5 abandoned Indian villages with chilling stories: To visit or not to visit?

India is a land of stories, and ghost tales are a staple in households across the country. Almost every region has its own spine-chilling legend, often linked to a departed soul, a forgotten tragedy, or a crime that was never solved.

Scattered across the country are villages that were once full of life but now stand abandoned, slowly turning into fertile ground for folklore and fear.

Whether rooted in fact or fueled by imagination, these haunted settlements have become curious destinations for history enthusiasts, paranormal researchers, and ghost-hunting groups alike.

For those drawn to the unexplained, they offer a glimpse into India’s darker, lesser-known past, best explored with caution and at one’s own risk.

1. Kuldhara Village, Jaisalmer

Kuldhara’s real story, shrouded in legend, tells of a prosperous 13th-century Paliwal Brahmin village in Rajasthan abandoned overnight around the early 1800s.

Indian folklore and legends believe that the village was cursed by its inhabitants who fled a cruel minister’s demand to marry the village chief’s daughter. Since then the place is haunted and uninhabited.

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2. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

This 16th-century fort has a beauty that’s hard to ignore, with ancient walls, majestic gateways, and crumbling palaces surrounded by wild nature. But as the sun sets, this place changes. According to legend, a powerful wizard once fell in love with the princess of Bhangarh.

Discover Bhangarh Fort, nestled in the Aravalli Hills. Once a thriving Rajput kingdom, now a place of wonder and mystery. Explore its ancient walls that whisper tales of a cursed past.#bhangarhfort #alwar #explorerajasthan #travelrajasthan #rajasthantourism #rajasthan pic.twitter.com/6pMcNFun5C

— Rajasthan Tourism (@my_rajasthan) October 23, 2023

When she rejected his magical love potion, he cursed the fort and everyone in it. Not long after, the entire town was destroyed. Even today, locals say that no one dares to stay inside the fort after dark. Bhangarh is the perfect haunted place in India to feel that chill run down your spine.

3. Mayong, Assam

Mayong is famously known as the ‘Land of Black Magic’ due to its centuries-old reputation for witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, and tantric rituals.

Chanaka Eco Camp at Chanaka in Mayong is a perfect retreat to experience the unexploited natural terrain and unwind yourself. Wake up to the sound of birds in a beautiful tent and start the day by inhale fresh air in the lap of nature.

For more information about Awesome Assam… pic.twitter.com/KZIV8rM0jI

— Awesome Assam (@aweassam) August 20, 2025

While the fearsome occult practices have faded, replaced by healing herbs and white magic, Mayong in Assam retains its mystical aura with old manuscripts and artifacts at its museum.

4. Lakhpat, Gujarat

Lakhpat is a historic, largely deserted ‘ghost town’ and fortified settlement in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Once a prosperous port for trade, it’s known today for its impressive 18th-century fort walls, spiritual sites and stark beauty overlooking the salt desert.

5. Bagori Village, Uttarakhand

Situated at an altitude of 648 meters above sea level, the usual temperature in Bagori village ranges from 15-20 celsius. However, during the winter season, the temperatures drop down to sub-zero levels. This drastic drop in temperature causes water lines to freeze, making it difficult to access water and disrupts the day-to-day activities in general.

Spend a day in Bagori — a village where time slows down and traditions come alive.
Walk through ancient wooden homes, hear stories of the Bhotiya tribe, and feel the soul of the mountains in every corner.
A beautiful destination near Harsil Valley in Uttarkashi. pic.twitter.com/uRrfy90acn

— Uttarakhand Tourism (@UTDBofficial) July 11, 2025

In such a situation, the residents of Bagori village move to lower and warmer towns of Uttarkashi district, like Dunda, leaving the entire place deserted for almost 6 months. The residents typically return during the hotter months, from May to November.