Experience The Thrill: Top 5 Paranormal Tours In Shimla
Shimla the Queen of Hills is more than a beautiful place to escape but a hive of ghost stories and spooky experiences. Underneath its peaceful calm are the dark stories of hauntings, mystery and unreal demons that fascinate both skeptics and the atheist. If you're looking for a frightful experience, Shimla has a couple of haunted walks and paranormal tours that will have you questioning the thin line between reality and the paranormal. So, let's have a look at seven of the most haunted attractions in Shimla!
1. Charleville Mansion
The Charleville Mansion, set amidst the green hills of Shimla, is no stranger to ghosts. It's a British-built colonial bungalow, with a tense history of baffling experiences. Previously the home of a British officer, it had gained popularity following allegations of a poltergeist running rampant within the premises. The mansion has undergone a series of restorations, yet witnesses say it is haunted.
Located in – Strawberry Hill, Shimla
Original haunting – Early 20th century.
Favs – A British ghost haunting the corridors.
Fact – The mansion was the subject of a number of ghost-hunting films.
2. The Haunted Walk Through the Tunnel No. 33
This tunnel, called the Barog Tunnel, is renowned for its tragic history. Named for Colonel Barog, the man in charge of building it, the tunnel symbolised desolation when he took his own life due to an error in alignment. People still say his ghost is found wandering the tunnel and greeting locals casually, but the environment is dark.
Location – Near Barog station, on the way to Shimla.
Year of tragedy – 1903
Habitual experiences – Sounds, shadows, high temperatures.
Remarks – It's the straightest tunnel in town, and, ironically, also the most unnerving.
3. The Cursed Viceregal Lodge Grounds
The Viceregal Lodge, a palace constructed by the British, is said to be haunted. Majestic by day, but reputedly haunting at night. Ghostly figures dressed in old British clothing and cold blustery wind have made it an established haunt among psychics.
Address – Observatory Hill, Shimla
Built in – 1888
Known for – Suspicious appearances of British agents.
Tips from the inside – Tourists have described feeling 'spied upon' as they roam the lodge gardens.
4. The Legendary Chudail Baudi (Witch's Well)
Chudail Baudi, a part of the road along the Shimla highway, is renowned for its spooky occurrences. Every visitor will describe the eerie moment they met a woman in white asking for a ride. People who pull over are said to be stuck with their car broke down or their car won't start until the sun comes up.
Location – Shimla-Kalka Highway
Tops of the game – midnight-3 am.
Legends – The soul of a woman on the prowl for vengeance.
A note – Drive slowly and don't stop if you're scared of heights.
5. The Haunted Cemetery Walk
In Shimla, the ancient British tombs are as eerie as they are historical. Walking among the tombstones, some have railed against the uncomfortable feeling of being tracked or hearing voices. Some dingy, dusty graves are believed to be the haunted houses of wandering souls.
Seek – Visit Sanjauli Cemetery and Kanlog Cemetery
Routine sights – Flashing lights, strange noises.
Local history – Burial site for a number of British officers and their families.
Tip – Come at twilight to experience it all (if you can)
Bonus Tips for Ghost Hunters
For the next time, you visit Shimla's haunted walks here are a few suggestions to improve the experience
Use a trusted hotel – Make sure that your hotel doesn't have any paranormal claims (unless you're interested)
Go with a crowd – Going alone is risky and nerve-racking.
Keep essentials handy – You can pack a flashlight, water and snacks for nocturnal hikes.
Don't disrespect the people – Most of these are culturally and historically significant.
Capture your journey – Carry a camera or recorder and record inexplicable moments
Shimla's ghost tours and haunted walks are an incomparable combination of history, mystery and adventure. Whether you're a history buff or an adventurer, these dark stories about the mountains will leave you shaken.
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