Admittedly, I don’t get out much. Hahaha, it’s true. You’d think the life of a paranormal investigator would make me far more of a jet setter. The fact is that as a single Mom, I really only investigate locations with the Diamond State Ghost Investigators team if they are nearby and/or inexpensive. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have a bit of a bucket list.
Should I ever decide to start regularly playing the lottery so that I can win and find myself with some spare time, I’d like to plan an adventure to Kolkata, India. This city in India has been named the “City of Joy,” and is known for its spooky and haunted places.
You may be familiar with the “City of Joy” novel by Dominique Lapierre, adapted into a film in 1992. The story is set in Kolkata, and revolves around the lives of various characters, including Joan Bethel and played by Pauline Collins, who runs a clinic that ministers to the sick and homeless, a surgeon named Max Lowe, played by Patrick Swayze, and an illiterate Indian farmer Hazari Pal played by Om Puri. The plot explores their experiences in the impoverished and chaotic environment of Kolkata. The city has a remarkable spirit of survival and resilience in the face of poverty and hardship.
Haunted Kolkata Locations
Some of the most famous haunted locations in Kolkata include the Howrah Bridge, Park Street Cemetery, Kidderpore and the Writers’ Building.
Howrah Bridge
According to local legends, the bridge and the area around it have been the site of various ghostly sightings and eerie experiences. Some people claim to have seen a sobbing woman in white robes, while others, including wrestlers who train under the bridge, have reported seeing arms emerging from the Hooghly River, unsure whether they belong to a human or a spirit. There have also been cases of people committing suicide by jumping off the bridge, and wrestlers practicing by the river have claimed to see hands asking for help right above the water’s surface.
Park Street Cemetery
Built in 1767, the Park Street Cemetery is said to have a layered character of its own, with reports of spine-chilling sounds and shadows creeping up on walls. Most of the graves are of British soldiers, adding to the eerie atmosphere. There are reports of silhouettes on walls and nerve-wracking sounds.
Kidderpore Dock
Kolkata Dock, also known as Kidderpore Dock, is a haunted place in Kolkata with a chilling history. Built by the Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah, the dockyard was once a successful maritime trade center until the Nawab was betrayed by the British. It is believed that the ghost of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh, along with the spirits of soldiers and sailors, haunts the dockyard seeking revenge. His spirit, along with the spirits of those who were with him, lurk around the docks waiting for retribution. Many eyewitnesses have claimed to see the ghost of the Nawab moving around in the dockyard’s bylanes.
The Writer’s Building
The Writers’ Building in Kolkata, India, is a historic structure that has been the center of many ghost stories and hauntings. Originally built as the administrative office for junior clerks of the British East India Company, it has a long and storied history. Many employees on night duty at the Writers’ Building believe that the hauntings in the building can be traced back to its burial ground days. Some say that the building is haunted by unhappy writers who died young, adding to its mysterious reputation. The building’s association with the British Raj and its long history have contributed to its reputation as a haunted location, making it a subject of fascination for many. So what do you think? Does the City of Joy have something haunting to offer a curious gal like myself? I think it does. If you’ve stumbled upon this blog post and have visited any of these locations, leave me a comment. I’d love to hear about your experiences. Until then, stay spooky!
