8 Haunted Forts In India That Are Engulfed In Tragic & Mysterious Tales Of History

India has been ruled by many dynasties over the years and the number of forts left behind by all these dynasties are proof of their past splendour. But, they are also known for their gruesome past and their creepy tales. Here are 8 of the most haunted forts in India. 

This fort was built in 1732 in honour of Peshwa Bajirao, is considered to be one of the most haunted forts in India. It is believed that Narayan Rao, the fifth ruling Peshwa, was mauled by his own guards, on the orders of his uncle Raghunathrao and aunt Anandibai. Now, it is said that Narayan Rao’s screams for help can be heard in the fort after dark. During the 1800s this fort also caught fire and those who died in the fire are said to haunt the fort. Visitors often hear weird noises and inexplicable sounds coming from the fort. Many also claim to hear screams and cries of those who died in the deadly fire. 

This 17-century building that was built for Princess Ratnavati of Alwar is the only fort in India which is known to be ‘legally haunted’ by the Archaeological Society of India.  According to legend, a Tantrik worshiper fell madly in love with the princess who tried to use black magic to charm her and win her over. But, as soon as the princess got to know about this vicious plans, she ordered him dead. It is believed that in his last breath, the Tantrik cursed the princess and the entire court. Visitors have complained about hearing screams and cries coming from the fort. Many have also reportedly seen apparitions that disappear into thin air when approached. People also claim to feel uneasy and heavy while exploring this magnificent structure. 

This 14-century fort built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq in New Delhi, is known as the resting grounds for Jinns. For the uninitiated, Jinns are said to be malevolent spirits who are cursed to eternally roam the Earth. Jinns are spirits who have no shape and are invisible to the naked eye. According to locals, Jinns prey on unguarded young women and children after sunset. In order to appease them, visitors often leave offerings like milk, grain and fruits. Every Thursday, a huge crowd visits the Feroz Shah Kotla ruins to pay their respects to the Jinns-they pray, light candles and diyas, and write letters in the hope that their prayers will be answered. 

This beautiful fort lies in the foothills of the Aravalli Mountain Range in the city of Jaipur but, it is also known to be one of the most haunted forts in India. It is believed that Maharaja Sawai Raja Man Singh ordered the walls of the fort to be built extremely high because he didn’t want anyone to lay eyes on his queens. It is said that his spirit still haunts this fort, even after his death. People and visitors have often complained about feeling creepy and uneasy. Visitors claim that they feel the presence of something negative and evil. People also claim to hear strange noises coming from inside the fort by when they try an find the source of the sound, they don’t find anything that would explain from where the noise is coming. According to reports, during the fort’s renovation, a person was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Now, no one dares to enter this fort after sunset. 

This 13th-century fort was ruled by the Kakatiyas Dynasty for the longest time. It went through a series of renovations under the whims and fancies of its many rulers but now, this fort is considered to be haunted. It is believed that the king and queen of this fort who are still buried here still linger around. It is also said that the spirit of an ex-courtesan still walks and dances in the palace at night. People claim to hear screams and howls in pain coming from the fort after sunset. Some have also reportedly seen images hanging upside-down on the walls of the fort. Shooting crews have also reportedly heard strange voices and noises coming from this fort at night. 

This fort, also known as Monsoon Palace was built in 1884, on a hilltop, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake.The underground rooms of this palace still remains inaccessible for tourists and visitors till date. Visitors often complain about feeling uneasy and eerie while exploring the underground rooms. Now, all the underground rooms have been locked up. No tourist is allowed to stay inside this fort after 7 PM. 

This is one of the largest forts in India that was built by Rao Jodha around 1459. It is believed that in the process of it being built, a hermit who resided on the hilltop was displaced and, in order to please him, Rao Jodha ordered his guards to set ablaze a young man named Rajita Bambi. After this incident, a series of misfortunes followed Rao and his family. Now, this fort is said to be haunted by the spirit of the young man who was set on fire. Visitors often complain about feeling heavy and uneasy while exploring this palace. Many also claim to have seen the apparition of a young man walking around in the corridors.

This 300-year-old palace which is partially submerged in the Man Sagar Lake is now known to be one of the most haunted forts in India. Four storeys of this building is constructed under water while the fifth storey stands above water. This beautiful structure has been abandoned for many years due to its underwater and sewage problems. People claim to hear screams and cries coming from inside the palace. Many visitors have also complained about feeling eerie while exploring it. Now, no one visits this fort after sunset.