In the heart of Rajasthan’s regal splendour lies a hidden world, a realm of stories that add a touch of mystery to its historical charm. Beyond the majestic forts and splendid architecture, a different fascination lingers – the allure of haunted places in Rajasthan. Amidst the tales of bravery and grandeur, these locations offer glimpses into the supernatural, intertwining the past with the unexplained.
Bhangarh Fort stands as a testament to the land of kings’ haunted reputation. Its crumbling walls echo with legends of curses, and the air is thick with stories of ghostly appearances. Little further, the Kuldhara village tells a tale of the inexplicable disappearance of its inhabitants, while Rana Kumbha Palace mirrors a bygone era.
This arid region has many such eerie locales with their own stories to tell. People, both local and visitors, share accounts of strange happenings at these sites, from old palaces to abandoned villages and grand forts. These haunted places in Rajasthan often come with local legends that will give you goosebumps. If you’re up for an exciting adventure, let’s delve into these enigmatic destinations that are sure to pique your curiosity.
Here are the most haunted places in Rajasthan
Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort is an obvious entry in this list. Believed to be one of the most haunted places in India, Bhangarh’s unsettling past attracts locals and foreigners alike.
Constructed in the 17th century by Raja Madho Singh, the brother of Man Singh of Amber, a general in the Mughal empire, Bhangarh town boasted nearly 9,000 houses and a grand royal palace, but by 1720, the population mysteriously dwindled.
Legend has it that the fort’s grounds were once inhabited by Guru Balu Nath, a hermit. His condition was to keep the castle’s shadow away from his home. Ignoring this, Madho Singh’s successor extended the fort with taller walls, casting a dark shadow over the Balu Nath’s home. This breach of respect led to Balu Nath’s curse making Bhangarh a ghost town with roofless houses.
Another folklore speaks of Princess Ratnavati from Bhangarh, known for her extraordinary beauty. Enchanted by her allure, a tantric priest skilled in black magic sought to capture her heart by casting a spell on the oil she was meant to use. The princess uncovered the malicious plan and flung the bewitched oil bottle at a rock, which ultimately crushed the tantrik to his demise. In his final breaths, he cursed Bhangarh, prophesying perpetual sorrow and despair that would haunt the town, denying any person a peaceful life.
The Archaeological Survey of India has put up a board that cautions every visitor not to venture into the fort after sunset and before sunrise, i.e. 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Note: Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
Entry fees – Indian Nationals: INR 25 (HKD 2), Foreigners: INR 200 (HKD 18)
How to reach:
Bhangarh Fort is about 83 km from Jaipur
Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara is a deserted village located about 17 kilometres to the west of Jaisalmer. It thrived centuries ago but remains empty now with unanswered questions. In 1291, the Paliwal Brahmins built this village and their skill in growing crops in the desert made it a prosperous place. But one night, in 1825, the Kuldhara villagers, along with 83 neighbouring settlements, vanished without a trace. To date, their whereabouts remain unknown, as no one saw them leave.
The stories passed down through time say the villagers were treated cruelly by an unjust minister, Salim Singh. This minister cast his gaze upon the chief’s beautiful daughter and demanded her hand in marriage, using threats to enforce his wishes. Salim Singh threatened to impose taxes. Fearing both heavy taxes and the impending marriage, the village chief and leaders of 84 neighbouring villages chose to leave Kuldhara.
As they left, a curse was cast upon the village, ensuring it would never be inhabited again. This curse held its grip, and today, Kuldhara remains a spectacle – a maze of empty streets, roofless houses, crumbling walls, and a handful of temples standing as silent witnesses.
How to reach:
Kuldhara Village is about 35 km from Jaisalmer
Brijraj Bhavan
The property was constructed by the East India Company in 1830. It was built for British political officers to live in and named the Agency Bungalow. Brijraj Singh, the Maharaja of Kota until his passing in 2022, inherited the property from his father in 1956, which he later named Brijraj Bhavan. He moved into the building with his family and converted it into a hotel in 1964. This colonial structure is considered one of the most haunted places in Rajasthan.
According to some accounts, one British officer Major Charles Burton and his family moved into the property in the 19th century. Soon after, the sepoy mutiny of 1857 broke out. During the armed rebellion, a group of Indian soldiers raided and attacked this heritage property. They killed the Englishman and his family. Afterwards, the Maharaja of Kota gave the family a proper burial.
After the incident, locals and guests reported seeing the ghost of Burton roaming around the old building. The then-crown princess of Kota also claimed to have seen the ghost. According to those accounts, the spirit had the habit of whacking the guards or servants who were asleep.
As quoted by Ann Morrow in her book The Maharajas of India (pages 161-163) Yuvrani of Kota stated, “As far as we know, he (Major Burton) is an elderly man with white hair and a walking stick. I have seen him myself because he was murdered in the first-floor bedroom, which is now my suite. The trouble with Major Burton is that he never goes off duty. He wanders around the palace and if he catches a servant asleep, gives him a quick slap on the cheek. He is the only restless soul around in summer when it can be like a furnace in Kota”.
How to reach:
Brijraj Bhavan is about 250 km from Jaipur
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Rana Kumbha Palace
Located inside the Chittorgarh Fort, Rana Kumbha Palace has a scary past. It has a history dating back to the 14th-century battle between the Sultan of Delhi, Allaudin Khilji, and the Maharaja of Mewar Kingdom, Rana Rattan Singh.
According to legend, when Allaudin Khilji defeated Rana Ratan Singh on the battlefield and attacked the palace, Rani Padmini and 700 female followers performed the act of Jauhar (self-immolation) to protect their honour. Even after centuries, tourists visiting this palace have heard the screams of women. People have also talked about seeing a lady in traditional royal attire with a burnt face. Visitors have also heard voices calling out for help.
How to reach:
Rana Kumbha Palace is about 116 km from Udaipur
Chand Baori
Considered to be the world’s deepest stepwell, Chand Baori is over a thousand years old and built somewhere between the 8th-9th century CE. Located in Abhaneri village, near Jaipur, it was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbh Dynasty to act as a water source for settlements on this arid land. However, over a period of time, it transformed into a repository of ghostly tales.
The people of the area claim that ghosts built this astonishing place in a single night! It’s so magnificent and vast, with over 3500 steps, that it seems like it should have taken years to complete this architectural marvel. There’s a spooky belief that a djinn haunts the location, and strangely, it won’t allow you to use the same stairs to go up that you used to come down in this step well.
How to reach:
Chand Baori is about 93.5 km from Jaipur
Jagatpura
Beyond the stunning castles of Rajasthan, Jagatpura is popular for its witchy past. The small town was once ruled by a greedy king who let the villagers under his rule die of starvation. It is said that the villagers cursed the king while dying of hunger. According to local lore, the spirits of these villagers still ask for help from tourists.
Anyone who dares to make a trip to Jagatpura will get the chance to hear uncanny stories about witches who wander around at night. Locals have also recalled their encounters with the witches and a woman in white clothing. As the night falls, an unsettling aura descends upon Jagatpura, making it the perfect setting for the plot of a classic Indian horror tale.
How to reach:
Jagatpura is about 16 km from Jaipur
Sudhabay
Located at a distance of 5 km from Pushkar, Sudhabay has gained popularity as a place for exorcism and spooky happenings. While it’s not your typical haunted spot, it hosts a peculiar ‘Ghost Fair’ that people from across India visit to get rid of evil spirits that ‘possess’ them or someone they know. Sudhabay also has a well, considered to be filled with holy water. During the annual fair, people gather to take part in rituals around the well.
This place is also home to a lake which is considered sacred as it is believed that its water has special powers. People come to take a dip in the lake to ward off the negative energies that surround them.
How to reach:
Sudhabay is about 138 km from Jaipur
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(Hero image credit: Mrinalpal/Shutterstock, feature image credit: tourism.rajasthan.gov.in)
Related: Is There Any Truth To Dumas Beach Being One Of The Most Haunted Places In India?
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
– Are there really haunted places in Rajasthan?
Yes, Rajasthan has several places rumoured to be haunted, including Bhangarh Fort, Kuldhara village, Rana Kumbha Palace and many more. These sites are associated with eerie legends and paranormal stories, adding to the region’s mystique.
– What are some of the most haunted places in Rajasthan?
Bhangarh Fort, Kuldhara village, Brijraj Bhavan, Rana Kumbha Palace and Jagatpura are some of the most popular haunted places in Rajasthan.
– Can tourists visit these haunted places?
Tourists are welcome to explore these places. It is advisable to check for entry tickets, visiting hours and any specific guidelines set by the Rajasthan government or any other concerned authorities.
– What are the ghostly occurrences reported in these places?
Tourists and locals recount unsettling sounds, footsteps, screams, witches, and a ghost with a burnt face.
– Are haunted places in Rajasthan safe to visit?
Yes, haunted places in Rajasthan are generally safe for tourists to visit.
– Are there any haunted hotels or palaces in Rajasthan?
Yes, Brijraj Bhavan Hotel in Kota is rumoured to be haunted.
– What is the history behind these haunted places?
Haunted places in Rajasthan derive their chilling image from historical events, tragedies and local legends. These stories often involve curses, black magic and mysterious disappearances, capturing the imagination of visitors.
– Do people still live near these haunted places?
Yes, people still live near haunted places in Rajasthan. While some locations are abandoned, others have nearby communities.
– Can I take photographs at these haunted locations?
Yes, photography is allowed at these sites.
– Are there any ghost tours or paranormal investigations offered in Rajasthan?
Yes, some tour operators offer ghost tours in Rajasthan for places like Bhangarh Fort and Kuldhara village.
Written By
Ruchit Rastogi
A journalism graduate, Ruchit has worked with Republic TV as a news writer before venturing into the world of travel with Flynote, covering both local and international stories. Off the clock, Ruchit can be spotted cafe hopping, indulging in his love for reading, cooking, or planning his next solo adventure. A wandering hermit at heart, his days are ..Read More
