7 Haunted Places You Can Explore In Kolkata

Kolkata stands out as a vital commercial hub in India, boasting historical significance and a profound cultural heritage. If your visit to the city is business-related, taking some time for sightseeing can be a rewarding addition to your trip. While typical tourists explore colonial monuments, temples, and museums, those with an adventurous spirit, particularly fans of horror movies and Gothic literature, might find interest in exploring Kolkata's haunted locations. The city harbors numerous such places, and in the following sections, we'll delve into some of the most renowned ones.

# Howrah Bridge

The Howrah Bridge, an iconic landmark in Kolkata, is rumored to be frequented by ghosts. If you speak to the wrestlers who train beneath it, some may share unsettling accounts of witnessing mysterious arms emerging from the Hooghly River, unable to discern whether they belong to a human or a spirit. Others might recall encounters with a weeping woman clad in white robes, her haunting calls resonating in a nasal tone. Those who have heard these cries or attempted to approach the apparition claim to have been deeply disturbed. These spectral entities are believed to be the spirits of individuals who met their demise through drowning in the river, whether by accident or choice. While tales of ghosts roaming various places at night are not uncommon, it is asserted that the morning is the most chilling time to be in this vicinity.

# National Library

The National Library in Alipore is reputed to be another eerie location in the city, for those inclined to believe such tales (personally, I find libraries to be the most melancholy places on earth). Numerous individuals claim to have sensed an unsettling presence as if someone were breathing down their necks while reading alone. This eerie sensation is rumored to intensify if a book is not returned to its proper place—a ghostly manifestation with an obsessive-compulsive disorder so potent that it persists beyond death. There are also accounts of people hearing footsteps nearby, only to find no one in sight. It's not just readers; even librarians have reported witnessing chairs being moved without apparent cause—chairs on which they were seated—accompanied by the sounds of pages rustling and books dropping. The perceived presence is believed to be that of the wife of Charles Metcalfe, a former Governor-General of India. If you happen to be staying at hotels in Alipore, it's worth taking the time to explore this noteworthy attraction.

# Nimtala Ghat

Nimtala Ghat stands as one of Kolkata's oldest crematoriums, making it a fitting choice for claims of being haunted, considering it's a place where spirits are believed to be released from the body. Aghoris, drawn to this ghat during the Kali Puja festivities, engage in unique practices such as consuming already cremated remains and adorning themselves with the ashes. (Imagine a music video featuring a band like Gorgoroth or Cannibal Corpse, depicting them amidst human remains, partaking in this ritual.) Additionally, there are reports of them invoking the goddess to be possessed by her. While it may not be an inherently frightening experience, it is certainly one that piques curiosity.

# Putulbari

Dolls are typically associated with cuteness, right? However, if you've delved into The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Child’s Play series, or even the Dexter’s Laboratory episode, Dee Dee’s Room, your perspective might be less certain. If you're keen on cultivating a heightened sense of skepticism towards dolls, a visit to Putulbari – The House of Dolls, is in order. Even before any eerie presence is felt, the sight of dolls neatly arranged on stands within a grand Romanesque building can send shivers down your spine. Despite having residents, the upper floors of this house are avoided even by them. Legends suggest that affluent landlords residing in this haunted Kolkata house in the past were involved in heinous acts against women, leading to their tragic deaths, and their spirits are said to wander within. Some have reported hearing women's laughter and the subtle jingling of anklets, even in the absence of anyone but themselves. If you muster the courage to ascend to the upper stories, you may find a newfound respect for your bravery.

# Writer’s Building

In Binoy Badal Dinesh Bagh, the Writer’s Building is reputed to be a place where the deceased seem to stroll about—no, we're not referring to The Undertaker from wrestling fame. The individual in question is Captain Simpson of the East India Company, who met his demise at the hands of revolutionaries during the struggle for independence. It is believed that his apparition roams the premises after dark. Caretakers recount hearing eerie, shriek-like sounds in the late hours, even though the building officially closes to the public at 7:00 pm. According to claims, no caretaker has been able to endure the role for more than 24 hours due to the unsettling experiences reported within.

# The Royal Calcutta Turf Club

In Kolkata, spectral sightings aren't limited to human forms; even horses are said to make ghostly appearances. Locals recount witnessing a remarkable sight at The Royal Calcutta Turf Club: a white horse, reminiscent of Shadowfax, galloping on the racetrack under the glow of a full moon. Legend has it that this ethereal equine is Pride, once owned by the British horse racing enthusiast George Williams. Pride garnered fame and wealth for its owner through numerous victories, but its glory waned when it lost a race due to aging. The following day, the horse was discovered lifeless on the tracks, evoking memories of the iconic scene in The Godfather where a horse's head is found in bed with its owner.

# Hastings House

Evident from its name, Hastings House was the residence of Warren Hastings, the inaugural Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William (Bengal). Upon his return to England, Hastings faced impeachment over various alleged misconducts, leading to a lengthy seven-year trial that ultimately concluded in his acquittal. Local lore suggests that the ghostly footsteps of Hastings himself traverse the premises, as the spirit is believed to visit the house in search of a folder containing papers that could have exonerated him during the impeachment. Presently functioning as a college, students assert encountering an apparition astride a horse. Another colonial-era legend surrounding the building involves the tragic demise of a schoolboy while playing football. Contemporary accounts tell of students engaging in the sport here experiencing serious injuries. Considering a game of football? Perhaps not such an appealing idea now.