The haunted places in Pune always give rise to some enigmatic phenomenon that attracts thrill-seekers and curiously inclined people. These scary locations, steeped in historical and legendary resonance, present a rare experience for those interested in developing the supernatural sense. Ranging from abandoned mansions to haunted forests, there are many haunted places in Pune which can give people goosebumps.
Popular Haunted Places In Pune
Some of the most common haunted places in Pune mainly include:
1. Shaniwar Wada
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Shaniwar Wada is one of the most haunted tourist attractions in Pune. That is if there can be a haunted place that can leave the likes of this mediaeval fort in the city centre far behind. Brutal bloodshed and betrayal write history, and in the case of the Shaniwar Wada, it was enough to fuel an explosion in the number of ghost tales that started haunting the structure. Hordes of visitors describe hearing strange sounds and feeling cold drafts.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station (3.1km)
2. Bhandarkar Institute
Photo: Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons
According to many, this Bhandarkar Institute is another one of the most common haunted places in Pune. It is said to haunt and is also believed to be the habitat of the ghostly form of a woman. A student or teacher studying at the institute died following a horrific accident in which she had jumped from the top floor. She is said to haunt the corridors mostly during the night when the institute is empty and the atmosphere is more prone to paranormal activity. Such an odd atmosphere of the institute ensured its place as a hotbed for paranormal investigation.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half a day
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station (5.8km)
3. Loosenough Cemetery
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Loosenough Cemetery is a place near the Pune district of India. It looks very quiet in daylight. But as it gets darker, the horrifying silence that pervades everywhere in it gets converted into a horror scenario. There have been tall tales of ghostly sightings and paranormal activities sweeping the visitors, adding to the spooky image of the cemetery. Many tourists have confessed that they felt fear in their hearts, and some listened to strange whispers blowing through the ground of the cemetery. The haunting ambience of Loosenough Cemetery still attracts and enchants the seekers of thrilling and intimidating times.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half day
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station (4.5km)
4. Sinhagad Fort
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The Sinhagad Fort, which is situated atop a hill above the city of Pune, is said to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers who fought and died centuries ago. Visitors have reported this as one of the most haunted places in Pune and have claimed to feel weird energy at the fort. Some people even reported having ghostly apparitions. The isolating location and eerie atmosphere of the fort add to the mystique.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Whole day
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station (32km)
5. Rajmachi Fort
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The Rajmachi Fort is one twin hill fort, 35 kilometres from Pune. The place is very popular among trekkers. But in such an enormously beautiful area, there is a dark, grim side too. Many visitors have claimed to feel strongly uneasy in the silence of the night; some even hear the sounds of old battles. Ghostly sightings and unexplained incidents add to the mystique of this historic site. The Rajmachi Fort has attracted many despite its dreadful reputation, making it a place of temptation and horror.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Full day
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station (228.9 km)
6. Pandav Caves
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As the name would imply, Pandav Caves are a set of ancient caves and are known for haunted places to visit in Pune. It is stated that these caves are haunted by the spirits of five brothers from the epic Mahabharata called the Pandavas. Visitors to these places have reportedly felt some sort of energy that surrounds those caves, and some even spoke of ghostly apparitions behind them. Such mystique adds to the cave’s location, which is secluded, amidst an eerie atmosphere.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half day
Nearest Railway Station: Pipariya Railway Station (54 km)
7. Karla Caves
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The Karla Caves are another group of ancient rock-cut caves, a haunted tourist attraction near Pune. Believed to be the abode to a young woman’s spirit, sacrificed years ago to the gods, people who have been to the caves talk about this feeling of horror creeping on them, and others even state that they saw the ghost walking through the corridors. The isolation in addition to the spooky ambience adds mystery to the place.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half a day
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station (11.5km)
8. Aga Khan Palace
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The Aga Khan Palace was previously a prison to which Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba, were confined for some time. Most people believe that the palace has the spirit of Gandhi and his wife. There are always stories coming up where guests report experiencing serenity and peacefulness in the palace; however, on the other hand, there have been claims of hearing some strange noise and feeling a draft.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half a day
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station (4.7 km)
9. Parvati Hill
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It stands over the city of Pune, a big landmark for hikers and nature lovers. Lush green, peaceful abodes and views of it offer a retreat from the urban world. However, beneath all that seems pretty beautiful, a much darker reality hidden beneath ghost stories and unexplained phenomena prevails.
The site is believed to have ancient temples and shrines, and some locals even think that the spirits of people who once lived or worshipped here may still be here.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half day
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station (6.3 km)
10. Khadakwasla Dam
Photo: Advaitk / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Khadakwasla Dam is another good place for picnicking but also one of the haunted places to visit in Pune. The strangeness in this dam is said to be so haunting that it has disturbed the calmness of many people. Now, at this particular time of the night, it has been reportedly experienced by many people that they have faced uneasiness; and quite a few of them have reportedly seen ghostly figures roaming about the shores. This estranged location and eerie atmosphere enhance the mystique of the dam.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half day
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station (17.6 km)
So, if you want to experience some spine-chilling moments then do mark these haunted places in Pune. The fantastic locations will give you the darkness, the mystery of the city’s past, and maybe even help you meet some spirits. Thus, gather your courage and go through the streets that were filled with horrors not long time ago. Just remember to honour the local traditions, do not turn a blind eye to things happening around you and if possible, grab a torch!
Cover Photo: Nikhilmore Nimo / Wikimedia Commons