Dark Tourism

The word dark tourism has become quite popular in the contemporary world. The term 'dark tourism' is relatively new, the practice it talks about is as old as ancient human culture. There are countless places across the globe that are known for 'dark tourism'. However, 'dark' here is meant metaphorically and not literally. Dark tourism takes visitors to places associated with tragedy and suffering. It takes us to places that are considered taboo and also have a strange impact on the human psyche. Some of the examples of dark tourist places are the gladiator games in Rome, pilgrimage routes to crucifixion and burial sites, public executions in the Middle Ages. It is sheer curiosity that pushes people to tread the road less travelled to seek answers. If you are an avid traveller and want to visit some unusual places then take a detour from your regular plans and know how these places withstood the test of time.

1. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand
   Roopkund Lake popularly known as Skeleton Lake is located at an elevation of over 5,000 metres above sea level. It is home to around 200 human skeletal remains. The presence of so many skeletons in such a small area remained a mystery until scientists recently concluded that the skeletal remains belonged to people from the ninth century who must have been hurt by something and died, probably a glacial storm. The lake remains frozen for most part of the year but when the lake melts remains of flesh, hair and skeletons are found here.

   

   How to reach
   The trek of Roopkund Lake starts from Karnaprayag in Uttarakhand which is connected to Rishikesh and Haridwar by road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun that is around 190 km from Karnaprayag. From there you can hire a cab that will take you directly to Karnaprayag. If you want to travel by train then Dehradun (DDN) railway station is the nearest for Karnaprayag (approx 214 km). Here is a list of trains between New Delhi and Dehradun. After that, you can reach Karnaprayag via taxi.

2. Kuldhara Village, Jaisalmer
   Situated at a distance of 17 km from Jaisalmer, Kuldhara used to be a prosperous village until a point of time in the 19th century when suddenly the village along with surrounding 83 villages disappeared mysteriously. All of the 83 villages were abandoned overnight in the year 1825 without any obvious reasons. According to the legend the village was once inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins who fled overnight because of the dwindling water supply or because of persecution by Jaisalmer's State minister, Salim Singh. This place is visited by many people from all across the globe to see the dark side of Rajasthan and get to know the infamous tales about it. Kuldhara village can be a great alternative to Bhangarh Fort.

   

   How to reach
   The nearest airport is Jaisalmer which is approximately 50 km away from Kuldhara. For train travellers Udaipur city (UDZ) railway station is closest to Kuldhara village (about 502km). Here is a list of trains between New Delhi to Udaipur city. You can get taxis from the railway station to reach the village.

3. Lambi Dehar Mines, Mussoorie
   All of you must be aware that Mussoorie is known as the queen of hills. Apart from being the most beautiful hill station of India it is also home to a scary site known by the name of The Mine of Death. In 1990 around 50,000 workers died a horrible death due to their wrong mining practices. From then onwards nature has taken over these spooky mines by growing trees and shrubs in the surrounding area as well as in the houses of the workers who used to live nearby. Locals have recounted about the bawls of people at night along with other paranormal activities. And that’s not all, many car accidents and a helicopter crash have also occurred here near the mines.

   

   How to reach
   Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun serves as the nearest airport to Mussoorie. Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai are available till Dehradun. Local taxis or buses can be hired to reach Lambi Dehar Mines that is around 63 km away from Dehradun. For train enthusiasts, the nearest railway station is Dehradun (DDN) that is 36 km from Lambi Dehar Mines. Here is a list of trains between New Delhi and Dehradun. You can take a taxi from the station to reach this place directly.

4. Cellular Jail, Port Blair
   Formerly known as Kala Pani, this jail was built by the British in the early 20th century. Cellular Jail is located at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has a huge structure with a number of individual cells built with a clear idea of torturing the prisoners while keeping them in solitary confinement. In total 80,000 prisoners (all considered “enemies of the Empire”) are believed to have passed through Port Blair’s penal colony and the Cellular Jail. It was often said that very few who were sent there made it back alive. The cellular jail still has all the equipment that was used to punish the prisoners. Now, the complex serves as a National Memorial monument. Read more: Amazing Andaman Islands.

   

   How to reach
   Veer Savarkar International Airport connects Port Blair to all the major cities of the country. It is just 2 km away from the city and can be reached by state transport buses, cars and cabs. The nearest railway station is Chennai Central (MAS) which is 1365 km away from the cellular jail. Here is a list of trains between New Delhi to Chennai Central.

5. Bhuj, Gujarat
   An earthquake occurred on India’s 52nd Republic Day (26th Jan 2001) at 08:46 AM IST in Bhuj and lasted for over 2 minutes. The earthquake was of such severe intensity that it killed 20,023 people, injured another 167,000 and devastated nearly 400,000 homes. The epicenter was about 9 km south-southwest of the village of Chobari in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District of Gujarat, India.

   

   How to reach
   Ahmedabad airport is the nearest airport that is located 342 km away from Bhuj. One can hire a taxi that can take you straight to Bhuj. The nearest railway station is Ahmedabad (ADI) railway station which is 335 km away from Bhuj. Here is a list of trains between New Delhi to Ahmedabad. You can take a taxi from the station to reach Bhuj directly.

6. Union Carbide subsidiary plant, Bhopal
   An industrial disaster that occurred on 3 December, 1984 was a gas leak incident at the UCIL pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Over 5 lakh people were exposed to 42 tonnes of methyl isocyanate gas which is considered to be a highly toxic gas. Thousands died immediately from the effects of the gas. People woke up with a burning sensation in their lungs. The toxin-related issues still continue to prevail in Bhopal. Today this site is one of the most popular dark tourism destinations in India. Read more: Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

   

   How to reach
   Bhopal Airport is located about 13 km northwest of the city centre and is well-connected to other major cities of the country like Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Raipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Mumbai by regular flights. For railfans the closest railway station is Bhopal (BPL). Here is a list of trains between New Delhi to Bhopal trains between New Delhi to Bhopal. Hire a cab from the railway station to reach the destination directly.

   Dark tourism sites are not conventional tourist spots. If you are one of them who finds thrill in the 'dark side' then above-mentioned places must be on your wishlist. Which of the places are you planning to visit? Tell us in the comments below. For a hassle-free experience book your train and flight tickets through Trainman app. Download Trainman App to check PNR Status of the booked ticket, Seat Availability, Train between stations and many such features.