The mystery behind the magnetic hills of India is believed to pull cars uphill! Mythical road to heaven, or just an optical illusion? The theories are endless. By Tanvi Jain
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Approximately 30-kilometres outside of Leh, stands a sign board on Srinagar-Leh highway that says, “The phenomenon that defies gravity. Park your vehicle in the box marked with paint on the road and experience the wonder!”
The road appears to be slopped upwards, but if you park your car and turn its engine off, it will move towards the hills at a speed of around 19-kilometres all on its own.
As per a local myth, it is believed that these hills used to be a pathway straight to heaven, and only the good souls were dragged towards them. They are believed to have supposedly kept their supernatural, divine force. The hills are said to be so notorious that even the pilots reportedly avoid flying in that region, or increase the plane’s altitude if they have no other option, in order to avoid magnetic interference.
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However, those who don’t believe in this theory, claim that it’s an optical illusion because despite actually going downhill, it appears to have an uphill slope. The mountains surrounding the highway, obstruct the region’s horizon, thereby, creating the aforesaid illusion. Moreover, the absence of a flat surface leaves no room for comparison if the ground slopes upwards or downwards.
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Also known as Gravity Hill, cars here reportedly, move at a speed of 20 to 30 kilometres. Something, which could be termed as a result of gravitational force, but is a major attraction for tourists. However, research shows magnitudes varying from 25 to 60 microtesla, which, as per reports, is claimed to not be strong enough to pull anything, specially a car.
Interestingly, Kalo Dungar in Bhuj and Tulshishyam of Amreli in Gujarat, also have similar magnetic hills, and witness tourists in large numbers.
Related: 6 Places in India That People Still Find Really Spooky
