Khajjiar, Dalhousie, Dharmshala, Dalhousie and Kullu Manali, Shimla the captivating hill station of Himachal Pradesh speaks volumes of history and legends. Moving to the beauty of Shimla, it is important to know that every city carries some cold blooded stories about haunted places. Here are the seven scararest places in Shimla that will give you an adrenaline rush and an encounter with the supernatural in 2024: how to get there, the best time to visit shimla’s hauntings and distances from the main city.
The Charleville Mansion
History: It is a mansion of British origin and was assumed to be have been associated with hauntings. This is actually the former home of a British officer by the name Victor Bayley who some people believe roams within the house.
Haunting: Paranormal activities such as, hearsay of footsteps and presence of ghostly appearance of a British man.
How to Visit:
- Location: Near Shimla’s main town.
- Distance: Approximately 4 km from Shimla Railway Station.
- Best Time: Daylight hours to avoid any unnerving experiences.
Getting There: Take a local taxi or bus from Shimla Railway Station.
Tunnel No. 33 (Barog Tunnel)
History: Possessing the appealing name of British engineer Colonel Barog who actually committed suicide building it. That is why it’s believed that his spirit still wanders around the tunnel to this day.
Haunting: Whispers and shadowing the individuals are the identified sounds.
How to Visit:
- Location: Near Barog Railway Station.
- Distance: Around 55 km from Shimla.
- Best Time: Daytime, as the tunnel is operational for trains.
Getting There: Drive or take a train to Barog, then walk to the tunnel.
The Chudail Baudi
History: This place is on the Shimla-Kalka road where people have reported seeing a woman spirit, all in white, that Waves people for a lift.
Haunting: This is a lady dressed in white and whenever she enters a car, she leaves, that is if it is not a shadow.
How to Visit:
- Location: Near National Highway 22.
- Distance: About 7 km from Shimla.
- Best Time: Visit during the day for safety.
Getting There: Drive along the Shimla-Kalka road.
The IGMC (Indira Gandhi Medical College)
History: The oldest medical college in Shimla, with many stories of ghost sightings due to its history of numerous deaths.
Haunting: Apparitions of patients and inexplicable noises at night.
How to Visit:
- Location: Lakkar Bazar.
- Distance: 2 km from Shimla Ridge.
- Best Time: Daytime; the hospital is operational around the clock.
Getting There: Take a local taxi or walk from the Ridge.
The Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas)
History: Historical building, used to accommodate the British Viceroy of India; at present a kind of an institute; this place is also associated with instances of spectral occurrences.
Haunting: Stories of British era people being sighted in the hallways.
How to Visit:
- Location: Observatory Hill.
- Distance: 3 km from Shimla Ridge.
- Best Time: Daytime for tours; lodge closes by evening.
Getting There: Take a local taxi or walk from the Ridge.
Convent of Jesus and Mary (Chelsea School)
History: A worn down boarding school, which is connected with many local legends concerning the death of a nun.
Haunting: That the spirit of the nun haunts the area of the building.
How to Visit:
- Location: Jakhoo Hill.
- Distance: 2 km from Shimla Ridge.
- Best Time: Daytime, preferably with permission from school authorities.
Getting There: Walk or take a local taxi to Jakhoo Hill.
The Dukhani
History: A house in disrepair that no one has been lived in for decades; the locals say that terrible things happened there, and it is haunted.
Haunting: Growling and bathroom lights changing on their own and the presence that was felt if one was to attempt entering a room.
How to Visit:
- Location: Near Lakkar Bazar.
- Distance: 1 km from Shimla Ridge.
- Best Time: Daytime to ensure safety.
Getting There: A short walk from the Ridge or take a local taxi.
Tips for Visiting Haunted Places
- Travel in Groups: Never visit these locations alone.
- Daytime Visits: To ensure safety and avoid the potential dangers of night-time explorations.
- Local Guide: Consider hiring a local guide who knows the area well.
- Respect Local Beliefs: Be mindful and respectful of local legends and property.
Completing an itinerary by exploring these places is a great idea and adding up some horror touch to your Shimla tour. It is a beautiful hill station but one should be well equipped and perse while exploring the paranormal aspect of the town.