Dark Tourism in India Exploring Shadows and Must-Visit Sites

Sep 30, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 8, 2025

Travel Guides

India is leading the dark tourism scenario With an expected CAGR of 5.1% (2024-2034),. Dark tourism in India thrives as it is the land of history and heritage. Also, travel a few miles, and you will get to know folklore or common myths related to paranormal activities. 

So, dark tourism in India takes you to places associated with human tragedy or something that raises our curiosity. Endless warfare and the rule of various dynasties have drenched its soil in blood from time immemorial. Further, superstitions and oppressive customs in various parts of the country have caused human casualties that can give you a chill down your spine. 

However, dark tourism in India or any part of the world is not just about people’s fascination with the macabre or its inclination to encounter the grey zone. Many dark tourism sites like the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Jallianwala Bagh tell the tales of a collective past

So, these are often popular destinations for educational tourism or excursions. With endless stories and mysteries spread in every corner, India will spoil you with the choices of dark tourism spots. Here is a list of places you just can’t miss!

Dark Tourism In India: These Are The Places You Need To Visit 

Dark Tourism In India

For me, dark tourism in India is like communicating with the past. These places and the remnants there convey a message that can trigger our moral emotions such as empathy, gratitude, disgust, or sadness. Further, these moral emotions can change our perspective about ourselves, various communities, and society. 

Moreover, curiosity is present in people’s love for the occult. Some categories of dark tourism, such as ghost tourism, thana tourism, and disaster tourism, especially urge many to get into the shadows. We absolutely agree with Karan Anand, the Head of Relationships at Cox & Kings.

Dark Tourism In India

So, which places does dark tourism in India take us to? Here is a curated list!

1. Port Blair Cellular Jail | Kala Pani | The Prison Of Death

Port Blair Cellular Jail Kala Pani The Prison Of Death

Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

One of the most prominent witnesses of British atrocities in the country, the Port Blair Cellular Jail tops almost all the lists of dark tourism in India. 

The British government made a hell of concrete in 1906 in the form of a prison, and it was almost impossible to escape or come out of it. 

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a freedom fighter in India, was the only person who had escaped the Port Blair Cellular Jail. 

The British Raj sent convicts with the highest punishment to this jail. Once, this jail housed as many as 80000 prisoners, and among them, at least a few hundred were the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters received the “Kalapani ki Saza” to lead a life of isolation. 

Constructed in the shape of a starfish, the Port Blair Cellular Jail is witness to inhuman tortures and genocides. Along with the atrocities of the British Raj, it has also seen the genocides operated by the Japanese. 

Port Blair Cellular Jail

When at the Cellular Jail, don’t forget to attend the “Light & Sound” show in the evening. It is like time travel, giving you goosebumps. 

2. Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh

Location: Amritsar City, Punjab

The 13th of April 1919 saw one of the worst examples of British acts of barbarity in India. Innocent people had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar City to peacefully protest against British rule.

Jalianwala Bagh was blocked from all sides, and Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his men to open fire at these innocent and unarmed people. The 1650 rounds of firing continued for 10-15 minutes, taking the lives of more than 500 people

Today, when you visit Jallianwala Bagh, you can see many bullet holes struck in the structures there. In 1951, a memorial was built here to pay respect to the Indian revolutionaries. Further, in 2019, the inauguration of the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum took place. The museum depicts the most authentic account of the massacre. 

A century later, in 2019, an official acknowledgment of “regret” came from British Prime Minister Theresa May on the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. This substantiates how grave and gruesome the act of mass killing was. 

3. Roopkund Lake 

Roopkund Lake 

Location: Uttarakhand

Located at a 5000-meter altitude, Roopkund Lake is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, India. 

However, you can see hundreds of human skeletons near the lake, named  the “Lake of Skull.” 

Researchers have found that around 200 pilgrims died of heavy snowfall in the place in the 9th century. So, there are so many skeletons around the lake. Roopkund Lake is also known as the “Mystery Lake,” and there are stories about the pilgrims getting turned into stones or the Goddess getting angry

However, Veena Mushrif-Tripathy, a member of the 2004 investigation and a professor of archaeology at Deccan College in Pune, mentioned that the theory of the pilgrims was reasonable as there were no traces of weapons. 

4. Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada

Location: Pune, Maharashtra

Shaniwar Wada, built in 1732 by Bajirao I, is a historically significant fort and stands out for its architectural excellence. This fort was once the seat of the Maratha Peshwas. This fort became a tourist attraction after the 2015 magnum opus of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bajirao Mastani.

However, Shaniwar Wada is a favorite dark tourism in India destination because of a popular ghost story or folklore associated with it. Narayanrao, the son of Bajirao I, was killed by his uncle Raghunathrao in 1773 in this fort.

Since then, people have experienced paranormal activities in the fort. Many have claimed to have encountered the dead prince. 

5. Kuldhara 

Kuldhara 

Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

How about visiting a village abandoned by its people around 200 years ago? Kuldhara, the cursed village of Jaisalmer, was the residence of the Paliwal Brahmins. They left the village because of water scarcity and the high taxes imposed by Diwan.

Another story is about Salim Singh, the local prime minister, who wanted to marry the daughter of the village head. The villagers did not agree to his demands and vacated the place overnight. They also cursed the place, saying that no one could settle there. 

Further, some even associate the overnight evacuation with paranormal activities. Whatever the reason, many people have tried but failed to spend a night in this village.

Today, abandoned houses, temples, and other architecture speak of excellence, craftsmanship, and intrigue. It is also a favorite destination for movie-makers and photographers today. Films like “Agent Vinod” are shot here. Moreover, the village is now a “Protected Monument of the State Archaelogy Department.” 

Kuldha

6. Dumas Beach

Dumas Beach

Location: Surat, Gujarat

Dumas Beach is one of the most haunted places in Gujarat. With its black sand and paranormal activities, this beach transforms into a hellish spot as the Moon shows up. 

The beach was earlier a cremation ground. The black color of the sand comes from the ashes of those corpses.

While we could not see the moving orbs or any prominent paranormal activity, I felt eerie at the beach. Also, I can’t explain, but there is something very depressing about this beach. It feels like you can hear the whispers of the lost here, and someone will suddenly appear in the shadows

There have been reports of many tourists going missing from Dumas Beach. Also, one day, local people discovered the corpse of a man at the beach. His tongue was popping out. 
To date, no explanation has been found behind these tragic incidents. 

7. Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh Fort

In the Aravallis, the Bhangarh fort has the remains of a deserted marketplace, Havelis, and temples. The architectural excellence of the fort is beyond question, and it speaks of a prosperous past. 

However, Bhangarh Fort is the most haunted place in India. It has stories and myths enough to scare you to bits. 

Bhangarh Fort Story: 1

The Archaeological Survey of India has banned entering or staying in the Bhangarh Fort after the Sunset. According to the local people, no one entering the fort at night has been able to come out alive. The fort becomes a site of paranormal activities in the darkness. 

Bhangarh Fort Story: 2

Guru Balu Nath used to meditate at this place. When Raja Madho Singh visited him with a request to build a fort here, he agreed on one condition. He asked the king to promise that the shadow of the fort would not touch him. Despite the king’s promise, it did not happen.

Furious, the hermit cursed the castle and the village. 

Bhangarh Fort Story: 3

No house in the area has a roof. People believe that the roofs of those houses were destroyed due to the curse of the hermit. All attempts to rebuild the roofs went in vain. Many of those roofs also collapsed, causing human casualties. 

Bhangarh Fort Story: 4 (Accidents And Deaths)

Three people once decided to stay in Bhangarh Fort at night. They had a powerful torch, but one group member fell into a well.

The two others rescued him and took him to the nearby hospital. However, they met with a fatal accident on the way to the hospital and lost their lives. 

Do you want to explore more sites that are suitable for dark tourism in India? Visit the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, Union Carbide Factory, Bhopal, Sites Of Indus Valley Civilization, Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie, and Gandhi Smriti, Delhi. 

Listen to hushed murmurs and the stories these places have to share to make a journey to the past! 

Also read

Share on Social Media

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE 5-Star Hotels And Resorts In Dubai

A Luxurious Getaway: Top 5-Star Hotels And Resorts In Dubai For An Unforgettable Holiday Experience

BY  Arnab Jun 17, 2023

Dubai, a glittering oasis in the Arabian Desert, is synonymous with luxury and opulence. With its futuristic skyline, world-class shopping malls, and extravagant lifestyle, it's no surprise that the city is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of the top 5-star hotels and resorts in Dubai, highlighting their unique features, services, and amenities that make them perfect for holidays in Dubai. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah - The Iconic Sail-Shaped Hotel Regarded as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an architectural marvel standing on an artificial island off the coast of Dubai. Shaped like a billowing sail, this iconic hotel offers unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and the city's skyline. Guests can indulge in the hotel's opulent suites, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, lavish furnishings, and private butler service. The hotel also boasts nine world-class restaurants and bars, including Al Muntaha, which offers panoramic views of Dubai from its 27th-floor location. For ultimate relaxation, visit the Talise Spa. Here, you can unwind in the infinity pool or indulge in a range of bespoke treatments. The Burj Al Arab also offers a private beach, helicopter tours, and access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark for a truly unforgettable experience. Atlantis, The Palm - A World of Aquatic Wonders Situated on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, The Palm is a magnificent resort. It offers guests a world of aquatic wonders. With its unique underwater suites and floor-to-ceiling windows, you can admire the mesmerizing marine life from the comfort of your room. The resort is home to Aquaventure Waterpark, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides and encounter marine animals up close. Don't forget to visit The Lost Chambers Aquarium, which houses over 65,000 marine creatures. Dining at Atlantis, The Palm is a culinary adventure. It has over 23 restaurants and bars offering a diverse range of cuisines. For an unforgettable dining experience, book a table at Ossiano, an underwater restaurant with views of the Ambassador Lagoon. Armani Hotel Dubai - Designer Luxury in the World's Tallest Building The Armani Hotel Dubai, which is situated in the very iconic Burj Khalifa is the epitome of designer luxury. Giorgio Armani has himself designed the hotel. It reflects his signature minimalist style, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. Each of the hotel's 160 rooms and suites offers panoramic views of downtown Dubai or the Arabian Gulf. Guests can also indulge in Armani's bespoke services. It includes a personal Lifestyle Manager who will ensure your stay is tailored to your preferences. With seven dining venues, the Armani Hotel Dubai offers a variety of culinary experiences. It ranges from authentic Italian cuisine at Armani/Ristorante to Japanese delicacies at Armani/Hashi. For a relaxing retreat, head to the Armani/SPA, where you can enjoy tailored treatments and therapies. One&Only The Palm - A Secluded Beachfront Sanctuary Nestled on the shores of Palm Jumeirah, One&Only The Palm offers a secluded beachfront sanctuary for those seeking a luxurious escape. The resort's elegant guest rooms, suites, and villas provide a tranquil haven away from the bustling city. It is surrounded by lush gardens and cascading fountains, Indulge in the resort's world-class spa, featuring nine private treatment suites and a range of personalized therapies. For a gastronomic treat, dine at STAY by Yannick Alléno, which offers a modern twist on traditional French cuisine. Jumeirah Al Qasr - A Royal Arabian Experience Inspired by ancient Arabian palaces, Jumeirah Al Qasr is a majestic resort located in the heart of Madinat Jumeirah. With its opulent guest rooms, private beach, and traditional abra boats, the resort offers a royal Arabian experience like no other. Guests can enjoy over 50 restaurants and bars within the Madinat Jumeirah complex, as well as the award-winning Talise Spa and the state-of-the-art Talise Fitness Center. For a cultural experience, visit the Madinat Theatre, which showcases a variety of performances and events throughout the year. These 5-star hotels and resorts in Dubai offer unparalleled luxury and world-class service for an unforgettable holiday experience. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a family adventure, or an unforgettable culinary journey. Read Also: A Cultural Adventure: Dhow Cruise Trip In Dubai Where Is The Most Popular Spot In The World To Take A Selfie? Dune Bashing And Beyond: An Adventure Lover’s Guide To Desert Safari Dubai Trip

READ MORE Group

Top Trips for Travelling with a Big Group of People

BY  Abdul Aziz May 4, 2022

Whenever you are out travelling, it is inevitably the case that all sorts of disagreements can happen along the way. This is especially true when you increase the group numbers even more as this can multiply the number of things that can go wrong along the way. So, if you are planning on travelling with a larger group, here are a few top tips to ensure that it goes off without a hitch. Top 5 Trips for travelling With Gaint Group of People: 1. Ensure That a Leader is Appointed It is usually going to be better if there is either one person or a group of people who are tasked with managing the group. Otherwise, there is every chance that things are going to get especially chaotic and difficult to manage. Ultimately, this person may present themselves in quite a natural manner. Otherwise, it could well be the case that they are appointed based on their inside knowledge or particular area of specialism. 2. Book What You Can in Advance Rather than simply assuming that you are easily going to be able to take care of all the bookings on the fly, you are going to be much better off booking what you can ahead of schedule. This way, you are minimizing the number of potential disagreements that are going to occur along the way. With this in mind, you should certainly check out all the accommodation bookings that you can, as well as a minibus lease to move all these people around from A to B in a successful manner.      Related Resource: 7 Key Points To Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip 3. Try to Take Everyone’s Suggestions into Account It is all too easy for one or two people to start to dominate the group. It is certainly not the job of the leader to do this. Instead, they should be able to provide the facilitating and steadying hand that allows everyone to have their voices heard – no matter whether they are particularly vocal members of the crowd or not. 4. Check Out Any Group Discounts One of the major advantages that you can have as a large group is based on the fact that you can get some group discounts along the way. This means that you should look ahead of time. There is no doubt that this can be a great way of giving the whole group a positive lift, as well as having the potential of smoothing things along and ensuring that everyone is able to get into the major tourist attractions that you are interested in. 5. Use Financial Apps to Split the Bills There is no doubt that splitting the bills has the ultimate potential to cause a whole host of arguments. However, there is also the chance that these can be minimized by simply relying on financial apps to do all of the legwork for you. It is important that you record everything accurately within these along the way. All of these tips can certainly do a lot in terms of helping you out with larger groups and smoothing things along. Read Also: Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s What You Should Know Eleven Essential Tips For Students Planning To Study Abroad 10 Useful Tips For Planning A Trip That You Will Love Finding The Best Hotel In Bournemouth

READ MORE things to do in Harlem

7 Things To Do In Harlem | Tour And Travel Guide

BY  Nabamita Aug 4, 2022

Are you planning your next trip? Are you thinking about going to Harlem? Are you looking for things to do in Harlem? If the answer to all these questions is YES, then you are in the right place. Here, in this article, we will provide you with a complete insight about the place Harlem. To indulge the best of the African-American culture of New York City, you have to visit Harlem. This is a neighborhood with vibrant colors, historical sites, soulful food, and melodious jazz music. Welcome To Harlem! Located inside New York City, Harlem is the center of Black Culture and Heritage. It is referred to as the “Black Mecca of the World.” But it has been the humble abode to other races as well, like, Jewish, Italian, Irish, German, and Dutch. It is a paradise for fun activities and attractive entertainment choices, with food, music, and theater. This vibrant neighborhood should definitely be a part of your itinerary for your next visit to New York City. You will definitely find a lot of fun things to do in Harlem. How To Reach Here? Before indulging yourself in all those things to do in Harlem, it is best to get route details. So, here it is.  Harlem is quite a large area in the city, stretching all the way from the Hudson River to the East River. It is from 110th street to 155th street. Looking up the directions on Google Maps is the best option, but just in case, there are many viable transport options to reach there. By Bus If you are willing to take the bus, then here are the buses you should take. M7, M1, M10, M102, M102, M104, M103, M116, M106. Other than these options, there are bus tours that have many stops in Harlem. For an easier experience, you can look into these bus tours. By Subway If you want to experience the famous New York City subway, then here are the trains you should consider. The A, C, B, or D till the 125th street. Take the 3 or 2 trains till the 125th street. You can take either 6, 5, or the 4 trains till the 125th street. Then you can either take the bus or a taxi. 7 Things To Do In Harlem Once you visit Harlem, you will see there are a lot of things to do here. But I have narrowed down seven of the best things to do here. Harlem is a very friendly and pocket-friendly neighborhood. Best for tourists to experience the culture of New York City. Now, let’s prepare your “things to do in Harlem” list. 1. Take A Walking Tour If you go through a few travel companies, you will see there are many walking tours available through Harlem. There are many different types of tours available focusing on different parts of Harlem. A few of these tours are GPS Audio Harlem Tour, the Social Justice Tour, and the Bronx-Harlem Bike Tour. 2. Apollo Theatre Located near 253 West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The Apollo Theater is a popular landmark in Harlem, built-in 1934. The Theater witnessed giants in the music industry. Legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie. Visiting these historical places is among the best things to do in Harlem today. 3. National Jazz Museum This institution is yet another landmark located near 58 West 129th Street at Malcolm X Blvd. This Smithsonian-affiliated Jazz museum is perfect for all you Jazz fans. With a wide collection of Smithsonian Jazz, engaging discussions and lectures, and foremost live performances. The Museum is open from Thursday to Monday- 11 am- 5 pm. Read More: Three Dollar Cafe – Reviews, Special Food, Pet Friendly Cafe 4. Abyssinian Baptist Church The Abyssinian Baptist Church is located at 132W 138th Street. It was founded in the year 1808 and was known as a “mega church.” It was led by one of the famous leaders, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. It is a popular place for gospel services. 5. Check Out The Harlem Murals As I mentioned before, Harlem is very colorful and vibrant; one of the reasons for that is the murals painted on the walls. Visiting these street arts is the best things to do in Harlem. Here you will find a Grafitti Hall of Fame with countless murals for you to see. Two of the newer murals here are of the legendary Jazz artist Dizzy Gillespie. 6. Sylvia’s Restaurant A staple here in Harlem is the famous Sylvia’s Restaurant, located near 328 Malcolm x Blvd. at 127th Street. This is one of the most popular places to eat here in Harlem, with affordable and soulful food amidst culture and history. Sylvia’s Restaurant is the heart of Harlem, where the renaissance took place. It is an experience you simply can’t miss when you are here. 7. Marcus Garvey Park If you had a busy day yesterday and looking for things to do in Harlem today, a bit low-key, then visit Marcus Garvey Park. The park has certain qualities for everyone to enjoy. It is the best place to cool off and just chill during the summer. In the amphitheater in the park, often live performances of music, comedy, and plays are done. You can even visit the park's website to look for any upcoming events. Read More: 10 Best Things To Do In Phoenix(Arizona) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Above here, I have discussed most of the things about Harlem, even thorough here are a few questions people ask. This will also give you another insign of things to do in Harlem. 1. How Do I Spend A Day In Harlem?  If you are spending only one day here in Harlem, here is how you should spend it.1. Eat your breakfast at Amy Ruth’s.2. In the afternoon, visit the fitness class here in Marcus Garvey Park.3. Learn more about the culture and history of Harlem in the Studio Museum.4. Bite into juicy barbecue ribs in Sylvia’s Restaurant.5. In the evening, see a concert at the Apollo Theater.6. At night drink as many cocktails as you can at Bill’s place. 2. Which Is The Most Famous Street In Harlem? The most famous street here in Harlem is the 125th Street. This is the most important street as it connects the most transportation services and cultural landmarks. 3. How Did Harlem Become A Black Neighborhood? The wealthiest of black people moved into the neighborhood during the Great Migration. This created a huge increase in the black population in the city. With the help of black churches played a major role in financing the neighborhood. Wrapping Up! Harlem plays a huge part in portraying black history and culture. With its vibrant and colorful neighborhood and lovely people, music, art, culture, and delicious food. These are the history of black culture and the Harlem neighborhood showcased in front of the world. I believe now you are all prepared with your list of things to do in Harlem. Now, book the tickets, make the reservations in hotels, and start packing your bags. Read Also: Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourists A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen