Inside Goa's Most Haunted Places: Where Brave Souls Go Ghost Hunting
1. The Old Goa Churches
Not only are the churches of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for their magnificent beauty, they are also a hub for paranormal activity. The most famous ones include Old Goa's Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Locals and visitors have claimed spotting shadowy silhouettes, experiencing otherworldly sensations, and ghostly sounds. These occurrences reportedly intensify as the sun starts to set.
One of the most well-known legends is of a headless priest who allegedly haunts the corridors of the Basilica of Bom Jesus. He was reportedly beheaded during an invasion, and his tormented spirit has been unable to find peace. Some people claim to have seen his ghostly figure meandering around the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, while others assert that they have witnessed the sound of footsteps echoing in the empty corridors.
2. The D'Mello House
Situated at the center of Goa City, the D'Mello House is an abandoned mansion with an infamous story. It is said that the D'Mello family, who once occupied the house, came to a rather tragic end under unknown circumstances. The house has been kept deserted for decades, but the locals are certain that it is anything but vacuous.
There have been reports by paranormal investigators about disembodied footsteps echoing laughter through the halls, windows rattling for no reason, and doors closing by themselves. Some have even reported seeing the ghostly figure of a woman wearing a white saree standing at the balcony, believed to be the spirit of the lady of the house who died by suicide after her entire family was killed.
3. The Assagao Cemetery
Like anywhere in the world, cemeteries are usually places rumored to be haunted and The Assagao Cemetery in Goa is no different. This burial ground is ancient, lies in heavy undergrowth, and is said to be the resting place for wandering ghosts. People from the neighboring towns stay away during the night, while paranormal activity enthusiasts seek its strange vibe.
Visitors have reported plenty of morbid happenings like floating spherical lights above the burial sites, sorrowful sounds of mourning, and inexplicable feelings of fear. One of the most frightening accounts is of a shadowy figure that tracks people around the burial ground, only to disappear at the time of confrontation. Some believe it is the spirit of a young girl who was buried alive many centuries ago.
4. The Chapora Fort
The Portuguese built Chapora Fort during the 17th century and it remains a hot spot for tourists seeking to appreciate nature's beauty as it stands atop a hill overlooking the Chapora River. The fort boasts stunning views, but once the sun sets, these views turn dark and sinister. The fort has been the site of numerous battles and deaths over the years.
Ghost hunters have claimed that they hear the harmonious clashing of swords, accompanied by the cries of soldiers which suggests that there are battles that are reenacted in the spirit world. Some others claim that they have spotted soldiers' ghosts standing on the fort's ramparts but vanished at a moment's notice. The most renowned ghostly inhabitant is believed to be a Portuguese soldier, who was said to have been betrayed by his fellows. He now resides in the fort and seeks vengeance.
5. Saligao's White Lady's Curse
Saligao's ghost story is arguably one of its oldest tales and is referred to as the White Lady's legend. The lore goes that a maiden was deceived by her partner which led her to dying from a broken heart. Her spectral manifestation can be seen roaming around the Saligao fields and roads, adorned in an ethereal white dress.
Countless people have claimed they met the White Lady who is able to appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. Witnesses have claimed to either listen to her sobbing, or feel a freezing hand grasping their shoulder. Many people in the town strongly believe this legend which is why in the back of their minds, they greatly reduce the chances of walking alone at night.
6. The Phantom Vessel of Vagator Beach
Vagator Beach, famous for its imposing cliffs and lively nightlife, also has an unsettling aspect. It is said that a ghostly ship is sighted on the horizon during full moon nights. It is thought to be some kind of pirate ship from the 18th century and is believed to be cursed, with the crew forever doomed to sail the seas.
Fishermen and persons frequenting the beach claim to have seen the silhouette of the ship in moonlight, accompanied by the familiar sound of creaking wood and distant voices. Some people even claim to have spotted the ghostly forms of pirates on the deck, swords brandished aloft.
Tips for Ghost Hunting in Goa City
If you're planning on going on a ghost hunting expedition in Goa, here are a few pointers that you should keep in mind:
Capture Your Experience: Carry a camera, voice recorder, or EMF meter to catch any unusual activities.
Conclusion
Goa City keeps its history and culture while crafting a place for ghost hunters to enjoy. The stories and sightings attached to these haunted places are spine-chilling whether you believe in the paranormal or not. For those aspiring to dive into the undiscovered, these spots are not for the timid, so gear up. The supernatural world is filled with surprises, and anything could happen at any time.
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