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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Most Haunted Places In India

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Haunted places in India
Image Source: monkeywing
India is often considered as a land of undiscovered mystery. For centuries, travellers from around the world who have made their journey to India have been fascinated by the mystical energy that surrounds the country. From religious practices to rituals that are quintessentially Indian, these traits have made India a popular tourist destination. Therefore, when it comes to listing the Top haunted places in India, there is not better country to start with.
These abandoned places in India have become places of interest for those who are fascinated by the supernatural. For those who are too afraid to visit these places in person, reading about and sharing stories of these mysterious places in India might be the next best thing!
It should also be noted that these ghostly places in India have come under the spotlight as they have been visited by ‘supernatural detectives’ wanting to experience or debunk the strange events occurring here. In fact, these modern-day ‘ghostbusters’ camp in these places overnight to record any strange occurrences which they then monitor before they come to any final conclusions.
So steel your nerves, and take a peak into a list of haunted places in India which have sprung to the forefront either on the basis of what many people have deduced, by way of research or just by word-of-mouth:

Here is the list of Most Haunted Places in India:

1. Indian Ghost Town of Bhangarh – Ajabgarh, Rajasthan

Haunted Palace
Image Source: Image Source: Shahnawaz Sid
The Indian Ghost Town of Bhangarh, Rajasthan is one of the scariest places in India to visit, in addition to being one of the most abandoned places in India. However, this tag has not perturbed visitors from making frequent trips to this ghost town.
Located near a famous forest in the area, this town is now slowly luring visitors from around the area, and country, to visit it. However, it should be noted that if you decide to visit the town after sunset, you will be not be allowed. In fact, there is a strict warning that it is out of bounds after the sun sets.
[Wanna visit this haunted place? Plan your Rajasthan trip now]
The story which this town is well-known for tells the tale of how a magician who was in love with the local princess of the area was forbidden to ever fall in love with her. Unhappy with the decision, he decided to cast a spell on her to make her surrender to him. However, the princess, who was also a disciple of the occult learned of his plans and found a way to kill him.
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Image Source: Image Source: A Frequent Traveller
Even before his death, the magician cast a dark spell on the palace which caused its doom. Despite the story surrounding the ruins, it still is a fascinating place to visit. In fact, it has also been officially promoted as a tourist destination. However, once night falls, the place becomes deserted, leaving the darkness to engulf it once again till morning comes.

2. Dumas Beach- Gujarat 

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Image Source: Andrew Moir
Dumas Beach in Gujarat already has an ominous ring to its name. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is considered as one of the most haunted places in India. This beach is located very near Surat, one of the developed cities of the state. This particular beach draws countless visitors almost every day as legend has it that the winds which blow fiercely come along with whispers.
[Check out some of the Best Road Trips in India]
In fact, it is believed that there have been many people who have lost their lives here. Also, if you are a brave heart, you can test the waters yourself by taking a midnight stroll along the beach, if you have company. If the testimonies are anything to go by, then you will also be greeted by warnings asking you to not cross a certain line while on the beach.
It is also believed that this beach was for long used as a Hindu burial ground, therefore, being the resting place of tortured souls. There have also been reports of people disappearing mysteriously and having never been found again. However, if you still want to visit the beach to do some exploring of your own, then go ahead and do so if you have the stomach for it! You will find Dumas Beach one of the most mysterious places in India.

3. D’Souza Chawl in Mahim – Mumbai

Ghost in House
Image Source: Energetic Spirit
D’Souza Chawl in Mahim, Mumbai is also considered as among the haunted places in India. There have been many ghost stories surrounding one particular well in the chawl which is considered to be haunted. Residents of the chawl believe that there was a woman, who while filling water from the well, plunged to her death since the well was boundary-less.
Therefore, ‘the lady of the well’ is said to haunt the area surrounding the well every night. There have been many sightings of a white apparition who many consider to be the lady. However, the residents believe that the lady just walks around the area without actually harming anyone who happens to visit the area. As predicted, once the sun comes up, she vanishes into thin air only to appear again in the night. This particular place cannot be considered as a place many visitors can frequent though.

4. The Shaniwarwada Fort – Pune

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Image Source: Nishanth Jois
The Shaniwarwada Fort in Pune is a historical delight in addition to being one of the ghostly places in India. In fact, there are many who are of the opinion that the story that is associated with this fort is one of the most chilling stories. Lauded for its architectural brilliance, this fort has witnessed various strange occurrences.
[Got thrilled? Check out mysterious Roopkund or Skeleton Lake]
Legend has it that during a full moon, the level of supernatural activity increases. The mysterious story surrounding this fort talks about how a young prince was brutally murdered by one of his very own relatives in the fort. Therefore, his spirit still haunts the place and in the night, sounds of him shrieking almost violently can be heard. There are many locals who actually camp at night on the fort grounds just to hear that little boy’s scream for help. A chilling story indeed.
However, most visitors prefer to visit the fort during the morning hours as it is desirable. In fact, the fort is deserted at night except for maybe a caretaker doing the rounds.

5. GP Block - Meerut

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Image Source: Duncan
GP Block in Meerut also makes it to the list of one of the places in India that is subject to paranormal activity. It should be noted that this place, though considered as one of the abandoned places in India, is not very well known or frequented by many people. Despite being relatively unknown, there have been sightings of ghosts on a number of occasions.
One of the sights that people who pass this place observe is that of four males sitting together and enjoying an alcoholic beverage in the company of a single lit candle. At first, this was not considered as scary as many who passed the area were of the impression that these ‘spirits’ were just normal friends enjoying each other’s company.

However, once it was established that it was indeed four ghosts, people in and around the area became intrigued. In addition to this sight, there are some who have also witnessed a young girl coming out of the house in what many people believe to be a red dress. However, even as time has moved on, the people who used to frequent that place once upon a time have now stopped going there. It has truly become an abandoned place now.

6. The Vrindavan Society - Thane

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The Vrindavan Society in Thane, considered as one of the most famous housing societies of Thane, is also the spot where many of its residents and night guards have experienced paranormal activity. However, this is perhaps the most unassuming place to be haunted as the society is beautifully constructed with spacious apartments, considered by many as a prime piece of real estate.

However, it has been reported that there was once a man who lived in the society who happened to commit suicide. Therefore, his spirit is presumed to haunt the society at night. In fact, the night guards have witnessed a lot of strange activities which have also included a guard getting slapped in the face with such force that he nearly toppled from his chair.
Even as the other guard patrolling the other side of the society came to his rescue, they both could not find anyone around. With this incident, the residents are careful not to enter the society too late in the night, lest they fall prey to the ghost’s wrath too.  However, the housing society still remains one of the best in the suburb of Thane.

7. Bombay Supreme Court - Bombay

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For over 30 years whenever a murder trial is conducted here a vengeful bilingual ghost makes itself known by cursing and terrorizing anyone brave (or foolish) enough to enter.

8. Delhi cant - Delhi

Moon
Image Source: beaumontpete
Most of the times, people see a lady standing in white dress asking for lift. if you go thru she will run as fast as the car runs & people reported her sitting there

9. Ramoji Film City - Hyderabad

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It is a big film city in Hyderabad,(like universal studios) the hotels in Ramoji film city are haunted. They say that the film city is built on war grounds of the Nizam sultans. Witnesses report the lights kept on top keep falling off, the light men- who sit with the lights on top have been pushed so many times and many have had grievous injuries.

The food left in rooms also gets scattered around the room and strange marks are left on the mirror, some script…. resembling Urdu…the language spoken by the sultans. Girls are the ghosts’ favorite to haunt. They trouble the girls so much, they tear their clothes, knock on the bathroom doors while the outside doors are locked. They create havoc. Many preventive measures have been taken to prevent hauntings……but of no use…they keep coming back after sometime.

10. Raj Kiran hotel - Lonavla, Maharashtra

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Image Source: Jim Reynolds
Reports of bed sheets being pulled off and continue to be pulled even after the guest is woken up. This room is in the corner and at the backside of the reception on the ground floor itself.

11. Sanjay Van (near Qutab Institutional Area) - New Delhi

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Image Source: Jim Pennucci
Sanjay Van is a huge forest area spread over around 10 kms. There is a cremation ground also there, many people have reported having seen a lady dressed in a white saree appearing and disappearing suddenly.
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Image Source: Timo Newton-Syms

12. Dow Hill in Kurseong - Darjeeling 

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Image Source: Andreas Øverland
Dow Hill in Kurseong, Darjeeling may not necessarily be considered as one of the abandoned places in India but it can surely be one of the most haunted places in India. This small township is famous for some of the best boarding schools in West Bengal. The Dow Hill Boarding School for Girls is at the center of supernatural activity by all accounts.
There have been many reports of the school’s corridors being haunted. Additionally, the forest that surrounds the school is also considered to be haunted. In fact, many woodsmen who visit the forest have reported seeing a headless boy who suddenly appears and then disappears into the forests. Legend has it that there were innumerable murders which took place in this forest area.

13. The Brij Raj Bhavan Palace in Kota – Rajasthan 

The Brij Raj Bhavan Palace in Kota, Rajasthan should also be on your itinerary as one of the most ghostly places in India. This old palace which has now been converted into something of a heritage hotel is apparently haunted by a British ghost who was killed during the Revolt of 1857.

There are some who also add that a Major Burton (the ghost) along with his sons was shot right inside the palace and therefore, he haunts the place. In fact, in this palace, considered by many as one of the most mysterious places in India, the ghost of the Major does not really harm anyone, but during the night, there have been reports of guards getting slapped in the face. Therefore, visit the palace at your own risk.

Source:thrillophilia

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Top 10 Indian Rail Journeys

Indian Rail Journey
Train journeys are a fun experience to many, and especially bring back memories of childhood and summer vacations.

Top 10 Indian rail journeys

Travelling through greenery, hovering bridges, and dark tunnels, trains journeys do bring in lots of fun to holiday travel. Let us have a sneak peak at the ten best rain journeys in India
Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (West Bengal)
Train: The Toy Train
Travel Time9 nights
Journey: Travelling at a speed of 12kmph, this tiny steam train, trundles through tea plantations, taking you as close as possible to the tea-pickers with baskets strapped on their heads. The railway line zigzags through the main road of the town, and runs alongside its market. A glimpse of Mount Kanchenjunga can be caught, if the sky is clear.
 Route: Pune, Maharashtra – New Delhi
Train: Indian Maharaja Deccan Odyssey
Travel Time: 10 nights tour
Journey: This elegant railway gives you a feel of how the Maharajas of yester years once travelled. Hence, is really friendly on the pocket. The splendid scenic beauty that unfolds along the way can be enjoyed in this air conditioned luxurious train. Several are the onboard activities like multi cuisine dining options, fully equipped library, to keep the guests entertained.

Route: Vasco da Gama, Goa to Londa, Karnataka
Train: Goa Express
Travel Time: 3 hours 30 mins
Journey:This train inches past pristine beaches and villages of Goa on Sundays. As it approaches the Western Ghats, the train speeds up through thick jungle and precarious curves of mountains. As the vegetation decreases, the waterfalls increase and the scene changes from rocky hills to deep valleys.
Route: New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal to Tinsukia, Ledo, Assam
Train: Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express
Travel Time: 18 hours
Journey:This journey involves two trains. The super-fast Rajdhani whizzes past vast stretches of emerald green paddy fields and tea plantations to reach Assam. As the stars come out, the train sweeps past the Brahmaputra River. The second stretch from Tinsukia to Ledo is the easternmost tip of the railway and the scenic beauty of this place is awe inspiring.
 Route: Pune, Maharashtra to New Delhi
Train: Nizamuddin Duronto Express
Travel Time: 20 hours
Journey:The Duronto Express from Pune to Delhi erases six hours off the normal 26-hour journey. It covers a fantastic route with the most varied topography and the onboard service is excellent. The train trundles past beautiful rivers, deserts, mountains and villages. Passengers are offered tasty meals included in the ticket prices and new interiors. The trains are derailment-proof!
 Route: Madgaon, Goa to Mumbai, Maharashtra
Train: Mandovi Express
Travel Time: 12 hours 15 mins
Journey: The Konkan Railway, sandwiched between the Sahyadri hills and the Arabian Sea, takes a stunning route as it cruises through 92 tunnels to makes its way through mountains and crosses 2000 bridges over hundreds of rivers. The breathtaking journey that takes you through postcard scenery of paddy fields lined with coconut trees, small villages and over endless stretches of water.
 Route: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu to Trivandrum, Kerala
Train: Island Express
Travel Time: 2 hours 15 mins
Journey:As the train makes a start from Kanyakumari and it inches through dense greenery, tightly-packed palm trees, signature style of Kerala, the train is flooded with aroma. You pass through little churches and houses built in artistic Kerala architecture. This journey is a short and sweet!
Route: Kalka, Haryana to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Train: Himalayan Queen
Travel Time: 5 hours 10 mins
Journey:Built in 1903, this metre-gauge railway passes through 102 tunnels, 87 bridges and 900 curves. Apart from those excitement seeking travelers, even regular commuters use this train to travel up and down the hillside. Fully bloomed brightly colored orchards, announce the entry into Shimla. The train stops frequently to let the passengers step out and enjoy the scenes and refreshments at the local stations.
 Route: Bangalore, Karnataka – Goa
Train: Golden Chariot
Travel Time: 9 nights
Journey: The train traverses across Karnataka, stopping by at tourists spots such as Kabini wildlife sanctuary, heritage sites of history of Hampi and Badami. The sunset over the hills, peaking through forests that can be witnessed on the evening before arriving in Goa, is enchanting. The train is elegant and well equipped with hot showers, libraries and dining options.
Route: Jammu to Udhampur, Jammu state
Train: Jammu Mail
Travel Time: 3 hours
Journey: This 53km stretch of railway into the foothills of Himalayas is the northernmost reach of the Indian Railways. The 20 tunnels and 158 bridges that is crosses while weaving its way around the rocky Shivalik mountain range, gapping rivers and deep valleys, offers jaw-dropping views. Flat lands and green pastures, mark the approach of Udhampur.

Source:thrillophilia