“Gumnam hain koyee, Badnam hain koyee
Kisko khabar kaun hain woh, Anjan hain koyee”Does that remind you of any horror scenes and sites? India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is home to a myriad of dark tourism destinations. Wondering what dark tourism in India is? The eerie side of travel, Dark tourism is a unique form of travel that involves exploring places associated with tragedy, death, or mysteries. While it may seem unusual, these destinations offer insights into historical events and cultural phenomena.
From abandoned villages to haunted forts, these sites provide insights into the cultural, historical, and supernatural aspects of India’s diverse landscape. These destinations serve as reminders of the tragedies and hardships endured by past generations, offering opportunities for adventures to explore the dark side of tourism in India.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply curious about the top places in India for dark tourism, let us take you on a journey to discover the mysteries of the places for dark tourism in India.
Ready to witness the darker aspects of humanity? Here you go!
1. Kuldhara Village, Jaisalmer
Located 20 km from the desert city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Kuldhara Village is steeped in mystery and legend. Abandoned over two centuries ago and now a historical site maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the village is believed to be cursed due to the sudden disappearance of its inhabitants and hence is one of the dark tourism places in India.
During their Jaisalmer tour, visitors can wander through the deserted streets, exploring the crumbling houses and eerie surroundings while pondering the stories of its haunting past by booking cheap flight tickets to Rajasthan and your accommodation in Jaisalmer.
2. Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab, holds a dark history etched in the memory of India’s struggle for independence. This serene garden was the site of a tragic massacre on April 13, 1919, where British troops opened fire on unarmed civilians, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
Today, visitors can pay homage to the martyrs at the memorial within the garden and reflect on the sacrifices made during India’s quest for freedom on their Punjab tour. Upon visiting, visitors can also spot the holes made by bullets on the wall which reminds them of the historical tragedy that happened in the country
Isn’t that a proud moment to witness this beauty? Well, you are just cheap flight tickets to Amritsar away. Just book your hotel in Amritsar and plan your visit to this tourist attraction accordingly.
3. Kala Pani (Cellular Jail), Port Blair
Kala Pani, which means “Black Water,” refers to the Cellular Jail located in Port Blair, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands. Built by the British in the late 19th century, this infamous prison was used to exile political prisoners during India’s struggle against colonial rule. Even before the jail was built, the island was already used as a prison for Indian prisoners from the First War of Independence in 1857.
The Cellular Jail stands as a stark reminder of the brutalities and innumerable torturous acts endured by the Indian freedom fighters, making it a poignant example of dark tourism in India. So, are you all excited to explore one of the historic places of dark tourism in India? Many of the Andaman and Nicobar tour packages include dark tourist places of interest, so all you need is to book your cheap flight tickets to Port Blair and explore these historic places.
4. Taj Palace, Mumbai
One of the most visited dark tourist spots is The Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The place holds a haunting history intertwined with the devastating terrorist attacks that occurred on November 26, 2008. The iconic hotel became the epicenter of the attacks, enduring hours of gunfire and numerous lives. Today, even though the hotel has been restored to its former beauty, it still serves as a sad reminder of the terrible night. While on your Mumbai tour, you can witness the resilience of Mumbai and pay tribute to the victims at the memorial within the hotel in Mumbai.
5. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand
Roopkund Lake, nestled in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, is shrouded in mystery and fascinating stories due to its eerie discovery. However, reaching the lake is not an easy task. The trek demands that the trekkers should be physically fit and capable of walking up to the lake, which is situated at an altitude of 16,500 feet.
The lake was noticed when hundreds of human skeletons were found at its bottom, dating back to the 9th century due to which it was called the dark tourism destination in India. This enigmatic site, often called “Skeleton Lake,” continues to puzzle scientists and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into ancient rituals and mysteries of the past.
Apart from these dark places in the city, the Uttarakhand tour package is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty, spiritual significance, and rich cultural heritage.
6. Shaniwarwada, Maharashtra
Shaniwarwada, located in Pune, Maharashtra, is a historical fort with a tragic past and also one of the best places to experience dark tourism in India while on your Maharashtra tour. Built in the 18th century by the Peshwas, this majestic palace was witness to a brutal massacre and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young prince.
A major portion of the fort was destroyed by fire in 1791, and eventually, it was completely burnt down in 1828. Despite its tragic history, the fort remains a striking example of imperial Maratha and Mughal architecture, attracting tourists for many years.
7. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan
Nestled in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort is infamous for its eerie ambiance and haunted tales. According to legend, the fort was cursed, leading to its abandonment centuries ago. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fort while listening to chilling stories of paranormal encounters and experiencing its paranormal phenomena, including strange sounds and sightings, making it a popular dark tourism destination of Rajasthan tour for ghost enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
Upcoming Destination for Dark Tourism in India
Kedarnath
One of the upcoming dark tourist places in India is Kedarnath. The aim to announce it as a dark tourist spot is to transform areas affected by the disaster into places of research and knowledge. Recently, State Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj announced plans for dark tourism in the region.
On the Kedarnath tour, visitors will be guided to specific spots affected during the 2013 Himalayan disaster. Additionally, a memorial forest named Smriti Van will be established to honor the victims who lost their lives in 2013.
The tourism minister believes that these developments will enhance the visitor experience and hold significance for the state. It will help people better understand the tragic events that unfolded in 2013.
FAQs
Q. What is Dark Tourism in India?
Ans: Dark tourism in India involves visiting places associated with tragedy, death, or the macabre, such as historical sites, memorials, or locations linked to natural disasters or human conflict.
Q. Is Dark Tourism good or bad?
Ans: The perception of dark tourism being good or bad varies depending on individual perspectives. Some people view it as a way to learn about history and pay respects to the victims, while others may find it morbid or disrespectful.
Q. Why are people against dark tourism?
Ans: Some people are against dark tourism due to ethical concerns, feeling that it exploits tragedies for commercial gain or trivializes the suffering of victims. Others may find it emotionally distressing or disrespectful to the deceased.
Q. Which places in India are popularly known for dark tourism?
Ans: Some popular dark tourism places in India include Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Cellular Jail in Port Blair, Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand, and Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, among others.
Q. What are the good sides of dark tourism?
Ans: The good sides of dark tourism include educating people about historical events, preserving cultural heritage, fostering remembrance and reflection, and contributing to local economies through tourism revenue.
Aren’t all these dark tourism destinations scary and adventurous? Well, Dark tourism in India indeed holds haunting and captivating stories. Dark tourism destinations in India offer a unique opportunity to explore the darker chapters of history and delve into the mysteries of the past. Whether it’s paying homage to martyrs at Jallianwala Bagh or unraveling the mysteries of Roopkund Lake, each destination offers a compelling narrative that invites visitors to reflect on the human experience and the enduring legacy of the past.
So, what are you waiting for? Just book your Indian tour package, cheap flight tickets, and comfortable accommodation, pack your bags, carry your adventure, and get ready to experience the thrill of your life at each dark tourism destination.
Do let us know about your darkest travel experience in the comment section below.
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