Love ghost stories, or maybe you’re daring enough to want to see a ghost for yourself? Kolkata, with its rich history and intriguing past, has more than its share of haunted tales. From shadowy figures in grand old buildings to eerie whispers in ancient cemeteries, the city’s supernatural legends will send chills down your spine. Ready to explore some of Kolkata’s spookiest spots? Here are five haunted places where history and the paranormal meet for those brave enough to venture into the unknown.
National Library – A Ghostly Presence in Every Aisle
Imagine walking through dimly lit halls filled with ancient books, and suddenly you feel an inexplicable presence beside you. The National Library of Kolkata, a haven for book lovers, is equally famous for its resident spirits. Established in 1836 it is India’s largest library by volume and public record, the library has weathered decades of history. Many believe it’s haunted by the ghost of Lady Metcalfe, the wife of Lord Metcalfe, a former Governor-General of India. Known for her meticulous nature, it’s said that she doesn’t tolerate untidiness. Lady Metcalfe’s ghost is said to dislike visitors who leave books out of place or disrupt her cherished order. Staff have reported unexplained footsteps, ghostly figures, and even the sensation of someone breathing down their neck when they’re alone in the library’s vast aisles.
If you’re brave enough, a visit in the late evening hours can be a spooky experience, though the library is open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM.
Where: Belvedere Rd, Alipore, Kolkata
Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM Everyday
Putul Bari – Tale of Dolls and Tragic Spirits
Nestled in Shobhabazar, “Putul Bari”, or the “House of Dolls,” is as haunting as it sounds. This old, decaying building holds a dark past. The past—stories of women exploited by wealthy landlords, or babus, who used the mansion for their darkest desires. This decaying, doll-adorned mansion is infamous for being haunted by the spirits of women who were wronged and murdered in the dark. The mansion’s eerie atmosphere is amplified by its owner’s daughter’s obsession with dolls, which are still scattered through its rooms. Legend has it that these dolls come alive at night and visitors claim to hear faint cries or see shadowy figures in the dark. While the upper floors are off-limits, locals say that brave visitors who enter feel an overwhelming sadness. On moonless nights, residents report seeing shadowy figures on the rooftop, often accompanied by eerie sounds.
Where: 22, Hara Chandra Mullick Ln, Shobhabazar, Kolkata
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM Everyday
South Park Street Cemetery – Kolkata’s Haunted Graveyard
This 18th-century cemetery in South Park Street, one of the oldest and spookiest places in Kolkata, is steeped in ghostly lore. This Asia’s oldest burial ground has towering tombs and Gothic architecture creates an atmosphere perfect for paranormal sightings. Many visitors have reported unusual activity here after sunset, from camera malfunctions to sightings of a mysterious white figure wandering among the graves. Some say even in the afternoon they feel a cold, unsettling presence following them as they move through the tombstones. Locals believed the cemetery is haunted by the restless spirits of the British officers and prominent citizens who are buried there. The cemetery is a historical spot, with graves dating back to the 1700s visit it in the early morning for a peaceful walk, and if you want to see ghosts visit in the afternoon.
Where: Park St, Kolkata
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hastings House – Ghosts of the Colonial Past
This was originally the military area of the city and several landmarks remain including Fort William, the Lascar War Memorial and the Ordnance Club, as well as the Race Course. In 1855, a Church Hastings Chapel, Kolkata was built there for the officers of the East India Company. Hastings House is now a part of Calcutta University. But it’s far more than a historic landmark. The legend says that Warren Hastings’ spirit still roams the grounds, searching for documents he lost during his lifetime. Students claim to feel a ghostly presence and often hear footsteps on deserted staircases. Some say they’ve seen a mysterious horse-drawn carriage arrive on foggy evenings, vanishing as quickly as it appears. A daytime visit is recommended to explore the surroundings, especially for history buffs interested in colonial architecture and local legends.
Where: 20B Judges Ct Rd, Alipore, Kolkata
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Open to public during college hours as part of Women’s College campus)
Writer’s Building – Whispers of an Executed Soul
Kolkata’s Writer’s Building is an architectural marvel. This iconic red-brick structure in B.B.D. Bagh is both a historical and political landmark—and allegedly haunted. Writers’ Building was the first three-floor building in Kolkata. The main block, with a ground coverage of 37850 Square Feet was completed in 1780. Built during the British Raj of Warren Hastings, the governor of Governor-General, the Writer’s Building is said to be haunted by a man killed here in 1930 by revolutionaries. In 1930, Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh—a trio of young freedom fighters—staged a daring attack on a British official named Simpson. Many claim the ghosts of these freedom fighters, and perhaps Simpson himself, wander the halls. At night, security guards report odd noises, doors creaking open on their own, and a spectral presence that seems to linger in the deserted hallways. While the building is now a government office, the spookiness has lingered over decades, making it one of Kolkata’s most famous haunted spots. A daytime visit will allow you to admire the architecture and imagine the historical events that transpired within these walls.
Where: BBD Bagh, Kolkata
Timings: Mostly closed to the public
Tips for a Spooky Trip Around Kolkata
Exploring Kolkata’s haunted locations is not for the faint-hearted! If you’re brave enough to embark on this ghostly adventure, consider going in a group, especially after sunset. These places each carry layers of history and mystery, making for unforgettable experiences. For the best experience, take guided tours wherever possible to hear the full tales of each eerie destination. And remember, ghosts or no ghosts, the hauntingly beautiful history of Kolkata is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor. Ready for a spine-chilling journey through Kolkata’s haunted sites?
