Rajasthan, the land of ancient forts and palaces is not just about emperors and tales from history. Rajasthan’s rich history gives way to a lot of stories that might sound incredulous but has been believed by the locals since ages. Home to some of the most haunted places in India, Rajasthan has another side to it. While some have a queer myth associated with them, others are related to the lives of emperors that once ruled this land. Irrespective of the story, the haunted places in Rajasthan are sure to send chills down your spine. If you are willing to explore the eerie side of Rajasthan during your next vacation, here is a list of the top haunted places in Rajasthan.
Top 5 Haunted forts in Rajasthan
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, a visit to one of the following places will surely give you the chills. Add these haunted places in Rajasthan on your holiday itinerary at your own risk!
1. Bhangarh Fort
Considered as the most haunted place in India, Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan is located between Jaipur and Alwar. While the fort is on the foot of the hills, the ruins of the palace built for King Madho are present on the lower slope. Some believe that the fort is haunted because of a sadhu’s curse who asserted that he will ruin the entire fort town if any house is built taller than his. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan happened to fall under this curse as Madho Singh was ignorant of the Sadhu’s curse. If the uncanny noises, sounds and light do not seem to daunt you, a visit to Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan should definitely be on your bucket list.
Did you know: There is another story that explains the paranormal activities in Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan. According to this legend, the fort was cursed by a sorcerer who was rejected by the princess of Bhangarh.
2. Rana Kumbha Palace, Chittorgarh Fort
A spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India and the most haunted forts in Rajasthan. Apart from its architectural and historical grandeur, this fort is known for some mystical elements as well.
Legend says that when the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khalji invaded this palace, Rani Padmini performed Jauhar (mass self-immolation) with 700 women to commemorate the bravery and valour of their men. Locals claim that the palace is haunted by the spirits of these women. Some people have also claimed to see glimpses of a woman wandering in a royal outfit.
3. The Nahargarh Fort
Located on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, this fort offers a stunning panoramic view of the pink city of Jaipur. However, people don’t visit this fort just for its picturesque value. The Nangarhar fort is one of the best-haunted forts in Rajasthan. The fort was called Sudarshangarh earlier. It is believed that Nahar Singh Bhomia’s spirit was upset when the construction of the fort started. In order to pacify his spirit, a temple was made within the fort and it came to be recognized as the Nahargarh Fort. Despite this, people have informed of a ghostly presence here owing to Nahar Singh’s discontent with the fort.
Did you know: Bhangarh Fort is not only the most haunted place in India, but it’s also listed among the haunted places in the world!
4. Brijraj Bhawan Palace
Brijraj Bhawan Palace is among the most haunted palaces In Rajasthan. Though this palace has now been converted into a hotel, this property has an interesting story to support the haunted tales that have been going around for a long time. Major Charles Burton who used to reside in this palace was killed here during the mutiny of 1857. The Indian soldiers killed his two sons as well and the bodies were buried in the Kota cemetery. Visitors have reported the presence of the Major’s ghost in the hotel premises. Even though the spirit has caused no harm, people have claimed to experience some sinister vibe in this haunted mahal in Rajasthan.
5. Jal Mahal
An architectural marvel, Jal Mahal in Udaipur has been a cause of fear for many people over the years. The palace that is partially submerged in water was used as a getaway for the kings of that time. Locals state that the palace became an abandoned building when the stagnant water started penetrating through the palace walls. People have reported some strange unusual force in the air because of which no one likes to go near the palace after sunset.
Must Read: 23 Best places to visit in Udaipur
Haunted places in Rajasthan that will give you chills
1. Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara was an abandoned city situated 35 Km from Jaisalmer. The village is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage site now. In 1825, residents of Kuldhara and neighbouring villages left this area to protect the honour of a young girl who was pressurised for marriage continuously by a wicked minister. The locals left the village with the curse that no one could ever live here. People who have been here had reported strange noises of footsteps and shadows that still haunt this village.
Chilling stories from around the world: According to Japanese mythology, Aokigahara Forest in Japan is said to have the demonic presence that has caused the 500 reported suicides since the 1950s.
2. Jagatpura
This residential area in Jaipur was ruled by an insensitive and greedy king who didn’t treat his subjects very well. As a result, the villagers died of starvation. Today, the people residing in this area use the same story to explain the muffled voices and apparitions seen here quite often. Apparently, the area turns oddly strange as the darkness takes over. Frequent glimpses of a lady in a white dress have also been reported by the people. Clearly, even though Jagatpura is a homely area, it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Suggested Read: Romantic Places in Jaipur for Couples
3. Sudhabay
If you visit Sudhabay on a regular day, you won’t find anything odd about the place. Calling it one of the most haunted places in Rajasthan would make you laugh. But if you happen to visit this town on the ‘Ghost Fair day’ be ready to for some bone-rattling sights. Situated close to Pushkar, this tiny town is associated with exorcisms and some disturbing rituals. On the annual ‘Ghost Fair’ day, people come from far and wide to get rid of the evil spirits possessing them. The lake here is considered to contain holy water and people come here to take a dip to free themselves of the negative energies hovering around them. The strange rituals performed here will definitely make your blood run cold.
4. NH-79, Dudu Village
Described as the ‘bloodthirsty highway’, NH 79 is one of the most haunted sites in Rajasthan. The story dates back to the time when child marriage was prevalent in India. A five-year-old girl was forced to marry a three old boy by the locals. Completely against the marriage, the mother fled with the daughter and ran towards the highway in search of help. However, they got run over by a vehicle and the ghost of the girl and the mother is said to haunt this road till today.
5. Chand Baori
One of the largest Stepwells in the world, Chand Baori is located in Abhaneri, Rajasthan. According to the folk legends, this massive structure (13 stories and 3500 Steps) was built overnight by Djinn. The locals also believe that the curse of the Djinn doesn’t let you climb back up through the same steps you used to come down. Though the legend sounds highly incredulous, the weird air around this haunted place in Rajasthan will surely raise the hair on the back of your neck.
6. Kiradu Temple
Kiradu temple is yet another haunted place in the Rajasthan that will chill your bones. A collection of five temples, the Kiradu temple boast a stunning Solanki architectural style and resemble like the Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh. According to the folklore, these temples were cursed by an enraged sadhu who was disgruntled by the rulers of Kirad Clan.
As the story goes, the Sadhu was summoned by King Someshwar to bless them with safety soon after a local war. The sadhu arrived with his disciple and left him behind to look after the kingdom. Later, when the Kiradu became prosperous, the disciple was left in negligence. The sadhu cursed all the people of this kingdom to turn into stone, except for a potter’s wife who helped the disciple when he fell sick. The Sadhu asked her to leave the city behind and to turn and look back. Out of curiosity, she looks back at the city and turns into stone. Her statue is said to be still present at the outskirts of the city.
Conclusion
Each of the aforementioned places has their own unique story to support the unnatural experiences people have had here. If everything from spirits to apparitions intrigues your mind, you should definitely muster the courage to explore these bizarre haunted places in Rajasthan. Get in touch with lastminute India to plan a perfect itinerary for you. With detailed knowledge about every place, we plan a customized itinerary based on your unique needs.
I didn’t knew that there are so many haunted forts in Rajasthan!!!!!! I knew only about Bhangarh Fort. But I have not went there at all,because I am afraid to visit such creepy and haunted places.