Experience The Thrill Of Ghost Hunting In Shillong’s Most Haunted Locations

The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong, is known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ because of its rolling hills, rich greenery, and its misty landscapes. However, beneath that heavily beautified description, there lies a more mysterious side to Shillong. The stories and the folklore surrounding the city steeps it in mystery and makes it ideal for ghost hunters and thrill seekers. If you are feeling brave enough to delve into the world of the paranormal, here are some of the most popular haunted places in Shillong along with the stories that go along with them:

1. Old Shillong Jail (Now Heritage Site)

Located in the center of the city, this jail is now a heritage site but it used to be a working prison. The old Shillong Jail’s dark past continues to haunt its history. It was constructed during the time of British rule and neary all the prisoners that were held there had tragic deaths. The locals claim to hear various sounds such as whispers, chains being clanked, and wails coming from the empty cells. Others have gone as far as claiming to see shadowy figures moving to the outskirts of their view. The atmosphere around the Jail is gruesome enough to give you chills and is perfect for ghost hunters.

2. Lady Hydari Park 

Located in the center of delectable Shillong is Lady Hydari Park. This park is a well kept garden with an astonishing floral display along with a pleasant exceptional scenery. Rumors linger of a woman in white who walks through the park in the dark hours of the night. According to the legend, she is the spirit of a woman scorned and spends eternity searching for the man she lost. Paranormal activity in the garden park is rather hard to believe, but visitors describe incidents where they have seen a woman appear to be silently sobbing on a bench and then completely disappear. Throughout the day, the park is peaceful, but at night, it turns into an unsettling horror show. 

3. The Shillong Golf Course 

The Shillong Golf Course, one of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in Asia, is also an exceptional attraction for paranormal enthusiasts. There are notable tales of a horseman who rides a headless horse over the green fields of the golf course. It is believed that this headless horse rutting spirit used to be a British officer who met his unfortunate demise during the colonization in India. Staff and enthusiastic golfers have reported witnessing the apparition of a rider covered in fog with the sound of beating hooves resonating in the distance. The picturesque view of the golf course gradually becoming more terrifying as the dark sky above it deepens is a thrilling and eerie experience unsurpassed by any for avid ghost hunters.

4. Ward’s Lake

Rich with tales of the supernatural, Ward’s Lake is a man-made lake which grotesquely transforms at night. During the day, the lake serves as a source of tranquility fostered through bounteous gardens and is a household favorite spot for unwinding activities like picnicking. Ward’s Lake becomes increasingly sinister after nightfall as it is home to a ghostly specter said to drag a rusty chain around. None seems to know whether the apparition is a spirit of a submerged laborer or a woman in wet sari that emerges and vanishes around the lake. In addition to the water and the dark, these glimpses of eerie sights in the surroundings make Ward’s Lake a spine-chilling place to visit for those who desire the occult.

5. The Pinewood Hotel

The legend surrounding the Pinewood is that it is haunted by the spirit of a British lady who had once stayed at the hotel. She died under mysterious circumstances which remain unexplained until this day. Both guests and staff members have claimed to hear her footsteps in the corridors, catch a glimpse of her sumptuous silhouette in mirrors, and experience an unexplainable sudden chill in certain rooms. Others have even gone on record to say that they have heard her softly offering a troubling song in the form of a voice. The eclectic charm of the hotel often tempts inquisitive travelers and ghost-hunters alike to savor the age-old haunted building. The unnerving beauty of the hotel accentuated by its vintage decor captivates the visitors’ imagination, making it a prime location for enthusiasts of the paranormal. 

6. The Rhino Falls

Rhino Falls take the spot as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, located in the dense forests on the outskirts of Shillong. Its popularity is paramount amongst nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. The wonders of nature come unaccompanied by the wonders of the paranormal, but there is a more notorious side to the place. It possesses the power to bless the area with an ethereal quality that hints the supernatural is afoot. Tourists have narrated experiences of hearing cries of ancient battles as well as gazing upon a dark entity near the waterfall. The combination of the remote geographic location as well as the thunderous sound of flowing water evokes the sort of discomfort ideal for those seeking the aid of the otherworldly.

7. The Don Bosco Center For Indigenous Cultures

Don Bosco has been said to be home to a variety of supernatural stories. Staff members claim to have experienced odd events such as unexplained noises, feeling watched, and objects moving on their own. Some even go as far as to say that the spirits of indigenous tribespeople, whose artifacts are featured in the museum, haunt the premises during the night. The combinations of history and mystery makes it an ideal location for ghost hunting. While primarily a museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India, Don Bosco does have a few ghostly tales. 

Tips For Ghost Hunting In Shillong

If you’re planning to explore these haunted locations, here are a few tips to keep in mind.  

• Respect The Spirits: Regardless of whether you believe in the existence of ghosts, it is still important to treat these locations with the respect they deserve. Avoid taunting or trying to anger anything you may come across.  
• Bring The Right Equipment: If you truly wish to hunt for ghosts, it might be a good idea to bring EMF meters, voice recorders, cameras, and any equipment you feel necessary to support your theory of paranormal activity.  
• Go In A Group: This is something that should be done with friends for safety and enjoyment. Plus, having multiple sets of eyes makes it easier to confirm any odd occurrences.
• Watch Your Step: Several of these sites are remote or have poor land. Take care, especially if you are travelling during the night.

Final Thoughts

These haunted places in Shillong are a mix of historical and mysterious as they are filled with chills and horror stories from the past. It doesn’t matter if you doubt or have faith, either way, sightseeing these places will get your blood pumping. So muster your bravery, get your ghost-hunting tools, and set out for a ride in the unexplored. What could the foggy hills of Shillong reveal to you

 

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