Kolkata, the city of joy, is not just a place of scenic beauty and vintage charm, but also a city steeped in history. As the former capital of British India, it is home to many historical and old buildings, some of which are rumoured to be haunted. If you are a daredevil who likes horror stories and Gothic literature, check out the top 10 haunted places in Kolkata. Read ahead to learn about its fascinating past, back story and legends.
About Kolkata
The capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata, is India’s second-largest city, and it was a crucial place in the Indian economy, politics, and culture during the British Raj. Kolkata is renowned for its historical monuments, rich culture, and vibrant festivals. The town has made a significant contribution to the fields of literature, Arts, and drama—legends like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Stayjit Roy are from this city of Joy. The city hosts the most extravagant Durga Puja celebration, which is famous worldwide.
Kolkata, lying on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, has a tropical wet-and-dry climate. During the Summer season, the city experiences a hot and humid environment. But winter keeps the city under its grip from November to February. If you plan to visit Kolkata, ride the tramp, enjoy the street food, and attend the vibrant festivals.
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Top 10 Haunted Places In Kolkata
Are you a person who loves Horror stories or is curious to explore haunted places? We have curated a list of the top 10 haunted places in Kolkata:
1. National Library
Image Credit: Avrajyoti Mitra for Wikipedia
Typically, libraries are considered quiet reading places. However, the National Library of Kolkata is not your typical library. It is one of the most haunted places in Kolkata, with many spine-chilling secrets hidden deep within its walls. Once the residence of the Governor General during the British era, it is now a treasure trove of artefacts and a vast collection of books and publications.
Many eerie stories exist about the ghost appearance of the Governor’s wife, Lady Metcalfe, who was a freak about cleanliness. One can still see her roaming between shelves, dusting the old books and shelves, hearing footsteps and seeing grey shadows on the wall. Furthermore, sometimes it feels like someone is breathing down your neck while reading alone. This feeling is said to be amplified if you don’t keep a book in its rightful place.
2. The Royal Calcutta Turf Club
If you’re a fan of horse racing, you’ve probably heard of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club. But did you know that it’s also one of Kolkata’s most haunted places? Imagine the thrill of witnessing a ghostly white horse racing on the tracks under a full moon.
It is said that the white horse Pride, belonging to George Williams, a British horse racing enthusiast, died on these tracks. The racers also claimed that the shadow of a horse still runs through the tracks. The locals call William Saheb’s shada ghora. It is genuinely one of the most haunted places in Calcutta.
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3. Nimtala Ghat
India is home to numerous holy rivers, and you can witness various cremation spots on the banks of the sacred river. Among them is Kolkata’s Nimtala Ghat, one of the oldest. What else can be more haunted places to visit in Kolkata other than a place where bodies are burnt?
The Nimtala Ghat is also home to many aghoris. It is thought that the Aghoris consume the leftover flesh of burning bodies along the ghat and use them for occult powers on the night of the goddess Kali Puja.
4. Bhoot Bangla or Hastings House
Ghost stories are very common in educational life. Some are fictional, and some aren’t. But the eerie tales of an underground women’s college of Calcutta University are one of the top five haunted places in Kolkata. Today’s women’s college once was a residence of Warren Hastings, so the palace is also known as Hasting House.
The students claimed that they usually saw an Englishman, supposed to be Hastings entering the premises and galloping in the vast grounds of the college. Furthermore, there is another story associated with this place. A few years ago, a young boy had died an unnatural death while playing football on the grounds, and it’s rumoured that his spirit still runs in the ground.
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5. Putulbari
If you are a history buff, you will love Putulbari, also known as the House of Dolls. It is a century-old house in North Calcutta that is almost in ruins. Although some people stay on the ground floor, the upper stairs are kept vacant and locked for their paranormal activities.
Putulbari has a tragic and bitter truth; it was a house from the British era that witnessed the cruelty of innocent girls by the landlords. Locals hear screaming and crying of women’s footsteps and the sound of ornaments and bangles of unseen people from the second floor. It is believed that those suffered souls of innocent women roam here and make it one of Kolkata’s most haunted places.
6. Lower Circular Road Cemetery
It is one of the most haunted places in Calcutta. We might have seen spooky cemeteries in movies and series, but no cemeteries can be as creepy as the Lower Circular Road cemetery. The cemetery’s back story is spooky and blood-chilling.
It was the story of a British Civil Servant, Sir William Hay MacNaghten. He was killed brutally during the First Anglo-Afghan War; when his wife got his body, it was found body parts were ripped apart. She assembled the parts of his body and buried it in the Lower Circular Road Cemetery after returning to Kolkata. Locals say the tree above his grave starts shivering whenever the story is narrated.
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7. Rabindra Sarobar Metro Station
Usually, underground metro stations are spooky, but when you hear a tragic story about the same metro station that you are in, it haunts you more. The tale of Kolkata’s Rabindra Sarobar Metro station will give you chills, and if you visit there, you might witness paranormal activities.
The Rabindra Sarobar Metro Station is one of the busiest metro stations with the most suicidal cases. As per the travellers, they saw shadows on the platform pillars and peculiar hues in the tracks. Moreover, it is believed that in the late night the wandering souls of the dead people who committed suicide here can be seen roaming. Thus, this makes it one of the most haunted places in Calcutta.
8. Writer’s Building
The Writers Building is the present secretariat of the West Bengal Government. It was used as the office of clerks and junior staff during the British era. The Writers Building has many huge halls that are kept vacant, which makes the place scarier.
People generally refuse to work here late in the evening. The backstory of this building lies with Captain Simpson of the East India Company, who was murdered here by revolutionaries during the independence struggle. It is believed to be his ghost, which walks here at night.
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9. Kolkata Dock
One of the scary things you encounter is an ancient dock that makes the creepy sound of wood cracking when the wind hits. Kolkata Dock is an important port on the country’s east coast.
It was built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh, a trader during the East India Company. He relinquished his throne and kingdom, hoping the British would give him refuge in London, but the British government dumped him and never called him back. It is rumoured that the traders and sailors have noticed a shadow, supposed to be the soul of Nawa, roaming in this dock.
10. Ghats of The Ganges
Image Credit: stalin_choudhuri for Pixabay
Ganga holds a religious significance and is considered a holy river that flows through major cities of India, such as Rishikesh, Varanasi, Haridwar, Palashi, Kolkata, etc. In the ghats of Ganga, many rituals have been performed, from offering prayers to the river to cremations of bodies. However, the ghats of Ganga are truly beautiful, but some of them are haunted at the same time.
There have been countless incidents of suicides, or accidents reported that draw some weird stories. In Kolkata, ghats under the Howrah Bridge, like the Mullick Ghat and the Zanana Ghat, are among the top five haunted places to visit. The paranormal activities can be mostly seen around the cremation areas. Locals have witnessed strange shadows in the ghat when they go for an early morning dip in the river.
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How To Reach Kolkata
As Kolkata is the second largest city, it is well-connected and has various transportation options. By taking the following ways, one can reach the city of joy to explore historical as well as haunted places in Kolkata:
By Air: The well-equipped Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport connects Kolkata with significant tourist destinations in India and abroad. One can hire a taxi or public transport to the city centre.
By Train: Kolkata’s two main railway stations are Howrah and Sealdah. Both stations are well-linked to all the country’s important cities, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, etc.
By Road: Kolkata is well connected with national highways and motorable roads. One can take public transport or hire a cab or taxi. To explore the city of Joy, one must take National Highway 12.
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Every place has a fascinating back story buried within the area itself. Whether you are a thrill seeker, a history buff or a curious traveller, the stories of the haunted places in Kolkata will give you chills. So, plan a trip to Kolkata to explore these haunted places and get lost in the eerie tales that inhabit these foreboding places, where it becomes difficult to distinguish between those living and the departed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Haunted Places In Kolkata
Which is the most haunted place in Kolkata?
There are many haunted places in Kolkata, but South Park Street Cemetery is considered the most haunted. This place has been the subject of many paranormal stories and incidents. As a cemetery, it has buried many different life stories of various persons in its land; some are filled, and some are not. It is rumoured that the soul of an unliberated person still haunts people.
Can one visit Kolkata's most haunted places at night?
Yes, one can visit or explore Kolkata's most haunted places at night with the help of a ghost tour. At night, one can explore the Park Street Cemetery, Hastings House, Hogg Market, Race Course, Rabindra Sarobar Metro Station, Calcutta High Court, etc. Visit with an expert to learn about the history and backstory of these haunted places.
What is the haunted story of the Kolkata dock?
The Kolkata dock, also known as Kidderpore Dock, is said to be haunted by the soul of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It is believed that he built this dock after being betrayed by the British. It is often reported that the shadows of the Nawab roam the dockyard, and the souls of soldiers and sailors who died at the dock are also said to be present.
Which is the most haunted station in Kolkata?
Rabindra Sarobar Metro Station, often known as the paradise of suicide, is the most haunted station in Kolkata. It is believed that it is haunted by the spirits of those who have died there. There are many reasons why this metro station is haunted. But among them, the suicide story of a boy who is willing to be a model is more famous.
What is the best time to explore haunted places in Kolkata?
The best time to explore haunted places in Kolkata depends upon the person's preference. One can visit during the following times: Visit during the night to experience the quiet yet spooky atmosphere. Furthermore, the winter months are also considered the best time to explore haunted places in Kolkata, as the weather is more relaxed and pleasant. This makes it ideal for nighttime explorations.
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With a passion for travelling, and carving beautiful stories of stunning locations I chose my profession as a content writer. The unique blend of creativity and strategy ensures that each narrative takes readers on a journey to their desired destination. With distinct locations and unique vibes, I strive to deliver captivating content that speaks to the hearts of readers.
