Bhuli Bhatyari Ka Mahal - Tughlaq Dynasty

Tughlaq Dynasty - Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal

Central Ridge, Delhi

Blog by Shradha Mehra

As you search the internet for the most haunted places in the capital, one of the top contenders is Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal. Amidst all the chaos and bustling traffic of Karol Bagh, the remnant of the Tughlaq Dynasty is to be found at the Ridge Road, Central Delhi. Just behind the gargantuan Hanuman Murti, take a walk through the creepy boulevard that leads you to confront your own trepidation and from there you may unravel the mystery behind this relic. The uncanny name of the monument makes it a must-visit place.

Constructed in the 14th century by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, this is amongst one of the hunting lodges built across the city. There is not too much of architectural beauty to the place, it seems basic yet eerie. As you enter through the masonry gate, it takes you to another arched doorway that opens to the huge courtyard that speaks of remnants and various haunted stories. On the sides are small rooms that were used by hunters to stay during their hunting expeditions. On the other side, the plight of stairs leads you to a semi-circular terrace, that probably was used by hunters to get a view of the entire forest. As I got on to the edge to take a view, I could see a pond that is covered in algae. Owing to negligence, the monument is crumbling and is in dire need of maintenance, however, it makes a perfect place for spooky tales and photoshoot of a horror movie.

There is much vagueness to the name of the relic. It is said that the hunting lodge cum inn was taken care of by Bu Ali Bhaqtiyar who stayed there all his life and suddenly disappeared one day never to return, maybe eaten by some beast in the forest or only God knows what happened to him. After waiting for him for too many days, the king named this monument after his name i.e. Bu Ali Bhaqtiyar ka Mahal. Also, it is said that a Queen of Bhatiyari tribe of Rajasthan was left by her husband and was later abandoned in this palace to die alone, hence, it was named after her, “Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal.” The name, however, is as distorted as the monument and people say the spirit of Bhatiyari Queen is still present and gets active only after evening making this place jinxed. Also, another story is that this place was cast under a spell of some Faqir who was denied an overnight stay at the inn during one of the darkest nights when he lost his way in the forest. According to people, his curse still runs around the place henceforth, it lies uninhabited. Even today, no guard stays there for more than a day, they dread staying here for they have witnessed some paranormal activity in this area.

Now a mere ruin with creepy crawlies and dilapidated structure where many haunted stories have made their abode. People here tell some hair-raising episodes, after the sunset they hear strange voices of a woman, sometimes weeping, sometimes talking and even screeching. Thus, to avoid any mishap, huge barricades and Police officials are deployed to not let you enter the area after the sundown. PS: Trespassing is strictly prohibited after 5 PM. If you plan, make a note that you must visit during the broad daylight. There is not much to see, no travel guides to narrate the history, just board at the entrance. The sad thing is the historic place does exist but with its history completely wiped off in time. It takes not more than an hour to take an entire route of the monument covering your photoshoot. Click as many shots, who knows whom you may capture or you might be patted for your great work from the back. LOL

As for my personal experience, I enjoy going to places that mystifies me. These spine-chilling, blood-curdling stories draw me towards them. I had an ossified time, as for days from when I read about it till the day I actually went there had been moments when I used to get chills down my spine, I sweated in my dreams and as I stood right outside the Mahal, I was stiffened to the bones, jittered and oblivious if I would come out alive. By the grace of Almighty, I am writing the blog and exhilarated to share my experience. Besides being spooked, I thoroughly was mesmerized by the quaintness of the place, making it most recommended for nature lovers and daredevils. While clicking the pictures I did spot something that actually petrified me the most, see for yourself in the image below.

PS: Bhoot se darr nahi lagta sahab, chhipkali se lagta    hai.

       (Ghosts don’t scare me but lizards do)

FAQ’s when visiting Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal

Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM

Address: Central Ridge Reserve Forest, Jhandewalan, Delhi

Entry Fee: Free

Nearest Metro Station: Jhandewalan Metro Station, walking distance from there or you can also hire an auto-rickshaw.

You can also go by your personal vehicle and there is enough parking place.

Facilities: Public toilet inside the monument, however, keeping hygiene in mind using the washroom at the metro station would be a better option.

Eateries: There is nothing except few street-food vendors right behind the Hanuman Murti as you take a trail uphill to the monument. If you keep enough time in hand, you can always visit Karol Bagh to relish famous savories from these old food joints.  

My Blog is never complete without my picture in it :)