Most haunted places in India-3!

1. Brijraj Bhavan Palace, Kota- Rajasthan: Located in the north-westerly state of the Indian state 'Rajasthan', Kota is a place renowned for its rich history and culture. The city has been a silent spectator of many a wars and rulers and the grand architecture of the preserved buildings are a quiet reminiscent of the grandeur of the days gone by. Amongst this treasure chest, is the beautifully built palace (Now converted into a Hotel) called the Brijraj Bhavan Palace. Apart from its magnificent architecture and luxurious rooms, the palace is also famous for its resident ghost who goes by the name of 'Major Burton'.

The Haunting/History: Major Burton was a dignified and distinguished major of the erstwhile East-India army (read it as the British), but nevertheless a person of strict discipline and order. Major Burton was posted at Kota and the palace was his official residence. During the First Indian Mutiny of 1857, Major Burton and his two sons were killed by the Indian soldiers in the central Hall of the Palace. Thus began the eerie rounds by the Major all along the hotel premises. There have been numerous eye-witness accounts of Major Burton's appearance in the palace post his death but not once has the Major harmed any of the residents or guests.

Major Burton is normally seen with a cane in his hand in his full army attire doing the rounds of the hotel. Any security cards seen dozing during duty hours is given a tight slap- a stern reminder that the Major still watches over people duly engaged in negligence of duty :)

How to reach there/Accommodation: Kota is well connected by National Highways and Railways with almost all major cities of India. There are numerous hotels and guest-houses in Kota. However to have the first-hand experience of encountering Major Burton, there's no better place than the 'Brijraj Bhavan Hotel' itself. Stay there and enjoy the hospitality of the erst-while 'British Raj' and Major Burton.

If you are a lover of history and travelling to India to visit her finest forts and palaces, the Golconda Fort located in the historical city of Hyderabad would be a definite stop-over. Built by the Qutub Kings of the 'Qutub Shahi' dynasty, this citadel fort was built as a defense structure from the invading mughals from the north of India. The fort resides on a hill and the application of science & architecture in its construction is seen to be believed. The famous 'Kohinoor' diamond was once said to reside in the vaults of the Golconda Fort.

The Haunting/History: The Fort has also recorded accounts of hauntings witnessed by numerous eye-witnesses. Rumor has it that the Qutub Kings of the fort still roam it's lavishly spread-out premises. Visuals of dancing 'Taramati' (a courtesan turned dancer), utensils being violently thrown combined with wall hangings and photos turned upside down are some instances of the hauntings reported by the witnesses. Nevertheless none of the ghostly apparitions have ever caused any damage to a living person in all their years of existence.

How to get there/ Accommodation: Hyderabad is well-connected with roads, rails and air by all major cities of India. International flights from many major cities of the world ply in and out of the city everyday. Hotels ranging from lavish 5 and 7 stars to economical lodges- are all to be found in the city. Prior reservation is advised though.

This fascinating name of the twin buildings comes from 2 adjacent structures situated in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. The name Jamali is associated with the pseudo name given to Shaikh Fazlu'llah- a renowned 'Sufi Saint' who lived in the pre-mughal era. The history of Kamali (the name of a person) has not been established except the fact that he was a close associate of the saint. Thus came the existence of the twin buildings Jamali-Kamali represented by a mosque and a tomb respectively.

The Haunting/History: Perhaps one of the few places in India which have been extensively investigated by the paranormal investigators- 'Jamali-Kamali'- time and again has thrown numerous proofs of ghostly apparitions and hauntings. The paranormal investigators themselves have recorded numerous accounts of heightened electrostatic activity with numerous sightings of ghostly orbs and shadows. All the ghostly activities are recorded after dark and there are no records of any sightings during the day. Some of the classic sightings of the hauntings have been the well laid out apparitions of a man peeping against a tree and the phenomenal orbs circling any visitor at night (the place does not have electricity). One of the classic recordings of the hauntings was captured by the team for a show titled 'India's Most Haunted' the video of which is attached in a capsule below.

How to get there/ Accommodation: Mehrauli is a constituency of Delhi, hence has numerous hotels, guest-houses and lodges. Of course new Delhi has its own plethora of accommodation facilities. Mehrauli/Delhi are well connected by all major cities of India by rail, road and air. All international airlines of the world fly in and out of New Delhi everyday.

The green and white towers of the 28- storeyed building presents a cosmopolitan look to any visitor in south Mumbai. The towers were constructed in the year 1975 and at one point of time (some say till date) offers the most panoramic view of the entire Mumbai city. The towers are also home to some of the most richest and affluent people of the society and is considered as a posh locality in south Mumbai.

The haunting/jinx/history: Apart from its status symbol and architectural beauty, the towers have been more in news due to the high cases of reported suicides. With an average of 2 suicides a year from the high rises, the towers have earned a dubious reputation of being jinxed or haunted. Such is the terror amongst the residents that many even refuse to talk about the reported cases so far. The reasons of the suicides have been far and many. Mostly related to financial debacles, the building has also witnessed suicides due to failed relationships and trauma. What most can't figure out is the fact that why does so many suicides happen from the towers at such an alarming rate in the first place? What drives these people to take such drastic steps? Well! No one has found an answer to that yet. However, with suicides came a spate of hauntings of the departed souls. Screams, random knocks at the doors and running footsteps are all too common in the towers at night. One of the corner flats called 'Kemp's Corner Flat' has remained vacant since 1979. Whatever be the reasons the 'Grand Paradi Towers' of South Mumbai are quoted by many as the most haunted location in the entire Mumbai city.

How to get there/Accommodation: Mumbai is well connected by rail, road and air with all major cities of India. Mumbai is also connected to all major cities of the world by all international airlines. Once in Mumbai, you can visit the towers by hiring a taxi. Accommodations suiting aspirations and budgets of all classes of travelers can be found in Mumbai.

Built in 1836-Formerly known as the 'Calcutta Public Library', and later amalgamated with the 'The Imperial Library', the National Library got its rename in 1948 with the initiation of the government of independent India. The Library is the largest in India with collections exceeding 2.2 million priceless books.

The haunting/History: One of the most intriguing mysteries of the Library has been the excavation of a 250 year old room of size 1000 sq feet which seems to have no openings. Searches for trap doors and other openings continued for many a months without any result. Rumors of skeletons being unearthed and apparitions rushing out of this recently discovered room have been rampant. Night guards at the museum have more-often-than-not been at their wits end to fathom the horse carriages and ghosts that seem to be doing a busy round-about of the Library compounds. Many of the guards have had to be treated for severe traumatic disorders. Perhaps the most famous haunting has been that of Warren Hastings- The first appointed governor general by the British east India company. The National Library building was earlier called the 'Belvedere House'- the official residence of the governor general. Hence it is but natural that the sightings of Warren Hastings in the National Library have been far too many to ignore. However no reported cases of any bodily harm caused by the ghosts of the library has ever come forth. It seems that the departed souls just fail to leave their once-cherished residences & compounds and their nightly visits are just a mere reflection of their attachment to the building and the city.

How to get there/ Accommodation: The National Library is located in South Kolkata in the neighborhood of Alipore. Kolkata is well connected by roads, rails and air with all major cities of India. Kolkata is also well connected by all major international airlines across the globe. Hotels, resorts, guest-houses and lodges catering to taste and budget of all kinds of travelers are available in Kolkata. However prior reservation is recommended.

The Mukesh Textile mills was renamed in 1975, after the new owner acquired the same from the 'Brady Group'. It's located at the fringes of the Arabian sea in the Colaba area of Mumbai. On few years of its running, the mill had to be shut down owing to severe financial losses incurred due to a major fire. The building in its dilapidated state has ever since been a popular spot for film shootings.

The Haunting/History: The Mukesh mills in the late 80's and early 90's became a regular haunt for criminals due to its secluded location. Numerous murders are supposed to have occurred in the mills and the bodies disposed of in the adjacent Arabian sea. Thus began the ghostly haunting of the mills and are rumored to continue to this day. Food items, water bottles, film shooting gear have been ransacked on numerous occasions as reported by various film crews. Sudden epileptic attacks of the members of the film crews have also been reported many a times.

How to reach there/Accommodation: Colaba is a part of the Mumbai city hence is well connected with all major cities of India through rail, road and air. Mumbai is also connected to all major cities of the world. The Mills located at Colaba can be easily reached by hiring a taxi. Mumbai caters to all kinds of hotels suiting everyone's budget and needs.