Kerala, celebrated for its lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant culture, also hosts some of the most haunted places that inspire both fear and fascination. Amidst the mesmerising charm of Kerala’s serene vistas lies a darker side, where spooky spots whisper tales of tragedy, loss, and restless spirits. As night falls and shadows stretch across the land, the tales of haunted sites come alive, gathering an eerie strength in the cloak of darkness. What seemed like mere folklore and hearsay during the day, now pulls at the edges of our imagination, making us question what is real and what is not. So, the Top 10s Only team did a bit of research and came up with an interesting list of the Top 10 Haunted Places In Kerala that have the most bizarre tales associated with them!
Echoes Of The Past: Kerala’s Most Haunted Places And Their Stories
What if Kerala’s pristine places were haunted by a nightmare, where every turn reveals a chilling tale? These abandoned destinations offer a horror movie experience, placing you as the main character in a chilling story. Consider how horror might blend with this stunning landscape. Are you prepared for a spine-tingling adventure? Then let’s discover Kerala’s spooky sites, where hidden secrets are eager to be unveiled. Join us on a quick virtual tour of ten of Kerala’s top haunted places!
1. 25 GB Bonacaud Bungalow – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
When we researched the most haunted places in Kerala, we came across an interesting story regarding an abandoned colonial bungalow in Trivandrum. The haunting tale of the Bonacaud Bungalow begins in 1951 when a British man built a house in the heart of the misty Bonacaud hills 55 km from Trivandrum. Over time, the bungalow became enveloped in mystery following the tragic death of his child within its walls. Distressed over this mysterious death, the British family returned to London. Locals believe the child’s spirit never left, and they share tales of strange events, including unexplained sounds, flickering lights and eerie shadows from the bungalow. This tragic past, coupled with the bungalow’s abandonment, has earned it a reputation as one of Kerala’s most haunted places, drawing thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts.
2. Lakkidi Gateway – Wayanad, Kerala
The haunting story of Lakkidi Gateway centres on the mysterious Chain Tree, where the spirit of a betrayed tribal guide, Karinthadan, is said to be bound, guarding the path he once helped a British engineer discover. The engineer is believed to have committed a treacherous act by killing Karinthadan in a bid to seize sole credit for the newly found route. Soon after, strange accidents began to plague the road, and locals believed it was the vengeful spirit causing them. To calm his restless spirit, a priest chained his soul to a fig tree, The Chain Tree, which still stands today, draped in heavy iron chains. Many believe his ghost watches over Lakkidi, guarding his stolen legacy. The bizarre tale of this top haunted place in Kerala took a strange twist when the trees and chains draped over the branches mysteriously grew longer with each passing year, baffling all who encountered them.
3. Hymavathi Pond – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Hymavathi Pond is linked to a tragic tale of a young woman, Hymavathi. The legend of the pond is one of the most popular ghost houses in Kerala. A Namboothiri girl, Hymavathi, fell in love with a lower-caste boy. Her father, enraged by their relationship, killed the boy and threw him into the pond. Devastated, Hymavathi also jumped into the pond, ending her life. Locals have reported seeing a tall figure near the pond, wrapped in a black blanket, who appears and disappears mysteriously. A Nadar boy was reportedly also found murdered near the pond by the locals. In spite of recent renovations to the place, locals still believe Hymavathi’s spirit haunts the place, and most people avoid the pond even during the day.
4. Sumathi Valavu – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Sumathi Valavu is a sharp bend on the way from Palod to Kallar, in Trivandrum. It is named after a young, beautiful woman named Sumathi, who lived there decades ago. She worked as a maid for the local landlord, Thanne Muthalali. Sumathi’s life took a tragic turn when she fell in love with Ratnakaran – the landlord’s son. Their intimacy led to her becoming pregnant. It is believed that on January 27, 1953, during the Pangod Mathira Devi Temple festival, Ratnakaran and his friend took Sumathi into the forest, tied her up, dragged her and brutally killed her, leaving her body against a tree at the S-curve road. Many people have reported seeing a female figure in white. Vehicles come to a sudden stop, lights inexplicably go out, and cyclists end up falling on the road. The ghostly presence at Sumathi Valavu has left everyone frightened. Even after the passage of these many years, the horror of this road remains unchanged. People seeking real ghost stories in Kerala are automatically drawn to this spot. Many legends have emerged around this true event, but some travellers still feel a sense of mystery when visiting the area.
5. Willingdon Island – Kochi, Kerala
A man-made creation in Kochi, Willingdon Island, has a haunting history tied to its past. Its construction in the 1930s during British rule not only reshaped Kochi’s landscape but also left behind eerie traces of its colonial past. Built by displacing local communities and dredging soil from Vembanad Lake, the island served as a British naval base during World War II. Many locals believe its quiet, desolate corners are haunted by the spirits of those who once lived and worked there. Tales of ghostly apparitions, strange noises at night, and an overwhelming sense of unease envelope the deserted military and old colonial buildings at this top haunted spot in Kochi. This gives the island an unsettling, otherworldly atmosphere that endures to this day.
6. Kaappiri Muthappan Shrine – Mattancherry, Kerala
The word Kaappiri means “Dark Africans”. This place of worship is one of the famous haunted places in Kochi. It originated from the belief that the spirits of African slaves who were chained in the Portuguese walls of Kochi became protective deities. In the 17th century, colonial traders from Portugal buried their wealth under large trees and, in a fit of superstitious frenzy, sacrificed their African slaves to become its eternal guardians. People in Kochi believe that these ghosts still linger to protect the treasures of the Portuguese. The shrine is dedicated to Kaappiri Muthappan, who is believed to be the protective spirit of an African who brings wealth and good health to believers who have a firm belief in the power of Kappiri Muthappan.
7. Vaduthala Mathai Sightings – Edappally, Kerala
Here is one of the best ghost stories in Kerala! This occurred long ago when residents of Edappally and nearby areas walked along Ernakulam’s railway tracks. This place was haunted by the notorious rowdy Vaduthala Mathai. It is believed that Vaduthala Mathai assaulted a young woman who later complained to the Raja of Edappally. In response, the Raja sentenced Mathai to death by hanging, which took place near a culvert by the canal. It is believed that Mathai’s ghost often haunts this spot. People were too afraid to go there after dark, even to walk along the railway tracks. Local fishermen used to offer liquor to appease Mathia’s spirit before beginning their work. Even today, this belief is said to exist.
8. Lodge Heather No 928 SC – Munnar, Kerala
Lodge Heather is a tranquil retreat, set in one of the most scenic parts of Munnar. Founded by the mysterious Freemasons, this building is the site of many ghostly tales from Kerala. Lodge Heather, much like other colonial-era bungalows in Munnar, is believed to hold the lingering whispers of this bygone time. Locals whisper of restless spirits, perhaps the victims of satanic rituals, drifting through the fog-shrouded hills. Their unseen presence is sensed in the eerie stillness of the night. So, if you are curious enough, take a trip down the winding roads near the ancient CSI church, visit the Lodge, and share whether it sent chills down your spine.
9. Athirappilly Forest – Thrissur, Kerala
Athirappilly Forest, referred to as “The Gateway to the Western Ghats,” that is home to diverse flora and fauna. Rich in a mysterious history filled with ancient myths and folklore, this forest is one of the most mysterious places in Kerala. But its charm is clouded by tales of lost tribes and eerie encounters. The forest has borne witness to tragic events, including natural disasters and accidents, which add to its mystique. Locals narrate the presence of spirits haunting the dense thickets. In fact, one of the most popular ghost stories from Trichur is about the spirit of a lost boy who appears to roam the dark forest at night. Today, while it serves as a popular ecotourism destination, the haunting whispers of Athirappilly Forest still echo through the woods.
10. Yakshis – Sacred Groves In Kerala
Every Keralite has heard of at least one “Yakshikatha,” which translates to “tales of the Yakshi.” A Yakshi is a feminine paranormal entity that usually resides in a kaavu or sacred grove. Often, grandparents would warn kids not to go close to certain trees, especially the Pala trees (Alstonia scholaris), during and after dusk. The prevalent belief was that the yakshis were most powerful during this time and could harm passersby. The horrific tales of Kalliyankattu Neeli, Kanjirottu Yakshi, Chempakavally Ammal and her sister Neelapilla Ammal, etc., are just some of the examples of the popular Kerala ghost stories associated with such folklore and ancient myths. In most tales, the yakshis tempt unwitting passersby with their ethereal beauty and then lure them to their deaths. Often, the yakshis were vanquished by powerful priests like Kadamattathu Kathanar, who defeated Neeli. Once defeated, they were either imprisoned in sacred groves or transformed into protective deities. In fact, it is believed that Vault B, the unopened sixth treasure vault of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, is the current residence of Kanjirottu Yakshi.
Experience Chills And Thrills At The Most Haunted Destinations In Kerala
Kerala’s haunted sites blend history and folklore, creating a captivating narrative of the supernatural. These locations invite daring adventure seekers to uncover the chilling mysteries and legends that continue to echo through time. So, next time you’re in Kerala and pondering which destination to visit, try travelling to any of the haunted places listed above. Who knows, you might have an out-of-this-world experience!
Be sure to mail us at [email protected] if you know of any other awesome haunted places with ghostly apparitions in God’s Own Country!
If you’ve enjoyed reading the haunting tales listed here, check out our article, which lists the top ten haunted places in South India that are waiting to share their spooky tales with you!