15 Dangerous Places In India For The Bravehearted

India is not only the home to some of the most beautiful destinations but there are places that are guaranteed to make a cold shiver run down your spine. These spots are power-packed with thrill, adventure and excitement. Hence, it is not meant for the weak-hearted.

If you are a braveheart, would you venture into these most dangerous places in India? 

1. Dras, Jammu and Kashmir

Dras, situated in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, is often considered one of the most dangerous places to visit in India due to its extreme weather conditions and its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Known as the "Gateway to Ladakh," Dras experiences bitterly cold temperatures during winter, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and heavy snowfall leading to treacherous road conditions. Additionally, its proximity to the LoC has made it a sensitive and potentially hazardous area due to sporadic skirmishes and military tensions between India and Pakistan. Despite these challenges, Dras is also renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged landscapes, majestic mountains, and picturesque valleys, making it a destination of interest for adventurous travelers willing to brave its risks and explore its unparalleled scenery.

2. Dumas Beach, Gujarat

Dumas Beach, located near Surat in the state of Gujarat, has gained notoriety for being one of the dangerous places to visit in India due to various eerie occurrences reported by visitors. Legend has it that the beach was formerly a Hindu cremation ground, leading to beliefs of paranormal activity and ghost sightings. Additionally, strong undercurrents and unpredictable tidal waves make swimming in the sea perilous, resulting in several drowning incidents over the years. Despite its scenic beauty, Dumas Beach remains shrouded in mystery and caution for travelers.

3. Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh

Rohtang Pass, nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of over 3,900 meters, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty but also notorious for its treacherous conditions. The pass is prone to heavy snowfall, blizzards, and avalanches, especially during the winter months, making it one of the most perilous routes to navigate. The narrow and winding roads, coupled with steep cliffs and unpredictable weather patterns, pose significant risks to travelers. Moreover, the high altitude increases the likelihood of altitude sickness and other health hazards. Despite its allure, Rohtang Pass demands utmost caution and is considered one of the most dangerous places to visit in India.

4. Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir

Gurez Valley, situated about 130 kilometers away from Srinagar, is a breathtaking landscape tucked deep within the Himalayas, showcasing a mesmerizing fusion of mountains and rivers. Despite its stunning natural allure, this hidden gem remains relatively unknown to many travelers. However, its proximity to the Line of Control renders it a highly unsafe and volatile area. The region is not only threatened by potential enemy activities but also by the lurking danger of stray landmines, which have tragically claimed lives in the past. Additionally, Gurez Valley is prone to avalanches, further accentuating the risks associated with visiting this tumultuous zone. Despite these hazards, the valley's unparalleled scenic beauty continues to draw adventurous souls seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

5. Kuldhara, Rajasthan

Kuldhara, once a thriving village inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, now stands deserted, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Legend has it that the entire community vanished overnight, leaving behind abandoned homes and a sense of eerie emptiness. Despite numerous theories, no one knows for certain why they left or where they went. The village remains frozen in time, with its dilapidated houses serving as silent witnesses to its enigmatic past. Visitors are drawn to the haunting atmosphere of Kuldhara, compelled by tales of curses and unexplained phenomena. Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, access to the village is restricted to daylight hours, adding to its aura of mystique and danger.

6. Kolli Hill Road, Tamil Nadu

Driving up to the Kolli Hills through a 46.7 kilometres long mountain road with 70 continues bends is dangerous and exciting at the same time. The road is full of narrow windings and heavy vehicles appear unexpectedly. So, one needs to be very cautious while driving on Kolli Hill Road. Undoubtedly, it is an unexplored jewel and not for the faint-hearted. But what makes the Kolli Hill Road spooky, is the story of a mysterious maiden who lure travellers on the road and finally kills them. The road is blessed with a few astonishing viewpoints and leads to the Agaya Gangai waterfalls and the Lord Shiva’s Temple.

7. Thar Desert, Rajasthan

The Thar Desert enthrals travellers with its eternal sand dunes and surreal beauty but it is often combined with life-threatening experiences. Mostly located in Rajasthan and extending to some parts of Gujarat, the Thar Desert is the home to countless deadly creatures. What makes it vulnerable are the presence of more than 20 species of venomous snakes namely Black Cobra, Sand Boa, Saw Scaled Viper, Rat Snake to name a few. In case you are able to handle the arid climate of the desert, beware of the danger around!

8. Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Bastar is blessed with serene natural beauty and unique tribal culture. However, the green woodland is also a hotspot for Maoists. Guerilla activities and firefights in the dense forests of Bastar have resulted in higher deaths and lower footfalls. The constant strife between the Maoists and the Indian Government has made the area extremely sensitive. Reports suggest around 5000 of Maoists are in the region. Naturally, Bastar is often considered a place with too many hidden dangers. But it is also one of the best-unexplored destinations inhabited by indigenous tribes of the country.

9. Bhangarh, Rajasthan

Situated in the Alwar District of Rajasthan, the village of Bhangarh is the home to the scariest fort of the country and one of the most dangerous places to visit in India. As the nearby village is apparently inhabited, even the drive to the Bhangarh Fort feels uncanny. Locals believe there are paranormal activities taking place in the fort interiors. They also narrate incidents where volunteers have tried to stay in the fort for a night but never returned. Although Bhangarh Fort is a tourist attraction, the Government has forbidden visitors to enter the fort after the sunset. The main entrance is locked and it remains closed till the next morning.

10. Chambal Valley, Central India

Chambal Valley needs no formal introduction. Located in Central India at the convergence of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, Chambal Valley is the breeding ground to some of the most feared dacoits of the era. It is from this place where the famous bandit queen, Phoolon Devi rose to action. With abundant mysterious caves, scrub forests, steep ravines and a massive river, the area of Chambal often spell terror with bandits and outlaw activities. Apart from the horror, Chambal Valley has lots to offer, the rich wildlife, authentic history, resilient people and the list goes on.

11. Killar-Kishtwar Road, Jammu and Kashmir

One of India's most dangerous roads, "Killar- Kishtwar Road", is 114 km long, narrow road with no guard rail. It is a part of NH-26, a single lane road which runs along Chenab river. The river flows almost 1,000 ft below down the moat which can frighten anyone. The road is such that only one vehicle can cross the road at a time while on the other hand, there are overhanging cliffs in which some vehicles can barely fit. The last 50 km of the road has always proved to be the most difficult part of the whole track, which is not everyone's piece of cake.

12. Siju Cave, Meghalaya

Siju Cave, popularly known as “Bat Cave”, is famous for its stalagmites and stalactites. It is a limestone cave, which is more than 4 kilometres long. It has loads of water that can even go up to your knees. This cave is still unexplored after 7 kilometres.

13. Phugtal Monastery, Jammu and Kashmir

It was a natural cave where the monks meditated, but now a monastery is built around the cave for monks. One can reach there only by walking or by riding on a horse or a donkey. It takes around 6-8 hours to reach the monastery. This is surely an exciting adventure for the brave-hearted.

14. Pamban Bridge, Tamil Nadu

The bridge is 2.065 kilometres long and is India’s first sea bridge. It is more than 100 years old and is opened manually using levers to let ships pass, hence, making it more dangerous.

15. Khardung La, Ladakh

This is one of the world’s highest motorable roads which surely tests your physical and mental strength. They aren’t paved and are slippery because of snow. The average temperature may go as low as -40 degree Celsius. Unpredictable snowstorms can occur anytime, which makes driving extremely difficult. It would be the most terrific experience for an adrenaline junkie.

These are some of the most unusual spots that are yet to be explored. Also, things have calmed down in recent times. If you are an adventure seeker, you should visit these places and soak in its true flavour.