People seldom appreciate the charm and beauty of an empty space. Places that were left to the gods or old buildings given up to the changes of the climate assume a splendour all of their own, drawing on the organic aesthetics of vines and weathered storms.
After the hustle and bustle of big city life, we all need to take it easy sometimes. Some people love to be surrounded by life, while others just want to go to places where they can lose themselves in the serene bliss of nothingness.India has no dearth of abandoned wonderlands and sprawling places of nothing, you just have to search a little. Check it out!
1. Bhangarh, Rajasthan
The ruins of this fort are said to be haunted and consequently have attained an air of abandonment. Few people venture close to the fort itself, especially at night time, but it is a wonder to look at, plus it’s a good test of your guts and courage!
2. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
This ghost town on Pamban Island is famous for it’s Ramayana connection. Two devastating cyclones reduced the town to what it is today – a shadow. And yet, it is one place that’ll haunt your memories. It has religious significance as the Ram Setu, which connected India and Sri Lanka earlier.
3. Ross Island, Andaman
An earthquake in 1941 forced British colonialists to shift their Andaman headquarters, leaving the island to it’s own devices. It now functions as a pleasant tourist attraction for it’s ancient and mysterious insides, comprising of mossed over settlements and amazonian attractions.
4. Vijayanagara, Karnataka
These ruins can boast of a world heritage site tag. It has an ancient background chalk full of interesting rulers and stories. It was the capital of the historic Vijayanagara empire and also the second most populous city in the world in 1500.
5. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned in 1585 due to lack of water and has been a tourist attraction since. No surprise considering it was Emperor Akbar’s capital for a while and boasts of pristine architecture.
6. Chiktan, Ladakh
This castle in Kargil is like Dracula’s lair in real life. Located at the top of an isolated mountain, it juts out , looming eerily overhead and casting a shadow of abandon along the lower areas.
7. The village of death – Kuldhara, Rajasthan
Kuldhara is a famous ghost town who’s bizarre history still hasn’t been solved. The people of the town mysteriously disappeared collectively around 300 years ago and were never seen since. It now stands as a strange testament to the weirdness of our towns.
8. Shettihalli Church, Hassan District, Karnataka
This long lasting church built by French missionaries in the 1800s stands testament to the otherworldly beauty of abandoned places of worship. It withstands the flow and ebb of the Hemavathi river which routinely submerges it to no avail because it still stands strong.
9. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh runs as a huge course of cliffs and river. If you’re a fan of empty spaces and wide open areas, this is your paradise. Our very own Grand Canyon right in India, and it’s so khaali !
10. Sanjay Van, Delhi
This forested area in Delhi has a long history of creepy stories and is famous for it’s empty surroundings. Lose yourself in the bewildering charm of a green wonderland and thrill in the excitement of the scare.
11. Chambal Valley, Rajasthan-MP border
Chambal valley is another space similar to Gandikota, notorious for dacoit activity in the early years but more famous as a huge stretch of forest, mountain and cliffs now. Gaze into miles upon miles of nothingness in terms of human presence.
12. Kudremukh, Karnataka
This national forest around 5 hours from Bangalore has no options to stay in hotels. One must stay in the five guest houses available. Enjoy the unbelievable green surroundings as you soak in the morning mist.
13. Dzuokou Valley, Nagaland
About 5 hours from Kohima in Nagaland lies a natural heaven of sorts. Dzokou valley is a sprawling hillside where one can trek up, buoyed by the lilies and rhododendrons for leagues on end. A stunning and completed unpopulated locale.
14. Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Also known as Moon Valley, this part of Ladakh is made up of strangely lunar looking deserts and cratered land surfaces that look unreal in the night time. An absolute stunner of a place and totally empty to boot, perfect for your midnight delinquencies!
