Exploring the unknown has always thrilled adventurers. The sheer feeling of discovering the reality behind a folklore, legend, or cryptic place is sure to create goosebumps. One of those strange places is the mysterious Malcha Mahal in Delhi. Located right in the forest on the ridge behind the Rashtrapati Bhavan, not many have the knowledge of exactly what is found in the deep forest. Some say there is an office of the government secret services department, while others say it is quite similar to what the United States has as Area 51. Several others believe that the place was once a graveyard for British officers and their souls. Lost still haunt the area. But no one knows what is really there. If you have a similar talent for figuring out the reality behind it, you can check out these spooky places in a weekend and easily find a flight price from Delhi to Mumbai to get back.
The national capital, due to its strategic location, has been under the rule of various kingdoms and dynasties. From the Hindu kings to the Muslim kings of the Lodhi dynasty and from the Mughal rulers to the British Raj, the city has seen it all. These boundaries of the monarchy also led to the establishment of various historical monuments and structures. While some are celebrated structures, others have a grim memory and have therefore become more enigmatic with their presence. It seems that whoever built the Malcha Mahal certainly did not have a great experience with life.
The mahal is located in the Central Ridge Forest area on Bistdari Road and for lovers of strange and haunted places this place is definitely recommended. Due to its location on Bistdari Road, the mahal is also known, Bistdari Mahal. According to historians, the mahal was built by the royal nawabs of the Oudh region in 1600 AD and served as a communal guest house for travelers passing through the area. The region was then under the control of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, whose great-granddaughter, Princess Wilayat Mahal, took control of the property in the 20th century. Locals say that the begum had a long dispute with the British over property rights. After a long legal battle, the British handed over the mahal to the begum, who settled in with her two children, however, the long term of the court drama took its toll and she committed suicide leaving her children behind. It is also said that her children did not perform the burial rituals and remained with her body in the house for more than 10 days, after which the locals intervened and proceeded with the ceremonies.
Many believe that it is the spirit of the begum that haunts not only the mahal but also the area in its radius. Locals and travelers passing through the area have seen a mysterious floating figure of a woman on the roads and several cases of major accidents have been reported in recent years. Since the location is right behind the presidential palace, the local police keep a tight watch, and if you are in the area at odd hours, you may be behind bars as well.
It is because of these factors that Malcha Mahal has been counted among one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Delhi, despite all the myths.
