Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, has a bustling life filled with bright lights and endless activity. But beyond the everyday hustle lie some locations steeped in mystery and chilling ghost stories. These haunted sites of Mumbai attract thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the supernatural side of the city. Here is a detailed look at the top 10 most haunted places in Mumbai, where eerie encounters and ghostly legends abound.
1. Mukesh Mills
Once a thriving textile mill in Colaba, Mukesh Mills is now an abandoned, crumbling structure that has become synonymous with hauntings in Mumbai. The mill was razed by a fire long ago and ever since, locals and visitors have reported strange noises, ghostly shadows, and unexplained cold spots within its deserted corridors. The empty factory exudes a heavy atmosphere that few dare to explore after sunset. Film crews who have worked here also claim to have experienced supernatural disturbances, including bizarre equipment malfunctions and eerie feelings of being watched.
2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Spanning over 100 square kilometers, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of Mumbai’s largest green lungs and a popular spot for nature lovers. However, as night falls, the dense forest trails take on a sinister aura. Many locals share spine-chilling stories of a woman in white seen roaming the paths, a classic ghostly apparition said to chase anyone who lingers after dark. Additionally, the park is known for mysterious disappearances and ghost sightings, making it a notorious haunted location within the bustling city limits.
3. D’Souza Chawl
Located in Mahim, D’Souza Chawl is infamous for the ghost story revolving around a woman in white who reportedly fell to her death in an open well in the area. Since then, residents claim to have seen her spirit wandering the premises, especially at night. The eerie sounds, including unexplained footsteps and whispered voices, make this densely packed chawl a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts. Despite the chilling tales, no harm is said to come from the spirit, who instead seems trapped by tragedy and injustice.
4. Tower of Silence
The Tower of Silence situated atop Malabar Hill is a traditional Parsi burial site where the deceased are laid to rest in open circular structures to be consumed by vultures, following Zoroastrian rituals. This unusual funerary practice, coupled with the secluded and eerie atmosphere, has inspired many ghost stories. Visitors and locals often describe a heavy, unsettling presence and sounds that suggest spirits linger near this ancient sacred space. The dark reputation of the Tower of Silence as a haunted place has grown over decades, adding a chilling layer to Mumbai’s cultural heritage.
5. Grand Paradi Towers
This upscale residential complex at Malabar Hill is notorious for a series of tragic and unexplained deaths, many by suicide, particularly from the eighth floor. The persistent repetition of these events has led to rumors of a malevolent supernatural force. Residents and visitors report strange noises, sudden drops in temperature, and ghostly apparitions. The perpetuation of this grim pattern has sealed Grand Paradi Towers’ place as one of the city’s most frightening haunted locations.
6. Mumbai High Court
The Bombay High Court, though a place of law and order, has its own share of ghostly legends. Employees and visitors have described eerie sensations, unexplained cold drafts, and hearing demonic voices or footsteps where no one is present. The spirit believed to haunt the High Court is said to be that of an old lawyer who sometimes scares convicts, reportedly helping to elicit confessions. This historic colonial building carries the weight of countless unresolved stories alongside the legal ones, making it a haunting experience for many.
7. Marve and Madh Island Road
The isolated stretch of road between Marve and Madh Island is a spine-chilling haunt due to stories about a bride who was murdered on her wedding night and whose restless spirit is said to haunt the shores nearby. Passersby have reported feeling an eerie presence and seeing fleeting glimpses of a ghostly figure in bridal attire. Locals warn against stopping on this road at night, attributing several accidents and unexplained phenomena to the bride’s vengeful ghost. This coastal area is one of the more atmospheric haunted sites in Mumbai.
8. St. John’s Baptist Church
Though a place of worship, St. John’s Baptist Church in Andheri East is enveloped in dark history. It was abandoned after an epidemic in the 1840s, turning it into ruins later believed to be haunted. An exorcism was reportedly conducted to rid the church of the evil spirit allegedly possessing a young bride. People say that during the ritual, eerie screams and wails were heard, and to this day, the church bears an unsettling vibe that keeps visitors cautious. The mix of religious sanctity and ghostly folklore makes this location uniquely haunted.
9. Vrindavan Society, Thane
This residential complex situated by the Thane Creek has garnered a reputation as haunted following reports of an elderly man’s suicide in one of its buildings. Since then, guards and residents have experienced strange happenings — footsteps in empty corridors, whispered voices at night, and bizarre physical contact such as slaps during night shifts. The unsettling atmosphere and these paranormal claims make Vrindavan Society a notable haunted place in Mumbai’s suburban landscape.
10. Kamathipura Brothel No. 25
Kamathipura, historically Mumbai’s red-light district, has its own ghost stories. Brothel No. 25 was once a thriving brothel with women imported from far corners like Japan and Russia. Today, the dilapidated premises are said to be haunted by the spirit of a prostitute whose apparition appears to scare off visitors randomly. The blend of Mumbai’s colonial past, the tragic lives of many women, and the dark atmosphere make this location memorable for ghost hunters.
Mumbai’s haunted places reflect a fascinating blend of cultural history, tragedy, and the supernatural. From abandoned mills to sacred sites, these locations continue to intrigue and frighten, offering a glimpse into the city’s hidden, eerie side. Whether a skeptic or believer, venturing into these haunted spaces is sure to leave an unforgettable impression of Mumbai’s mysterious underbelly.
