Where To Go Ghost Hunting In Shimla City (And What People Have Seen)
1. The Shimla Tunnel (Tunnel No.33)
While in Shimla, Tunnel No. 33 is one of the eeriest places to visit. Located along the Kalka-Shimla railway, it is a famous haunted tunnel. Considered to be built during the British colonial period, the tunnel is well known for its mystery and fear. It is said that a British engineer in charge of the construction died horrifically while the tunnel was being built. Since then, locals and travelers have experienced strange events like seeing ghosts, hearing sounds that cannot be explained, and feeling intense anxiety during and after passing the tunnel. Some people claim that they saw a shadow of a man on the railway tracks who disappeared after they began touching him. The suspenseful reputation of the tunnel has drawn many tourists and Investigators searching for ghosts and unusual experiences.
2. The Oberoi Cecil Hotel
While The Oberoi Cecil Hotel certainly maintains charm and luxurious services as a heritage hotel in Shimla, guests claim to have reported witnessing paranormal activity in the form of flickering lights, footsteps from nowhere, and watching ominous apparitions. These occurrences have led many to believe that a former British soldier who stayed at the hotel is still haunting the premises. Although hotel staff are hospitable and cordial, they are noticed to be more on guard after learning of the hotel's disturbing past, which causes an unsettling yet captivating stay for those waiting to check-in.
3. The Glen
In addition to being home to stunning views and beautiful sceneries, The Glen is known as an eerily captivating destination for ghost hunters due to legends of a woman clad in white mourning by a stream. Supposedly, the ghost was a bride who met a tragic end while drowning in the stream and her ghost now roams the area. There have been claims from tourists of hearing cries along with the sight of a ghost drifting around aimlessly. The Glen is certainly mesmerizing in terms of nature, but the ominously majestic beauty attributed to the Baron makes the Glen an eerie place to visit.
4. Annandale Ground
This area was once famous among British sportsmen and socialists, but now it's a quiet and secluded spot in Shimla. Though it looks peaceful, the history is a little bit more complex. During World War II, this ground served as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers which later became a graveyard for many of these men. Now, it is said that several soldiers are buried in the site and there are very ghostly sightings claiming to have seen shadows of men around the grounds. For many tourists, this adds to the haunting reputation of Shimla making it worth a visit.
5. The Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas)
With time, the The Viceregal Lodge known as Rashtrapati Niwas, has transformed from being the summer quarters of the British viceroy to The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and is now a well-known building. Although many visit these wonderful tourist attractions, it is believed to be haunted by the spirits of British officials who used to live there. Eyewitnesses reported some unexplained manifestations such as closed doors opening by themselves, eerie cold places, and unexplained footsteps in the deserted corridors.
6. Himachal University Campus
The stronghold of education, Himachal Pradesh University, is also the site of numerous ghost sightings. Staff and pupils alike claim to have experienced paranormal activities like witnessing apparitions, hearing strange sounds, or feeling sudden drops in temperatures. One of the most popular local legends speaks of the spirit of a young lady who is said to wander the university grounds in the dark. She, with her heartbreaking tale, adds to the loneliness and passion of the campus, making it a hotspot for ghost hunters and fans alike.
7. The Jakhoo Temple
Jakhoo Temple is famous for being a religious monument dedicated to Lord Hanuman, but it has mystical secrets of its own. The temple sits on the tip of Jakhoo Hill, the tallest mountain in Shimla, covered in thick forests. As tourists climb to the temple, many report seeing shadowy figures and hearing unsettling sounds. Some argue these are the remains of people who got lost in the forest and never came back. The temple's significance and the unfriendly nature surrounding it provide an interesting mix of spirituality and fear.
What to Expect While Ghost Hunting in Shimla
With its haunted locations full of stories, Shimla is meant for travelers with a strong heart. Whether or not you know the tales connected with the places which are now abandoned, it is impossible not to be moved once you visit these sites lying steeped in their own fearsome yet captivating history. For some, these areas may be difficult to comprehend, but simply visiting them will change that narrative. Just like any other adventure, ghost hunting should be approached with care. Most of the places one would want to visit are either privately owned or fall under religious jurisdictions, so it is always safer to get permission beforehand. Additionally, do try to respect the local culture and traditions as much as possible.
Conclusion
In holy Shimla, each supernatural location has enclosed within itself a set of exciting stories, beautiful architecture, and whispers of the past. The extravagant claims of Tunnel No. 33, the eerie expression of the weeping lady in Glen, the tranquil forests, the splendid spirit of built structures, and the barren lands all entice a traveler. Shimla will always offer something to everyone. These spots are spine-chilling, but will forever remain in your memories. If you consider yourself a brave spirit willing enough to take on this magnificent hill station, camouflage your courage and get ready to take part in a ghost hike in Shimla; because you will never know whom or what you might stumble upon.
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