‘It’s an exclusive experience only found in India…’ We frequently hear people complain that India is a land filled with enigmas and wonder where this belief stems from. Well, we finally have an explanation for you! India truly harbors countless secrets hidden within its most peculiar locations, which either leave people astonished beyond belief or give them chills when they uncover them.
From mountains that defy gravity by pulling cars upwards to motorcycles that are worshipped, India is the home to the most extraordinary destinations. In order to enlighten you about the marvels this incredible country holds, we have compiled a list of these mysterious places in India.
20 Incredibly Baffling Places In India
Are you eager to discover the most enigmatic spots in India? It is rare to find a country that boasts such a wide range of locations that evoke feelings of astonishment and amusement. From towns to temples and mountains, only your imagination can run wild with thoughts about these unparalleled and unique destinations. With that said, here is a selection of some of the most magnificent places to visit in India that will take your breath away! Have a look and consider them for your next trip.
1. The Hanging Pillar At Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
An archaeologically and historically significant site in India, Lepakshi is renowned for its exceptional architecture and artistry. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is among the most enigmatic places in the country, thanks to its famous unsupported pillar.
The Enigma: Out of the 70 pillars at the site, one pillar hangs in mid-air, defying gravity without any visible support. Visitors come to the temple and pass objects beneath the pillar, believing it will bring them prosperity!The Hypothesis: Some believe it is merely another of the many ingenious tricks performed by the ancient temple builders.
2. The Mini Desert At Talakad, Karnataka
Situated on the banks of the Kaveri river in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, lies a village buried under layers of sand. Talakad is said to have once housed approximately 30 temples, with 5 of them representing the five faces of Lord Shiva.
The Enigma: Legend has it that a widow who was devoted to Lord Shiva once cursed the land, resulting in the village transforming into this peculiar desert and becoming a mysterious place in India, where the river Kaveri mysteriously transforms into a swirling vortex.
3. The Story Of Twins At Kodinhi, Kerala
The remarkable aspect of this otherwise average village in Malappuram, Kerala is the astonishingly high number of twin births that occur there. Kodinhi, also known as the ‘Village of Twins’, holds a prominent position among India’s enigmatic locations!
The Enigma: Upon entering this village, you will begin to notice duplicates of almost everyone! Kodinhi currently boasts more than 200 pairs of twins and two sets of triplets. And that’s not all! Even the women from Kodinhi who are married outside the village end up having twins or triplets.
The Hypothesis: Doctors propose that the cause of this peculiar phenomenon lies in the composition of the water in the area.
In Maharashtra, the Hazrat Qamar Ali Darvesh shrine is not your typical shrine. This shrine is included in the list of mysterious places in India and is renowned for a particular rock weighing 70 kg that can only be lifted in one particular way.
The Enigma: To lift the rock, it requires the collaboration of 11 individuals who must gather around it, touch it with their forefingers, and loudly call out the name of the saint who placed a curse upon it. Following this ritual, the stone magically levitates! No other method, no matter how strong, can lift the stone.
The Hypothesis: It is believed that a sufi saint named Qamar Ali placed a curse on this stone, which was previously used for bodybuilding purposes, approximately 800 years ago.
In Rajasthan, the Karni Mata Temple is not only a highly revered sanctuary but also one of the most enigmatic places in India. The temple is home to over 20,000 rats. Despite the repulsiveness of the idea, visitors are strictly prohibited from killing, harming, or even scaring away these rats!
The Enigma: These rats, known as ‘kabbas’, are considered extremely auspicious, worshipped, and protected. They hold greater significance than the humans who visit the temple.
The Hypothesis: The rats are believed to be the reincarnated relatives and family members of Karni Mata. The rare white mice within the temple are considered to be her sons.
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6. Shani Shingnapur’s Astonishing Doorless Homes in Maharashtra
Shani Shingnapur, an idyllic village situated 35 kilometers away from Ahmednagar, has gained notoriety for its Shani temple. However, this village is distinguished by more than just its religious significance; it has become one of India’s most enigmatic destinations.
The Enigma: Every single house, school, and even commercial building in this village lacks a door or door frame. Astonishingly, this village has never witnessed a single criminal incident. The Explanation: The residents wholeheartedly believe that Lord Shani’s divine intervention is responsible for the exceptionally low crime rate.
7. The Architectural Marvel of Lucknow’s Defying Palace in Uttar Pradesh
Bara Imambara, an awe-inspiring architectural wonder from the 18th century, showcases a captivating fusion of Arabic and European styles and stands as one of India’s most mysterious historical sites.
The Enigma: The central arched hall of this monument stretches almost 50 meters in length and reaches a height of three stories, astonishingly without any pillars or beams for support. Additionally, the main hall is renowned for its intricate brickwork and the perplexing ‘Bhulbhulaiya’ maze.
8. The Magnetic Hill’s Unconventional Charms of Leh, Ladakh
The captivating hills of Ladakh offer more than just their picturesque landscapes. The Magnetic Hill, situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level, presents one of India’s most extraordinary attractions.
The Enigma: Vehicles driving up this hill mysteriously get pulled upwards, defying gravity. Remarkably, one can ascend the hill even with the vehicle’s ignition turned off! The Explanation: This captivating phenomenon is merely an optical illusion resulting from the hill’s gravitational forces.
9. The Extraterrestrial-Inhibited Kongka La Pass at Ladakh
Located at an impressive altitude of 16,970 feet, the Kongka La Pass stands as one of the least explored areas in India. This is primarily due to the ongoing territorial dispute between India and China. However, it is not the political conflict that contributes to the enigmatic nature of this place.
The Enigma: Numerous reports have documented sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and peculiar humanoid figures in the vicinity. The local inhabitants firmly believe that this region serves as a home to extraterrestrial beings – aliens!
10. The Chamoli Lake of Skeletons in Uttarakhand
The Roopkund Lake, nestled in the desolate heights of the Himalayas at 16,500 feet, is not defined by its remote and treacherous location. It is what lies beneath the surface of this lake that instills fear in the hearts of many.
The Enigma: Every year, when the ice melts, approximately 300-600 skeletons emerge from the depths of the frozen Roopkund lake. Radiocarbon tests and forensic analysis have traced these remains back to the 15th century AD.The Hypothesis: Local legends propose that the corpses belong to the erstwhile king and queen of Kanauj, who tragically perished in a ferocious hailstorm while embarking on a pilgrimage.
11. The Red Rain at Idukki, Kerala
Beyond its lush natural beauty, the Western Ghats, and its tantalizing coastal cuisine, the region of Idukki, also known as the ‘Red Region,’ captivates with its mysterious attributes.
The Enigma: On 25th July, 2001, a peculiar crimson rainfall descended upon Idukki, persisting sporadically for two months. This crimson downpour stained clothes and buildings, but peculiarly, when collected by the locals, the red rain transformed into clear water with traces of red sediment settling at the bottom.The Hypothesis: Scientists have exhaustively analyzed and debated this phenomenon, ultimately attributing the red particles to airborne spores of algae endemic to the region.
12. The Shrine of the Bullet Baba in Bandai, Rajasthan
Deep within the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, there exists a renowned shrine that safeguards travelers. Yet, this particular shrine deviates from the conventional worship of deities and goddesses. Instead, it venerates a motorcycle!
The essence and original meaning of the information has been preserved, while offering a distinct creative and linguistic overhaul to the text.
The Enigma: A man named Om Singh Rathore, also known as Om Banna, met his unfortunate demise at this very location while riding his bullet motorcycle back home. What ensued was a series of peculiar events where the authorities would confiscate the bike, drain its fuel tank, and secure it with chains, only for it to mysteriously reappear at the same spot before dawn… every single time! When the officials eventually gave up, the locals constructed a temple around the bike, elevating it to the status of one of the most perplexing places in India due to its intriguing story.
13. The Eternal Flame of Jwala Ji Temple, Kangra
Situated amidst the lower Himalayas in the Kangra district, Jwala Ji temple is a sacred sanctuary akin to other Jwala Ji shrines in the country. However, its inclusion as one of the enigmatic places in India is a different tale altogether.
The Enigma: Within this temple resides a hollowed stone pit that houses an everlasting flame, which has burned incessantly for more than a century.The Hypothesis: It is proposed that the flame sustains itself by consuming natural gases, such as methane, concealed beneath its surface.
14. The Realm of Ill-Fated Birds in Jatinga, Assam
In the otherwise picturesque and peaceful village of Jatinga, a strange and sorrowful phenomenon takes place each monsoon. This extraordinary occurrence renders this village the most enigmatic destination in India.
The Enigma: On dark and misty nights during the rainy season, migratory birds flying over the village plunge headfirst into trees, buildings, poles, and various other objects, met with their untimely demise. Jatinga is one of those peculiar places to explore in India that transforms into a realm of avian mass suicides every year in September and October.The Hypothesis: Ornithologists suggest that the dense fog and high altitude disorient the birds, causing them to collide with vegetation and structures. Nevertheless, several arguments challenge this explanation.
15. The Deserted Village of Kuldhara, Rajasthan
Formerly occupied by the Paliwal Brahmins, the village is now a desolate wasteland with vacant dwellings, dilapidated structures, and an aged temple. It is regarded as one of the top destinations to explore in Jaisalmer.
“The Enigma”: Approximately two centuries ago, over 1,500 Paliwal Brahmins abruptly abandoned the village. Since that time, no one has been able to inhabit the area, which has made it one of India’s forsaken locations. Any individuals who attempt to reside here are relentlessly pursued by otherworldly occurrences during the night. Travelers who venture into Kuldhara experience a disconcerting sensation upon setting foot within the village. “The Hypothesis”: Allegedly, the original inhabitants of Kuldhara placed a curse on the village, vowing that nobody would ever be able to settle there after their departure.
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“The Whispers Of The Deceased At Dumas Beach, Gujarat”: Situated in Surat, Gujarat, the Dumas Beach is renowned for its enigmatic tales. It is regarded as one of the most haunted locales in Gujarat.
“The Enigma”: Beachgoers often hear mysterious murmurs but are left perplexed when they search for the source. Reports of individuals vanishing on the beach have also emerged. “The Hypothesis”: The beach was previously a Hindu burial ground, and the spirits of the departed are said to linger. This theory contributes to the mystique and haunted reputation of the site.
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“The Floating Stones Of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu”: Rameshwaram, located in Tamil Nadu, holds great significance in Hindu mythology. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama’s Vanara Sena constructed a bridge composed of buoyant stones all the way to Sri Lanka. However, there is more to this bridge that renders the place one of India’s most enigmatic destinations…
“The Enigma”: As per the Ramayana, the stones composing the bridge remained afloat once the name of Lord Rama was inscribed upon them. Astonishingly, this was not merely a legend. The bridge was indeed constructed using such stones, which can still be found in the vicinity and are a major attraction for tourists visiting Rameshwaram.
18. Chilkur, Hyderabad: The Divine Dispenser of Visas
If you’ve been relentlessly struggling to obtain a US visa, fret not. Make your way to the revered Balaji Temple in Chilkur, Hyderabad, and implore upon Lord Balaji, who will graciously grant you your heart’s desire.
The Enigma: Here, people from all walks of life, be it the destitute or the affluent, can be witnessed prostrating before the Visa God, pleading for a visa. However, what truly bewilders is that they inexplicably end up being granted one, a phenomenon that has garnered this temple a place on India’s list of mysterious locations.
19. Shetpal, Maharashtra: The Snake-Embracing Hamlet
Snake worship is an ancient and widespread tradition in India, but one particular village in Maharashtra follows it with exceptional devotion. Every household in this village has a customary resting place for cobras in the rafters of their ceilings.
The Enigma: Astonishingly, the serpents here display an unusually amicable demeanor. What sets this village apart as one of India’s most mysterious locations is the complete absence of snakebites ever reported within its confines.
20. West Bengal’s Ghostly Illuminations
The marshes of West Bengal can be unsettling after sundown, but one particular phenomenon sends shivers down the spines of local fishermen.
The Enigma: Numerous sightings have been documented of ethereal luminous orbs of various colors floating above the marshes in West Bengal. These lights, known as ‘Aleya Lights’ for many years, pose a detrimental hazard for fishermen as they often confuse and disorient them, leading to perilous misdirection. Tragically, several fishermen have even lost their lives due to these enigmatic lights. Consequently, these marshes find themselves classified among India’s most enigmatic locations owing to this unexplained phenomenon.
The Theory: Scientists postulate that these lights result from the ionization of methane produced by the decomposition of copious organic matter present in these marshes.
Further Reading: 25 Bone-Chilling Real Destinations That Are Perfect for Haunting Movie Sets, Dare to Explore Them
Astonishing, isn’t it? So, now that you are aware of such fascinating locations, why not embark on an actual visit to witness the breathtaking experience? If you have knowledge of any more enigmatic places in India, please share them with us in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this with your friends as well and witness their astounded reactions! Plan your next adventure to these spots in 2023 itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Enigmatic Indian Destinations
Which are the mystifying spots in Uttarakhand?
Nestled in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is often regarded as an untouched and magnificent part of the country. One of the most mesmerizing yet puzzling places in the state is Pari Tibb, a location mentioned in the writings of Ruskin Bond. Pari Tibba is reputedly a paranormal site that is prone to lightning strikes. According to legends, it is believed to be inhabited by the spirits of lovers who met a tragic end due to a devastating lightning strike.
What is the secret behind the Hanging Pillar at Lepakshi?
One of the renowned enigmatic places in India is the Hanging Pillar of Andhra Pradesh. This pillar is famous for one particular pillar out of the 70, which defies gravity and hangs mid-air without any visible support. Visitors passing beneath the pillar often place objects beneath it, as they believe it brings prosperity to their lives.
Which places in India are considered haunted?
India has no shortage of haunted places. Some of the most well-known haunted spots in the country include Kuldhara, Bhangarh Fort, GP Block, Dumas Beach, Ramoji Film City, and South Park Cemetery.
What is the mystery behind Kodinhi, Kerala?
Kodinhi is a small village in Kerala, also known as the ‘Village of Twins’ or ‘Twin Town’. This village acquired its nickname due to an extraordinary number of twin births occurring there. The reason behind this phenomenon remains a mystery. It is estimated that around 200 pairs of twins reside in this village.
Why are there no doors in houses in Shani Shingnapur?
The tiny village of Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra catches the attention of visitors due to a peculiar characteristic – the absence of doors in houses, schools, or commercial buildings. This is attributed to the strong belief of villagers in Lord Shani, which instills in them the faith that their village will always maintain a zero crime rate.
Where can the abandoned village of Kuldhara be found?
The deserted Kuldhara village is located in Rajasthan. It was once inhabited by numerous Paliwal Brahmins but has been abandoned for the past two centuries. Since then, not a single soul has been able to reside in this vacant village.
Are there any haunted places in Delhi?
Certainly! Delhi boasts several haunted locations, including the Lothian Cemetery, Sanjay Van, Northern Ridge, Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal, and the Feroze Shah Kotla Fort.
Are there any extraordinary places to visit in India?
You can explore Roopkund, Karni Mata Temple, Loktak Lake, Bara Imambara, and Chandipur Beach to discover some extraordinary yet mesmerizing destinations in India.
Why does India have so many eerie places?
India is a land steeped in mystifying gods and fascinating traditions. Some traditions are peculiar, while others are exceedingly rare. These elements contribute to the eerie ambiance and create an atmosphere of horror. Additionally, India’s vast landscape encompasses everything from hills, valleys, forests, and snowfall to lakes and rivers, making it a breeding ground for unusual occurrences from the past.
What are some deserted places in India?
Here are a few abandoned places in India: Bhangarh in Rajasthan, Chiktan in Ladakh, Kuldhara in Rajasthan, Shettihalli Church in Hassan, Ross Island in Andaman, and many more.
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