9 Ghost Towns in India You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

“Some towns are now memories only, wrapped in complete silence.”

Names like Dhanushkodi or Kuldhara might pop up when you think of ghost towns in India. But what about the lesser-known haunted towns — the ones hidden in forests, by the sea, or deep in the hills? These ghost towns in India were once full of life. Then, something happened — a disaster, a curse, or just time — that forced people to leave. Now they stand frozen, as if waiting for someone to tell their story again. If you’re a traveller who loves history, mystery, and goosebumps, let’s explore these 9 forgotten ghost towns in India you’ve probably never heard of.

1. Vijaynagar, Arunachal Pradesh

These ghost towns in India serve as haunting reminders of the past, steeped in history and folklore.

This ghost town in India depicts a beautiful yet eerie atmosphere that captivates visitors.

Visiting ghost towns in India offers a unique glimpse into the lives that once flourished here.

Exploring the ghost towns in India allows for an unforgettable adventure filled with stories of the past.

Each of these ghost towns in India has its own tale, waiting to be discovered by curious explorers.

“A kingdom lost in the clouds.”

For those interested in history, ghost towns in India are a treasure trove of archaeological wonders.

Each ghost town in India has its unique vibe, echoing the lives of those who once called it home.

Backstory: Vijaynagar was once a flourishing settlement on the Indo‑Myanmar border, but due to lack of connectivity, its population slowly disappeared. Now only a handful of families and army personnel remain.

The stories behind these ghost towns in India will leave you intrigued and wanting to learn more.

Many ghost towns in India are tied to legends that enhance their haunting appeal.

Why It’s Ghostly: Abandoned homes and empty stretches make this remote valley feel frozen in time.

Travel Info:

• Location: Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh
• Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport (250 km)
• Nearest Railway: Tinsukia Railway Station (200 km)

2. Kuldhara’s Neighbouring Villages, Rajasthan

Visiting ghost towns in India can evoke deep reflections on history and loss.

Exploring the ghost towns in India enables travelers to connect with the past in a profound way.

“Not just one, but 84 cursed villages.”

Many adventure seekers are drawn to ghost towns in India for their unique landscapes and histories.

The legends surrounding ghost towns in India often leave visitors with an eerie sense of wonder.

Backstory: Everyone knows Kuldhara, but what about the 83 other Paliwal Brahmin villages nearby? These too were abandoned overnight under the same curse.

Every ghost town in India represents a chapter of the country’s diverse and complex history.

Why It’s Ghostly: These villages lie in ruins, silent yet eerie, with similar haunting vibes as Kuldhara.

Travel Info:

• Location: Near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
• Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport (30 km)
• Nearest Railway: Jaisalmer Railway Station (25 km)

3. Charama, Chhattisgarh

“A town where the dead supposedly walk.”

Backstory: Local legends say Charama was abandoned centuries ago after a mysterious plague wiped out its people.

Why It’s Ghostly: Locals still claim to hear whispers and see strange lights near the ruins at night.

As you walk through these ghost towns in India, you can almost hear the whispers of the past.

Ghost towns in India not only tell tales of abandonment but also of resilience and survival.

Documenting your journey through ghost towns in India can lead to fascinating discoveries.

Travel Info:

• Location: Kanker district, Chhattisgarh
• Nearest Airport: Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (140 km)
• Nearest Railway: Dhamtari Railway Station (90 km)

4. Rakhigarhi, Haryana

“India’s silent Indus city.”

Backstory: Once part of the Indus Valley Civilization, Rakhigarhi is now an archaeological ghost town with ruins of a 5,000‑year‑old settlement.

Why It’s Ghostly: Its uninhabited mounds and excavated structures make it feel like an open‑air time machine.

Travel Info:

• Location: Hisar district, Haryana
• Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (150 km)
• Nearest Railway: Jind Railway Station (40 km)

5. Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island), Andaman & Nicobar

“The British capital swallowed by nature.”

Backstory: Once the administrative hub for the British in the Andamans, Ross Island was abandoned after an earthquake in 1941 and the Japanese invasion.

Why It’s Ghostly: Banyan roots now wrap around British buildings, creating a hauntingly beautiful ruin.

Travel Info:

• Location: Near Port Blair, Andaman Islands
• Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar Airport, Port Blair (5 km by boat)

6. Ganeshpur, Uttarakhand

“A Himalayan town lost to landslides.”

Backstory: Ganeshpur was abandoned after continuous landslides made it unsafe for living.

Why It’s Ghostly: Crumbling homes and half‑buried temples still peek through the overgrowth.

Travel Info:

• Location: Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand
• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (240 km)
• Nearest Railway: Tanakpur Railway Station (200 km)

7. Bhangarh’s Surrounding Settlements, Rajasthan

“Where even shadows avoid the night.”

Backstory: The curse of Bhangarh didn’t just affect the fort — small settlements around it were also abandoned.

Why It’s Ghostly: Wandering through these crumbling houses feels like you’ve stepped into an untouched medieval horror story.

Travel Info:

• Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan
• Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (90 km)
• Nearest Railway: Dausa Railway Station (22 km)

8. Jadavpur Ruins, West Bengal

“The forgotten zamindari estate.”

Backstory: Once an estate of a wealthy zamindar, Jadavpur lost its importance post‑Independence and was abandoned.

Why It’s Ghostly: Cracked palatial walls, empty courtyards, and wild vegetation give it a chilling aura.

Travel Info:

• Location: South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
• Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata (60 km)
• Nearest Railway: Sonarpur Railway Station (30 km)

9. Lakhpat, Gujarat

“A walled city turned to dust.”

Backstory: Once a wealthy port, Lakhpat lost its glory after an earthquake altered the course of the Indus River.

Why It’s Ghostly: Its massive city walls still guard empty streets and Sufi shrines.

Travel Info:

• Location: Kutch district, Gujarat
• Nearest Airport: Bhuj Airport (135 km)
• Nearest Railway: Bhuj Railway Station (138 km)

Tips for Visiting Ghost Towns

• Travel in daylight: These towns can be unsafe and spooky after dark.
• Go with a guide: Especially in remote areas.
• Be respectful: Many are tied to local legends and sentiments.

Final Thoughts

These ghost towns in India are more than abandoned places. They are living Museums of history, wrapped in mystery and whispers of the past. As one local elder in Lakhpat said, “The town may be empty, but its soul remains.” Let these ghost towns in India inspire your next adventure.

Would you add these haunted towns in India to your travel list?

FAQs

Exploring ghost towns in India reveals hidden stories waiting to be uncovered by inquisitive minds.