5 Haunted Places in Kumaon

The Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is celebrated for its snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, ancient temples, and dense forests. It attracts thousands of tourists each year who come seeking peace, beauty, and spiritual solace. However, there’s another side to this beautiful region a darker, spine-tingling side that few dare to explore.

Beyond the scenic trails and pilgrimage routes, Kumaon hides chilling secrets, buried in its abandoned mansions, ruined forts, and misty mountain paths. These are places steeped in folklore, places where the wind whispers old legends, and where shadows seem to move even when no one is around. Locals speak in hushed tones about spirits that never left, mysterious disappearances, phantom figures, and strange noises that pierce the silence of night.

These haunted places have not only terrified villagers and trekkers but have also drawn the attention of paranormal investigators, spiritual seekers, and adventurous tourists. For those who believe in the supernatural and even for those who don’t the eeriness of these sites often leaves a lasting impression that lingers long after they return home.

In this article, we will take you deep into the five most haunted places in Kumaon, unraveling the ghost stories, tragic events, and strange occurrences that make them legendary. From British-era bungalows with a bloodied past to mythological forts haunted by demon kings, these sites are not just destinations they are portals into the unknown.

If you’re brave enough, join us as we explore the places in Kumaon that will send chills down your spine… and maybe leave you questioning what’s real.

Here’s a deep dive into five haunted places in Kumaon, each laced with eerie legends and spine-chilling experiences.

1. Bhoot Bangla View Point, Ranikhet

Location: ~5 km from Ranikhet town
Era: British colonial period

This ominously named site sits in isolation on a hilltop with stunning views but few stop to enjoy them. Known as Bhoot Bangla (“Haunted Bungalow”), it was once a British officer’s summer residence. The officer reportedly had a strained relationship with his wife, and rumors suggest that he may have murdered her in a fit of rage or that she jumped (or was pushed) off the balcony one stormy night.

After her death, the mansion was abandoned. Locals speak of hearing a woman weeping, faint music playing, and perfume wafting through the air. Brave visitors who’ve entered the building report cold spots, moving shadows, and an oppressive atmosphere. Some even claim to have lost their sense of time inside the house.

Despite its haunting reputation, the building stands untouched, its dilapidated condition and eerie silence acting as a warning to stay away. Real estate developers avoid the area, and no locals will walk by after dark.

2. Mullingar Mansion, Nainital

Location: Ayarpatta Hill, Nainital
Built in: 1895 by Captain Young

Once a beacon of British architectural excellence, Mullingar Mansion is today one of the most spine-tingling places in Nainital. Captain Young, an Irish officer with the East India Company, constructed this home with high Victorian ceilings, wide verandahs, and ornamental gardens. After his supposed return to Ireland, eerie phenomena began.

Many believe his spirit never left, and several visitors claim to have seen a horse-riding figure resembling him in the garden. Sounds of boots on wooden floors, chains dragging, and phantom laughter echo through the halls especially at night. During monsoons, the mansion takes on an even eerier aura, shrouded in fog and silence.

Adding to its mystery, locals tell stories of sudden illnesses afflicting those who stay too long inside. Despite this, its heritage charm continues to attract curious tourists and paranormal investigators from across India.

3. Abbey Bungalow, Lohaghat (Abbott Mount)

Location: Abbott Mount, near Lohaghat
Era: Late 19th century to early 20th century

Abbey Bungalow is perhaps the most documented haunted site in Kumaon, mainly because of its macabre backstory. Built during the British era and later converted into a charitable hospital, this place is infamous for its Mukti Kothri a “room of freedom” where patients were left to die in isolation.

A doctor once associated with the hospital allegedly had the power to foresee a patient’s death. But many believe he was a serial killer, choosing victims and locking them away under the pretense of prophecy. The souls of those believed to have been murdered are said to haunt the mansion.

Witnesses describe a woman in white, moving shadows, and a constant feeling of being watched. Some report objects being hurled across rooms, lights flickering despite no electricity, and whispers in dead silence. Even seasoned mountaineers and trekkers avoid the trail after sunset.

Abbott Mount itself, though naturally beautiful, is often dubbed the “Ghost Hill of Kumaon.”

4. Banasur Ka Kila, Lohaghat (Champawat District)

Location: ~20 km from Lohaghat
Era: Mythological times / Mahabharata era

Perched on a rugged hilltop, Banasur Ka Kila (Fort) is not just a historical ruin but a battleground of myth and lore. Legend holds that Banasur, a thousand-armed demon king and son of Bali, lived here. After imprisoning Lord Krishna’s grandson Aniruddh, Krishna attacked the fort in a fierce battle. Banasur was ultimately defeated, but some locals claim his spirit still lingers in the ruins.

While the fort is largely in ruins today, it remains eerily silent, and strange things happen here rocks shifting on their own, strange inscriptions glowing in moonlight, and animal carcasses found near the entrance.

Explorers often describe a heavy, unsettling atmosphere, with the sensation of being followed, and some claim to have seen a giant shadow figure at dusk. The fort remains a sacred yet feared site, where rituals are sometimes still conducted by locals to “appease the old spirit.”

5. Gurney House, Nainital

Location: Near Naini Lake
Notable Resident: Jim Corbett (hunter, naturalist, author)

Once the home of the legendary Jim Corbett, Gurney House is now a well-preserved heritage homestay that retains his belongings, furniture, and personal memorabilia. While it’s open to visitors, paranormal tales abound.

Caretakers speak of Corbett’s gun shifting places, footsteps on creaking floors, and a shadowy figure seated in the drawing room. Tourists have reported unexplained chills and whispers in otherwise empty rooms.

Some paranormal investigators claim the ghost is benign, simply watching over the place he loved. Yet, others describe feeling dizzy or emotionally disturbed while inside. His deep connection to Kumaon’s forests where he hunted man-eating tigers may explain why he still “resides” in spirit here.

Despite these reports, Gurney House remains popular with wildlife enthusiasts and literary fans, offering a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into the past.

Kumaon is not just a land of tranquil lakes and majestic hills it’s a region steeped in mystery, emotion, and deep-rooted folklore. These haunted places act as windows into untold histories and unresolved stories. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, visiting these locations promises an unforgettable experience.

So next time you’re in Uttarakhand, consider adding a touch of the unknown to your journey and explore the ghostly tales of Kumaon, if you dare.

FAQs – Haunted Places in Kumaon

Can tourists explore the Bhoot Bangla View Point in Ranikhet, and is it safe to visit?

Yes, tourists can visit the Bhoot Bangla View Point, located about 5 km from Ranikhet, but only during the daytime. The mansion is in ruins and surrounded by dense forest, making it difficult and unsafe to explore after dark. Locals strictly avoid the area post-sunset due to the chilling stories of the British officer’s wife’s death. Visitors have reported hearing wailing cries, seeing ghostly figures, and smelling strange perfumes, making it one of the most spine-chilling places in Kumaon. There are no official safety measures, so a local guide is strongly recommended.

Is it advisable to visit the Abbey Bungalow in Lohaghat at night? Are there any risks involved?

Absolutely not. The Abbey Bungalow in Lohaghat, especially the infamous Mukti-kothri, is surrounded by heavy legends of ghostly activities. People have reported shadows following them, eerie stares from invisible figures, and a woman’s ghost seen wandering at night. Its remote location and history of unnatural deaths make it highly unsafe, both physically and psychologically, after dark. Locals advise staying far away after sunset. Risk of injury due to the decaying structure and wildlife presence also adds to the dangers.

Have paranormal experts or ghost hunters ever explored Mullingar Mansion in Nainital?

Yes, the Mullingar Mansion in Nainital has intrigued many paranormal researchers and content creators. Some teams have visited to investigate stories of Captain Young’s ghost, using EMF meters and thermal imaging cameras. They’ve reported:

• Hearing footsteps in empty rooms

• Feeling cold spots

• Capturing unexplained voices and shadows

While these findings remain unverified scientifically, they have contributed to the mansion’s spooky reputation. Visitors should know that the mansion lies in a secluded area and is difficult to access without guidance.

Can tourists stay overnight at the Gurney House in Nainital, and is it truly haunted?

Gurney House, once the residence of the famous hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, is now a heritage site and not typically open for overnight stays. While it sometimes hosts private visits or short homestays, caretakers have reported sightings of Jim Corbett’s shadow, movement of his personal belongings, and strange noises at night. Due to its strong emotional and spiritual association with Corbett, many believe his spirit still lingers, especially in the house and its garden. Daytime visits are allowed, but nighttime stay is discouraged unless officially permitted.

Are there guided treks or heritage walks to Banasur Ka Kila in Champawat district?

Yes, Banasur Ka Kila is accessible through trekking routes and is popular among adventure lovers and mythology enthusiasts. Though primarily known for its connection to the battle between Banasur and Lord Krishna, it is also considered haunted due to the belief that Banasur’s spirit still roams the fort. Local guides often include folklore, ghost stories, and historic references in their treks. While it is safe to visit during the day, the atmosphere becomes eerie after sunset, and staying overnight is not advised. Trekkers have reported hearing laughter and voices from within the ruins.

Are the ghost stories of these places rooted in real events or just myths and legends?

Each of these haunted places is tied to either historical events, personal tragedies, or local mythology:

• Bhoot Bangla – Linked to a real colonial-era mansion and a mysterious death of a British officer’s wife

• Abbey Bungalow – Associated with a hospital where patients reportedly died after predicted death timings, possibly murdered

• Mullingar Mansion – Rooted in the unexplained disappearance of Captain Young and sightings of his ghost

• Banasur Ka Kila – Deeply rooted in mythological lore of the Mahabharata era

• Gurney House – Believed to be haunted by Jim Corbett’s spirit due to his strong connection with the region

Though not all claims are historically proven, oral traditions, eyewitness accounts, and the ambiance of these places keep the stories alive.

What should tourists keep in mind while visiting these haunted places in Kumaon?

If you’re planning to explore these places, keep these safety and etiquette tips in mind:

• Visit during the daylight hours

• Always go in groups or with a local guide

• Avoid mocking or challenging spirits—respect local beliefs

• Carry essentials like water, torch, first aid, and fully charged phone

• Don’t venture inside ruined structures like Abbey Bungalow or Mullingar Mansion

• Inform someone of your plans and location

• Be mentally prepared for eerie environments and intense stories

Exploring these mysterious places is a thrilling but delicate experience respect the history and be cautious.

Kumaon, with its picturesque landscapes and serene mountains, is not just a haven for nature lovers but also a land wrapped in mystique and eerie folklore. Beyond its natural beauty, the region holds deep, spine-chilling secrets in the form of haunted mansions, eerie forts, and ghostly bungalows. Places like Bhoot Bangla in Ranikhet, Abbey Bungalow in Lohaghat, Mullingar Mansion in Nainital, Banasur Ka Kila, and Gurney House are more than just destinations they are storied remnants of history, tragedy, and myth.

Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the chilling tales associated with these places cannot be ignored. The combination of legends, local testimonies, and unsettling experiences shared by visitors makes these spots both terrifying and fascinating. They add a darker, mysterious dimension to the charm of Kumaon, drawing curious travelers, thrill-seekers, and paranormal enthusiasts year after year.

So, if you’re someone who enjoys uncovering hidden truths and exploring the unknown, a visit to these haunted places in Kumaon might just leave you with unforgettable stories and perhaps a few goosebumps too.