoners faced extreme suffering here, far away from the mainland.
Today it stands as a memorial and a reminder of India’s tragic history. A light and sound show here narrates real stories from the past, leaving visitors proud and emotional.
Why visit: The walls of the jail still hold those cries of men who gave their lives for freedom. This place serves as a reminder that not all ghosts wear chains – some wear courage.
4. Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
Jallianwala Bagh is one of those few places in India that carries such a heavy emotion. On April 13, 1919, British soldiers opened fire on a peaceful gathering here and killed hundreds of defenceless men, women, and innocent children.
Even today, the bullet marks on the walls and the well where people jumped to save themselves stand as painful reminders of that dark day.
Though it’s not a haunted site in the traditional sense, the energy is heavy, as you can feel the sorrow.
Why visit: Visit to pay tribute at one of India’s most important dark tourism sites, where the past still whispers its grief.
5. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand
It is located deep in the Himalayas and is also known as the Skeleton Lake – for a very good reason, of course. Somewhere in the 1940s, hundreds of human skeletons were found scattered around this frozen lake.
Scientists later discovered they dated back to the 9th century, and the cause of death was probably a massive hailstorm that killed hundreds of travellers. Even today, when the snow melts, you can still see bones beneath the surface.
Why visit: It is one of the world’s strangest dark tourism destinations, where the natural beauty of the Himalayas meets the strange mystery of dead beings.
6. Shaniwar Wada, Pune
It was built in 1732 and was once the seat of the mighty Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. The story behind this beautiful architecture is that of a young prince being brutally murdered by his own relatives for power.
A few locals have claimed to have heard the cries of a young boy on full moon nights, shouting, “Kaka, mala, vachava!” which means “Uncle, save me!”
It is a popular heritage site during the day, but once the evening comes, people avoid going anywhere nearby.
Why visit: It is situated in the heart of Pune and is a perfect mix of royal heritage and haunted history.
7. Dow Hill, Kurseong, West Bengal
It is located near the hills of Darjeeling. At first, Dow Hill looks like nothing more than just a peaceful hill station – until you learn its secrets. Some people have witnessed ghost sightings, strange shadows, and even a headless boy walking along the road near Victoria Boy’s School.
Many believe the area is haunted because of its history of mysterious deaths in the nearby forest.
Why visit: You can experience one of the most haunted hill stations in India and learn about its paranormal history.
8. Dumas Beach, Surat
In the day, Dumas Beach is just another coastal attraction, but once the night approaches, it turns into one of India’s eeriest haunted beaches.
The beach is covered in black sand, and it was believed to have once been used as a Hindu cremation ground. Few people say the spirits of those who were cremated there are still present in the area, especially after sunset, and others have claimed to hear eerie whispers and laughter.
Why visit: You can witness how a seemingly normal beach contains centuries of unsaid stories, and if you feel daring, maybe even test your courage.
9. Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi
Agrasen Ki Baoli is an ancient stepwell and is hidden somewhere among Delhi’s skyscrapers. It’s beautifully preserved with 108 steps leading down into darkness. The still water at the bottom is said to attract weird energy.
This haunted site in Delhi has been featured in many films and ghost-hunting documentaries.
Why visit: It has a beautiful architecture and is easy to reach Delhi’s haunted heritage.
Also Check: 10 Best Weekend Trips from Delhi for a Quick Escape (Within 300 km)
10. Malcha Mahal, Delhi
It is one of Delhi’s most mysterious abandoned places. It was once home to descendants of the Nawab of Oudh, and the family lived here in complete isolation after losing their royal privileges.
There are a few rumours about suicides, ghosts, and hidden treasures. The palace is still surrounded by thick forests but it’s slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Why visit: You can learn about its tragic, and lonely story though it might give you chills, but at the same time, you can’t help but admire how hauntingly beautiful it looks.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before you explore these haunted places and abandoned sites in India, keep these things in mind.
- Don’t mock or challenge local beliefs. Be respectful of the location and the stories behind it.
- Don’t be reckless, and avoid night visits, especially at forts or beaches known for accidents or paranormal activities.
- Don’t trespass if it’s a restricted area.
- To ensure safety during travel, hire a local guide. You can also hear real stories from locals.
- Since these are historic and emotional spaces, treat them with sensitivity. Be mindful.
Conclusion
India, although known mostly for its foods and festivals, also preserves deeper stories about its past in forgotten ruins, haunted forts and tragic historical sites.
Dark tourism in India gives us a chance to explore that side of history which isn’t always mentioned in textbooks. So, if you are ready for a different kind of adventure, pack your courage and curiosity and book your tickets now!
