Haunted Places in Shimla: Discovering the Spooky Side of Serenity
Shimla, the beautiful capital of Himachal Pradesh, is famous for its stunning scenery and a historical framework that attracts visitors from all over the world. But behind its peaceful exterior lies a hidden world of spooky legends and haunted places. These strange stories and mysterious happenings have fascinated locals and tourists for years. Let’s explore some of the most haunted places of Shimla, where abandoned mansions, ghostly tunnels, and scary tales await those who are brave enough to discover the darker side of this lovely hill station.
Convent of Jesus & Mary
The Convent of Jesus and Mary in Shimla is a respected school with a long history. Founded by the Religious of Jesus and Mary, it’s surrounded by greenery and offers a peaceful place to learn. But despite its academic excellence, there are whispers about bizarre things happening within the walls. Some people say they’ve seen a ghostly nun walking around, and others hear strange noises in the halls. There are also stories about a headless horseman appearing on Friday the 13th, and about kids still haunting the school, who died in a fire a long time ago in the British era. Despite its esteemed reputation, the Convent of Jesus and Mary remains soaked in mystery, its haunted history continuing to intrigue and unsettle everyone around.
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Indira Gandhi Medical College
Indira Gandhi Medical College stands as the largest medical facility not only in Shimla but also across Himachal Pradesh. Despite its esteemed medical status, it shares a darker reputation as one of the most haunted places in Shimla. Patients, their families, doctors, and staff have frequently reported encountering mysterious activities within the hospital premises, particularly in the lifts, corridors, and rooms, like hearing random noises, and instances of individuals feeling pushed from behind while ascending the stairs. Many people believe that these strange events are caused by the spirits of those who have died in the hospital. Additionally, there are rumors that the forest road next to the medical college is haunted too, which makes the whole area feel even more disturbing.
Tunnel 33
Tunnel 33 on the Kalka-Shimla Railway line is one of the most haunted places in Shimla. British engineer Captain Barog was in charge of its construction, but after failing to complete the task and facing a fine and humiliation, he took his own life. Locals and visitors claim to have encountered his spirit, reporting strange sounds of footsteps, ghostly figures, and a strong sense of unease. Some even say Captain Barog’s ghost interacts in a friendly manner with those who see him. Additionally, there are stories of a woman’s ghost who is seen running and screaming through the tunnel, only to disappear into thin air.
Chudail Baudi (Witch’s Well)
Chudail Baudi, also known as Witch’s Well, is infamous as one of the most terrifying places in Shimla. Located along the route from Shimla Highway to Chotta Shimla, this well is said to be home to a chudail (witch) who lures unsuspecting souls. According to local tales, vehicles passing this area experience an unexplained slowdown, and the bone-chilling encounters don’t stop there— an old woman is said to appear, asking for a lift. The strangest part is that whether drivers agree or not, she mysteriously ends up sitting beside them. Her creepy laughter echoing in the darkness gives away a sinister warning. These occurrences have been associated with several accidents, solidifying Chudail Baudi’s status as one of the most infamous haunted places of Shimla.
Charleville Mansion
Charleville Mansion, a spooky, abandoned castle near the famous Ridge, was built during the British era. This Victorian-style mansion, which was once a summer getaway for the British, is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Captain Charles Pratt, a British officer who died mysteriously. In 1913, British officer Victor Bayley and his wife rented it and heard local stories about it being haunted. To check these claims, Bayley locked the room thought to be one of the Shimla’s haunted places. When he reopened it, the room was completely messed up, giving the mansion its scary reputation. Visitors have reported hearing strange sounds and also seeing a lady in white, believed to be Lady Charlotte, the former owner.
House of Dukhani
The House of Dukhani, settled on a hill in Shimla, is another site framed in the list of haunted places of Shimla. This residence is believed to be haunted by the ghost of an old man who reportedly committed suicide by shooting himself down. One notable story involves Sir John Smith, who visited the house when it was owned by an elderly Brit named Bucky. During his stay, Sir John encountered the ghost of the old man, wearing a white gown, in the very room where the suicide took place. This unsettling experience, along with numerous reports of ghostly figures and strange noises from locals, has solidified Dukhani’s status as one of Himachal Pradesh’s most haunted spots, adding a layer of mystery to its calm appearance.
Conclusion
Shimla’s haunted places, with their intriguing past and unsettling stories, provide a sharp contrast to the serene surroundings of the city. Diving into these tales, which are deeply rooted in both local folklore and historical context, never fails to both fascinate and unsettle those who dare to explore terrifying places in Shimla. Whether you approach them with scepticism or belief, the chilling mysteries of Shimla are bound to make a lasting impression on anyone who encounters them.