India’s most haunted villages

Step into the mystical realms of India’s most haunted villages, where ancient legends and spine-tingling mysteries converge.

Jatinga, Assam

Jatinga, a village in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, is famous for a mysterious annual event. From September to November, birds suddenly plunge to their deaths at sunset, baffling scientists. Some say the late monsoon, wind and fog disorient the birds, leading to this eerie phenomenon. This unusual occurrence makes Jatinga a unique, haunting spot in Assam, attracting curious tourists to witness the strange event.

Kuldhara, Rajasthan

Kuldhara, known as the ‘ghost village of India’, is an abandoned village near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Its spooky reputation stems from the mysterious departure of its residents in the 19th century. Legend has it that a minister’s desire to marry a girl from the village, and the subsequent threat when denied, led the villagers to curse the place. Those who attempt to stay overnight in Kuldhara report paranormal activities. Today, the village remains deserted, shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere, making it one of India’s most haunted locations.

Also Read: Finding a soul in Uttarakhand’s ghost village

Dow Hill, Kurseong, Darjeeling

Dow Hill in Kurseong is notorious for its paranormal activities and is often considered India’s most haunted hill station. Just 30km from Darjeeling, it appears as a peaceful hamlet, but it hides stories of haunted buildings, mysterious forests and a headless ghost. A road known as the ‘Death Road’ adds to the ghostly ambience. The most chilling legend revolves around a headless boy seen walking from Dow Hill Road to the forest office before disappearing into the dense woods. The Victoria Boys High School on Dow Hill is also believed to be haunted, with strange sounds reported during its winter closure.

Dumas Beach, Gujarat

Dumas Beach, a popular destination in Surat, wears a spooky vibe after dark. While it attracts crowds during the day, most visitors leave as night falls. Those brave enough to stay overnight often report chilling experiences. Some are even said to have mysteriously disappeared. Situated along the Arabian Sea, it is considered one of most haunted places in Gujarat. The beach’s black sand is linked to its history as a Hindu burial ground, and legend has it that spirits linger here. Reports of paranormal activities, missing individuals, strange sounds, laughter, crying, white apparitions and moving orbs contribute to the beach’s eerie reputation.

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

The Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu has a spine-chilling stretch on the national highway. Legends say that this road, once ruled by the notorious bandit Veerappan until his death, is a haunting place. Travellers share creepy tales of floating lights and distant screams along this route. It is widely believed to be the most haunted road in Tamil Nadu, with many attributing the eerie occurrences to the spirit of Veerappan.

Also Read: Where the water monitor lizards have a free run

The lead image at the top shows an abandoned house in a haunted village (Representational photo taken from Pickpik)