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India.com
6 days ago
- India.com
Inside Goa's Most Haunted Places: Where Brave Souls Go Ghost Hunting
Goa, a state in western India, is home to stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, and an impressive architecture. Along with its breathtaking Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Goa is also a place steeped in mystery with its own share of folklore. The vibrant markets and sun-soaked beaches hide a dark paranormal edge, drawing thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Ghost hunting in Goa is not merely about chasing shadows; it's about exploring the legends, wonderful places, and spine-chilling experiences that haunt the minds of many. If you seek the mysterious, check out the most haunted places in Goa City along with their creepy stories. 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.


Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts celebrated among world's best in Travel + Leisure, USA World's Best Awards 2025
Hospitality chain Oberoi Hotels & Resorts said on Tuesday that it has once again demonstrated its 'global leadership' in the luxury hospitality space with multiple accolades in the Travel + Leisure, USA World's Best Awards 2025- one of the most coveted and respected awards in the global travel industry. The chain said it ranked number two among the Best Hotel Brands in the World, reaffirming its position as a 'standard-bearer' for 'excellence' and 'authenticity' in service. The Oberoi Luxury Nile Cruisers have been voted number one River Cruisers in the World. "This achievement is particularly noteworthy as The Oberoi Group prepares to launch The Oberoi Dahabeyas, an intimate and ultra-luxurious new cruising experience on the Nile later this year," the chain said in a statement. Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, honour the finest travel experiences rated by their readers. These awards represent global recognition across categories including hotels, resorts, cities, islands, airlines, cruises, and more. Readers' ratings are derived from their evaluation of rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and value. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has dominated the top rankings once again in the India category, with four Oberoi Resorts sweeping the top four positions. The resorts included The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra ranked as the number one resort; The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur ranked number two; and The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore and The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur ranked at the number three and number four positions respectively. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra In addition, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra continue to hold their coveted positions in the Travel + Leisure Hall of Fame — a distinction that the company said honours 'sustained excellence' and a legacy of 'consistently' being ranked among the very best in the world. 'It is a matter of immense pride that Oberoi Hotels & Resorts continues to be recognised globally for the exceptional service and personalised care that define our brand," said Arjun Oberoi, executive chairman, The Oberoi Group. "As we thoughtfully grow our portfolio with new destinations and unique guest experiences, this recognition reinforces the enduring strength of the Oberoi brand. These awards are a tribute to the unwavering dedication of our people, who bring the Oberoi experience to life each day," he added. Vikram Oberoi, CEO of The Oberoi Group said as the chain continues to grow and expand into new destinations, it remains true to the core value of its founder - to always place guests at the heart of everything it does. "To be ranked #2 in the world and have four of our resorts lead the India rankings is a testament to the passion, and commitment of our people who care for our guests with service that is warm, personalised and intuitive," he said. "We are delighted with the recognition we have received for The Oberoi Luxury Nile Cruisers. We look forward to welcoming guests on board the two Oberoi Dahabeyas soon. We are deeply grateful to the readers of Travel + Leisure and our guests around the world for their continued trust and support," he added. The 2025 rankings come at a time of growth for The Oberoi Group. This year, the brand is expanding its presence with the launch of The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho and two Oberoi Nile Dahabeyas. Earlier this year, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort opened in Bandhavgarh, bringing international focus to Madhya Pradesh as a luxury destination. In parallel, The Oberoi Group introduced Elements by Oberoi which it claims further strengthens the Group's long-term commitment to the environment and to the organisation's social responsibilities. The Oberoi Group is primed for further growth as its eponymous brand sits at the 'centre' of premium travel—the fastest-growing segment in India's hospitality industry, Arjun Oberoi, executive chairman of the luxury hotel chain, told ET in an interview last month. He said the group will enter new destinations such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt while continuing its sharp focus on the growing domestic market. Over the last few years, the operator of the Oberoi and Trident hotel brands has seen a 'strong' uptick in financial performance, said group CEO Vikram Oberoi in the joint interview. This was fuelled by the clear mandate of growing the hotel portfolio with 'carefully-curated, brand-aligned' properties, driving a high premium strategy, outperforming rivals during periods of high demand, and offering 'exceptional' service to guests, he said. It was the first media interaction of the two Oberoi scions since the passing of patriarch PRS Oberoi in November 2023 and the formal handover to the third generation.


Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Vaani Kapoor: Get Latest News, Photos and Videos along with latest updates on Vaani Kapoor
Vaani Kapoor was born in Delhi. She did an internship with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in Jaipur. For her modelling projects, she was signed by Elite Model Management. She made her Bollywood debut with the Sushant Singh Rajput-Parineeti Chopra starrer Shuddh Desi Romance for which she won Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her second project was a Telugu film, Aaha Kalyanam. She has starred in various movies like Bell Bottom, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, War and Shamshera. At India Film Festival of Melbourne, she won under the category of Disruptor in Cinema for Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui. ...read more


Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
The Oberoi Group Unveils Ambitious Sustainability Initiative: The Future of Luxury Hospitality, ET HospitalityWorld
As The Oberoi Group enters a new phase of growth, marked by exciting developments and a strong pipeline of hotel openings, it reaffirms its commitment to building a future anchored in sustainability. Elements by Oberoi, the Group's holistic environmental and social responsibility framework, reflects a philosophy that has quietly shaped its ethos for decades and now takes centre stage as the company scales new heights. Elements by Oberoi represents the Group's evolved sustainability vision. It is deeply embedded in the Group's operations and continuously expanding to meet the needs of the planet, people, and future generations, said a company release. Advt Advt Guided by life-sustaining elements—Earth, Water, and Air, this comprehensive framework articulates the Group's environment-first actions and sets forth ambitious goals to further reduce ecological impact, drive operational innovation, and uplift communities, it stated. Arjun Oberoi , executive chairman – The Oberoi Group, said, 'We have always believed that excellence must be enduring. As we grow and expand our footprint, sustainability is not just a value—it is a way of life that shapes how we build, serve, and lead. With Elements by Oberoi, we reaffirm our commitment to responsible growth, where every decision is made with care for our planet and our communities.' Vikram Oberoi , chief executive officer – The Oberoi Group, further added, 'True luxury is defined by the care with which we serve our guest and equally demonstrate through our actions towards people, the community and our planet. With Elements by Oberoi, sustainability is seamlessly embedded into the guest journey and in how we engage with people, the communities around us and our precious environment. Our commitment is to creating experiences that are both meaningful and mindful.' Oberoi Hotels & Resorts believes that sustainability extends beyond the environment—it is also about uplifting people and preserving cultural identity. Through structured initiatives, the Group invests in inclusive growth, skill-building, and community partnerships, the release 2030, the release said, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts aims to:—Recycle 100 percent of waste water and reduce fresh water consumption per occupied room by 20 percent—Source 50 percent of electricity from renewable energy—Transition transport fleets to fully electric vehicles—Phase out fossil fuel-based thermal systems in favour of electric alternatives across all new hotels and while replace equipment at our existing by Oberoi is a quiet yet powerful philosophy reflected in every detail of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts' design, service, and operations. As sustainability becomes essential to luxury, Oberoi's legacy continues with conscience, care, and clarity of purpose, it concluded. By , ETHospitalityWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETHospitalityWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETHospitalityWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles.