Get ready to experience the spooky side of Delhi with the launch of "Haunted" walks at some of the city's most famous "haunted" monuments. The Delhi Tourism Department has recently started a pilot project for guided tours to these monuments after hours, and the response has been overwhelming. Tourists and locals alike have been requesting tours to the rumoured haunted places, and the department is now exploring the idea of ghost walks.
The Start
The first such walk will take you to the heart of the capital, where the Malcha Mahal is situated in the Ridge near Chanakyapuri. This 14th-century monument is a Tughlak-era hunting lodge and has a fascinating history. Begum Wilayat Mahal of Awadh claimed that she was a royal member of Oudh and started living here in 1985. She lived alone with about 10-11 dogs without electricity or water connections and later died by suicide in 1993. Today, the lodge is said to be haunted, but even visiting it after sunset is a chilling experience in itself.
When, Where and How
Other haunted walks will take you to Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal, Feroz Shah Kotla, and Tughlaqabad Fort, all with unique stories and legends. These walks will be conducted from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm and will be a 2-3 hour walk. Each group will have 20 members each, alongside one walk conductor or guide. Storytellers, historians, or registered tour guides will start with the history of Delhi and the monument and will regale the group with all the haunted tales and legends surrounding the monument.
Entry Fee
The charges for these walks will be Rs 1,000 per person, which includes a walk conductor/guide and a kit. The kit will have a torch, stick, jute bag with 'haunted walk' written on it, a cap, badge, band, water bottle, juice, seasonal fruit, and muffin. Photography will be allowed people can make reels, take selfies, and create lasting memories.
How to Book
This first-of-its-kind initiative is expected to create employment and revenue while promoting tourism in Delhi. Tourists will be picked up from a designated pick-up point in a vehicle, and the walk will start closer to the site, covering a distance of around 1.5 km to 2 km. Once officially launched, people can book their walks at delhitourism.gov.in and the 'Dekho Meri DILLI' Mobile app.
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