Dark Tourism Itinerary: Western India

Destination Overview

Western India is a diverse and vibrant region that offers a mix of historical landmarks, cultural experiences, natural beauty, and urban excitement. Here's an overview of some key destinations in Western India:

Maharashtra:

Mumbai: Known for its bustling streets and rich history, Mumbai offers haunted buildings, dark historical sites, and eerie stories.
Pune: Home to historical forts with dark legends and haunted tales.
Lonavala & Khandala: Hill stations with a blend of natural beauty and haunted sites.

Gujarat:

Surat: Coastal city famous for its haunted beach and vibrant diamond industry;
Bhuj: Gateway to the Rann of Kutch and home to ancient ruins and historical mysteries.
Dholavira: An archaeological site with ruins from the Indus Valley Civilization and dark legends.
Junagadh: Known for its forts and temples with occult significance.
Ahmedabad: A city with a rich cultural heritage and dark historical sites.
Champaner: Pavagadh Archaeological Park: UNESCO World Heritage site with eerie ruins and ancient temples.

Rajasthan:

Udaipur: The city of lakes, palaces, and royal ghost stories.
Jodhpur: The Blue City with haunted forts and desert legends.
Jaisalmer: A desert city known for its golden fort and abandoned villages with ghost stories

Weather Details
Summer (Mar-Ju): Extreme Hot and humid / dry. Monsoon (Jun-Sep): Moderate to heavy rainfall. Winter (Nov-Feb): Cool and pleasant

Weather Details

Summer (Mar-Ju): Extreme Hot and humid / dry.
Monsoon (Jun-Sep): Moderate to heavy rainfall.
Winter (Nov-Feb): Cool and pleasant

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit for dark tourism is between October to march due to the pleasant weather conditions across all states, making it comfortable for exploration and travel.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit for dark tourism is between October to march
due to the pleasant weather conditions across all states,
making it comfortable for exploration and travel.

Why Should Visit ?

Unique Experience: Explore the dark, mysterious, and haunted sites of Western India.
Rich History: Learn about the historical and mythological significance of these sites.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the local culture, cuisine, and traditions intertwined with eerie legends.
Adventure: Blend of historical exploration and thrilling tales of the paranormal.

Tour Highlights

Mumbai:
Mukesh Mills: An abandoned mill with haunted stories.
Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace: Sites with dark historical significance.
Mahim Fort: Known for paranormal activities.
Pune:
Shaniwar Wada: An 18th-century fort with eerie tales.
Lonavala & Khandala:
Rajmachi Fort: Historic site with dark legends.
Haunted sites like Dukes Nose and Tiger’s Leap.
Surat:
Dumas Beach: Known for its paranormal activities.
Bhuj & Dholavira:
Ancient ruins and historical mysteries.
Dholavira: Indus Valley Civilization site with dark legends.
Junagadh:
Uparkot Fort: Known for its dark history and mysterious past.
Ahmedabad:
Bhadra Fort: Site with a history of battles and ghost stories.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: Eerie ruins and ancient temples.
Udaipur:
City Palace: Royal ghost stories and stunning architecture.
Jodhpur:
Mehrangarh Fort: Haunted legends and historical significance.
Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer Fort: Haunted stories and golden architecture.
Kuldhara: An abandoned village with a mysterious past.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 01
ARRIVAL IN MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA - - Arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Meet and greet by a La Ruta representavive. Transfer to the hotel (Trident Hotel Nariman Point or similar). Check in & relax. In the afternoon, lunch at Leopold Cafe, known for its colonial history. Visit the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, sites with dark stories from the 2008 terrorist attacks. In the evening, dinner at Khyber Restaurant, famous for its Mughlai cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02
EXPLORE MUMBAI - Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Mukesh Mills, an abandoned mill known for its haunted stories and used as a shooting location for horror movies. In the Afternoon, lunch at Brittania & Co., a Parsi restaurant with a rich history. Explore Mahim Fort, an old fortification with tales of paranormal activities. In the evening, dinner at Bademiya for street food experience. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03
MUMBAI - TRANSFER TO PUNE - In the morning, check out from the hotel after breakfast. Depart for Pune (approx. 150 km, 3 hours drive). Arrive & check in at JW Marriott Hotel Pune. Lunch at the hotel. Visit Shaniwar Wada, an 18th-century fort known for its eerie tales of a young prince's ghost haunting the premises. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04
PUNE - TRANSFER TO KHANDALA VIA LONAVALA - Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Lonavala (approx. 65 km, 1.5 hours drive). Visit Rajmachi Fort, a historic site with dark legends. Lunch enroute. Depart for Khandala from Lonavala (approx. 5 km, 15 minutes drive). Check in at Della Resorts or similar. Dinner at the resort. Explore haunted sites like Dukes Nose and Tiger’s Leap with local stories. Overnight stay at the resort.
Day 05
KHANDALA TO SURAT, GUJARAT - Breakfast at the resort. Depart for Surat (approx. 240 km, 5 hours drive). By the afternoon, check in at The Gateway Hotel Athwalines Surat or similar. Lunch at the hotel. In the evening, explore Dumas Beach, known for its eerie atmosphere and paranormal activities. Locals believe the beach is haunted due to its history as an ancient Hindu burial ground. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06
SURAT - TRANSFER TO BHUJ - Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Bhuj (approx. 530 km, 10 hours drive with breaks). Lunch en route at a local restaurant. In the evening, check in at Regenta Resort Bhuj or similar. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07
BHUJ - TRANSFER TO DHOLAVIRA - Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Dholavira (approx. 250 km, 5 hours drive). Explore the ancient ruins of Dholavira, a significant Indus Valley Civilization site. The site is believed to be cursed with the spirits of ancient inhabitants. Return to Bhuj. Dinner at Mirchi Restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08
BHUJ - TRANSFER TO UPARKOT FORT, JUNAGADH - Check out from the hotel. Depart for Junagadh (approx. 300 km, 6 hours drive). Check in at Hotel Lotus, Junagadh or similar. Lunch at Petals Restaurant, known for local and international cuisine. Explore Uparkot Fort, known for its dark history and mysterious past. The fort has a long history of battles and sieges and is rumored to be haunted by soldiers who died in battle. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09
JUNAGADH - AHMEDABAD - Check out from the hotel. Depart for Ahmedabad (approx. 320 km, 6 hours drive). Check in at Four Points by Sheraton or similar in Ahmedabad. Lunch at Agashiye, traditional Gujarati cuisine. Visit Bhadra Fort, a site with a history of battles and ghost stories. Dinner at The Green House, local and international dishes. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10
AHMEDABAD - TRANSFER TO CHAMPANER-PAVAGADH ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK - Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (approx. 50 km, 1.5 hours drive). Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its eerie ruins and ancient temples. Visit Kalika Mata Temple atop Pavagadh Hill, known for its mythological significance and occult practices. By the evening, return to Ahmedabad. Dinner at Gordhan Thal for a traditional Gujarati thali experience. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11
AHMEDABAD - TRANSFER TO UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN - Check out from the hotel. Depart for Udaipur (approx. 260 km, 5 hours drive). Check in at Trident Hotel Udaipur or similar. Lunch at Jagat Niwas Palace. Visit City Palace, known for its historical significance and royal ghost stories. The palace is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of past maharajas. Boat ride on Lake Pichola. Dinner at Upre by 1559 AD, rooftop dining with a view. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12
UDAIPUR TO JODHPUR - Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Depart for Jodhpur (approx. 250 km, 5 hours drive). Check in at Ajit Bhawan Palace or similar. Lunch at On the Rocks, known for its ambience and food. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, known for its ghostly legends and historical significance. The fort is said to be haunted by a construction worker who was buried alive within its walls. Dinner at Indique Restaurant, offering rooftop dining. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13
JODHPUR – TRANSFER TO JAISALMER VIA KULDHARA - Check out from the hotel. Depart for Kuldhara (approx. 290 km, 6 hours drive), an abandoned village with a mysterious past. The village was abandoned overnight due to a curse that anyone who tries to inhabit the village will die. Explore Kuldhara and hear stories of its ghostly inhabitants. Lunch at a local restaurant in Kuldhara. Depart for Jaisalmer (approx. 35 km, 1 hour drive). Check in at Suryagarh Jaisalmer or similar. Dinner at Suryagarh’s Lake Garden, featuring local Rajasthani cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 14
JAISALMER - Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, known for its haunted stories and stunning architecture. Legends tell of spirits protecting the fort from enemies. Lunch at Trio Restaurant or similar. Explore Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli, both known for their intricate designs and ghost stories. Camel safari in the Thar Desert. Dinner and cultural performance at a desert camp. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 15
JAISALMER - TRANSFER TO BIKANER - Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Bikaner (approx. 330 km, 6 hours drive). Check in at Narendra Bhawan or similar. Lunch at the hotel. Visit Junagarh Fort, known for its architectural beauty and haunted stories. Explore Lalgarh Palace, rumored to be haunted by its former inhabitants. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 16
BIKANER - TRANSFER TO JAIPUR - Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Jaipur (approx. 330 km, 6 hours drive). Check in at Samode Haveli or similar in Jaipur. Lunch at the hotel. Visit Amer Fort, known for its grandeur and ghostly legends. Explore Nahargarh Fort, with stories of paranormal activities. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 17
JAIPUR - TRANSFER TO AGRA - Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Agra (approx. 240 km, 4.5 hours drive). Check in at ITC Mughal or similar in Agra. Visit Agra Fort, known for its history and eerie tales. Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Fatehpur Sikri. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 18
AGRA - TRANSFER TO DELHI - Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Delhi (approx. 230 km, 4 hours drive). Check in at The Imperial or similar. Visit the ruins of Tughlaqabad Fort, known for its eerie atmosphere and dark history. Explore the bustling streets of Delhi with a guided dark tourism walk, covering sites like Agrasen ki Baoli and Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, known for their paranormal activities. Dinner at Indian Accent, offering innovative Indian cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 19
DEPARTURE FROM DELHI - Breakfast at the hotel. Optional visit to other haunted sites like Delhi Ridge and Jamali Kamali Mosque. Lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for departure.