Popular Dark Tourism Destinations in India You Must Visit

When we think of traveling, most of our plans include visiting modern marvels, exploring natural beauty, experiencing local culture, doos, and experiencing adventure activities. But have you ever thought of visiting dark tourism destinations? 

Traveling to new places and exploring new experiences have become an intrinsic part of lifestyle among millennials. The growing 55interest in traveling has increased the trend of dark tourism. Here are some of the popular dark tourism destinations in India that you should visit.

What is Dark Tourism?

Dark tourism is also known by the name of grief tourism. It includes visiting places that are historically associated with tragedy and death. The places that are reminiscent of bloodshed and human sufferings are included in dark tourism. 

The concept of dark tourism might sound weird, but trust me, it is fast catching up with the trends. The trend of exploring places related to suffering, torture, and death is becoming popular day by day among youth. 

Dark Tourism Sites in India

India is a country with such a long history, and there are various dark tourism sites. It is the curiosity that is pushing people to explore the roads and places that are less traveled. 

If you are an avid traveler and looking to places to explore the dark history, here are some dark tourist sites in India that you should visit. 

Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar was established in 1906. It is a huge structure with multiple individual cells. These cells were built with the idea of torturing them when they are in solitary confinement. 

Cellular jail is popularly known as Kaala Paani. It was a place that was used by colonial rules to isolate, torture, and punish people who were actively participating in the freedom struggle of India. 

The place was considered the perfect place to punish the activists. Sending the activists to this prison not only isolated them from the struggle but also led to their social exclusion. The place is a grim reminder of the price that we paid to get back our freedom. 

Skeleton Lake, Uttarakhand 

Roopkund lake is popularly known by the name of the skeleton lake. It is located around 16500 ft above the sea level. 

If you have never heard of this lake, you might think that how could something so beautiful and picturesque be a part of dark tourism? But when you go close to the lake, you find more than 200 skeletal remains.

Yes, you read it right. Roopkund lake is home to skeletal remains. These skeletons were first noticed in 1942 when the ice in the lake was melted by harsh summer. According to scientists, the skeletons belong to people from the 9th century. These individuals somehow got injured and then froze to death in this lake.  

Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar

When people plan to visit Amritsar, they include the beautiful golden temple and Wagah Border ceremonial to their list. But if you want to dive in the dark past, then you should include Jallianwala Bagh on your list. 

On April 13, 1919, this place witnessed a massacre of thousands of people, including children and women. At this public park, a crow of innocent people and peaceful protestors gathered to celebrate Baisakhi. They were sprayed with bullets on General Dyer’s order. 

If you visit this place, you will find bullet holes in the walls. You will also see a well in which many people jumped with the intent to save themselves, but most of them lost their lives. 

Kuldhara Village, Jaisalmer

Kuldhara village was once a well established and prosperous town in the early 19th century. There were 83 villages which were abandoned overnight without any reason in the year 1825. According to the legends, villagers took this step due to the evil demands of the prime minister Salim Singh. 

Now in ruins, the eerie and lonesome looking Ludhara village once was a beautiful place to live. However, the thought that so many people abandoned their homes in the dead of night might scare you. 

Bhuj, Gujarat

Bhuj became famous in the year 2001; nevertheless, not for a good reason. During this time, a massive earthquake hit the place and destroyed the lives of lakhs of people.

The earthquake was so disastrous that lakhs of people lost their lives, and thousands became homeless.   

Bhuj was at a distance of around 20 km from the epicenter, but the destruction caused can not be described in words. The earthquake lasted for two minutes and destroyed thousands of homes. You visit Bhuj to explore how people faced the test of time. 

Gandhi Smriti, Delhi

It is one of the most famous places in India. At this place, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. This place can not be left out of the list of major dark tourism destinations in India. 

Previously the place was known as Birla House. It is a museum located in the heart of Delhi. Various things related to the life of Gandhi Ji are placed here. The path on which Gandhi Ji walked last is also paved here. 

Kargil War Memorial, Drass

Kargil War Memorial is located at the foot of Tololing Hill. It is a reminder of Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo-Pak war in the year 1999. The place is surrounded by mesmerizing natural beauty. 

There is a museum that has kits, guns, pictures, and tools of martyred soldiers. There is writing on the gate that might fill you with pride and respect. 

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders and is  known across the globe for its marvelous architecture, beauty, and grandeur. Now you must be thinking why it is included in the dark tourism?

This place was built by Emperor Shahs Jahan in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz. Taj Mahal is the final resting place for Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. It is also believed the emperor spent his last days in captivity by looking at this beautiful site from a small window.

Final Words

If you are an avid traveler, you should definitely explore the dark places. These places are related to torture, death, and suffering. All you need to do is take time from your regular plans and visit these places to experience and explore these unique places with a dark history.

There are also various haunted places in India that you can visit to have some thrilling experience. If you like the above-mentioned information, drop a comment.