Each city has its own set of spooky stories, and Mumbai is not far behind. The ‘City of Dreams’ is among the poshest cities in the country, with ample spots to visit. But, Mumbai is home to some of the most haunted places as well where the lovers of all things spooky can visit, but at your own risk! By Anushka Goel
Mumbai – The city of Dreams is where thousands, if not lakhs, of people set foot each year, with dreams in their eyes to make it big. The city is also a great tourist destination, with several spots such as Marine Drive, Fort, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Haji Ali Dargah and a lot more making it into a traveller’s list. The city is also one that never sleeps, thanks to its wild nightlife and certain spots that paint a stunning picture in the after hours.
Mumbai, with its beautiful seashores and quaint alleyways, is also home to something that is sure to excite you – haunted destinations! Mumbai is home to several spooky locations with a gory past. Locals and tourists say that they have experienced paranormal activities in these places – ranging from national parks to buildings, chawls and more. Most of these haunted places in Mumbai are part of urban legends, and talk of experiences that will send a chill down your spine. Here are some of them for you to check out, if you want to experience the shivers yourself.
Haunted places in Mumbai that speak of paranormal activities
D’Souza Chawl
Mumbai’s Mahim is home to the D’Souza Chawl, known to be among the most haunted places in the city. Legend has it that many years ago, a woman accidentally fell into a well (which is still present in the area!) and she died screaming for help. People have claimed to have seen the ghost, who they believe wanders the streets at night, after sunset.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
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Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a great place to go birdwatching in Mumbai and to spend some time amid nature. However, the place is said to be haunted, especially at night. Locals claim to have witnessed paranormal activities and ghost sightings here, saying that a woman appears from nowhere at night and asks for a lift.
St. John’s Baptist Church
People who are afraid there are ghosts in their surroundings often turn to god to help. However, St John’s Baptist Church in Andheri East is said to house a ghost. The place, which was founded in 1579 was left in ruins after an epidemic in 1840. The abandoned church was then associated with the spirit of a young bride who apparently haunted the church. An exorcism was carried out in 1977, and it is said that the people present there heard screams, laughter and wailing when the priest was undertaking the process. This exorcism ended with the sound of a loud splash in the church pond, killing all the fish there.
Aarey Milk Colony
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Among the limited green belts in Mumbai, the place is a haven for nature lovers. However, it is believed that the place is haunted. Locals have reported that at night, they’ve witnessed a lonely woman wandering around the area with a child in her arms, who disappears suddenly.
Mukesh Mills
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Mumbai is home to several mills, one of them being Mukesh Mills in Colaba. It is said that a major fire ravaged almost the entirety of the mills, after which it was abandoned. Today, the place houses a spooky look, and is used as a shooting location for films, including the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Om Shanti Om. However, many who have worked here report eerie incidents that have happened to them on the premises.
Taj Mahal Hotel
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Overlooking the Gateway of India is Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, among the most luxurious properties in Mumbai. The place has always been a source of pride for Mumbaikars, which got tainted with gory memories of the 26/11 terror attacks, after which it has stood as a symbol of resilience.
The place is said to be haunted, but not by the ghosts deceased in the terror attacks. It is said that the chief architect of the hotel committed suicide here when he realised there was an error, and the hotel was being built on the side opposite to what had been planned. Though it is among the places that are haunted, this Mumbai hotel’s ghost is said to be harmless. Guests, as well as staff, have claimed to have seen the ghost, who wanders about at night but does not trouble anyone.
Bombay High Court
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The Bombay High Court, and iconic building in the post Fort area of Mumbai, is not spared when it comes to ghosts. It is said that a courtroom here is haunted by the ghost of a lawyer. The ghost harasses people and does not let murder victims enter the courtroom at all.
Tower of Silence
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The name itself has an eerie feel to it, and this tower also has a spooky feel to it. The place, located in Malabar Hills, is used as a cemetery by the Parsi community. According to Parsi rituals, the bodies of the dead are left in the open here for vultures to feed upon, which gives it a spooky feel.
Marve and Madh Island Road
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The Marve Madh road has a long, empty road that leads to a secluded, rocky area. It is said that the place is haunted by the ghost of a newlywed bride, who was buried near the mangroves here. She is said to trouble the traffic on that road, and has also caused accidents. Thus, it is advised that people don’t visit the area after dark.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Sohan Rayguru/Unsplash
Related: 15 Haunted Places In India That Are Sure To Send Shivers Down Your Spine
Anushka Goel
Digital Features Writer
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
