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

Often known as the ‘Gateway to Ladakh’, Dras is the second coldest inhabited region on the planet. At an altitude of approximately 10,597 feet above the ground, you can always feel an icy chill in the air. The temperature often drops as low as -45 degrees Celsius and the lowest temperature recorded here was -60 degrees Celsius. This small town in Jammu and Kashmir came into limelight after being attacked during the Kargil war in 1999. Currently, Dras is heavily guarded by militants. The intense beauty of this quaint little mountain village with its frosty temperatures is what makes this one mysteriously tempting to venture into. Treat your eyes to the jaw-dropping pictures of Dras Valley that will intrigue you to leave for this alluring destination right away!

2. Dumas Beach, Gujarat

Dumas Beach in the state of Gujarat is known for its wonderful sea and black sand. The beach situated along the Arabian Sea was previously a burial site for the Hindus. It is believed that after burning, the ashes of the dead bodies have mixed with the sand. Hence, Dumas Beach has dark black sand-like nowhere else. During the daytime, this beach is no different from others with the influx of visitors. However, the night scenes are totally different. After sunset, there is an eerie vibe and the local government has strictly prohibited individuals from roaming around the beach. No wonder, Dumas Beach is considered as one of the most dangerous places in our country.

3. Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh

Rohtang Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass at a height of 13,054 feet above the sea level. This pass connects Kullu to Lahaul and Spiti and promotes access to Leh. Hence, Rohtang Pass is strategically important for the country. It is one of the highest roads and poses a challenge to the vehicles that pass through. The narrow winding bends, sudden snowfall, unpredictable landslides and blizzards keep up its reputation of being one of the most dangerous places in India.  However, the raw beauty of Rohtang Pass enclosed in snow-clad mountain ranges is a sight to behold. The pass is open from the month of May to November and is so dangerous that the Indian Government has constructed Atal road tunnel. Now one wouldn't need to go through Rohtang Pass.

4. Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir

Located at a distance of approximately 130 kilometres from Srinagar, Gurez Valley is a beautiful amalgamation of landscapes, mountains and rivers. It sits deep in the Himalayas and many of the travellers are unaware of this hidden gem even today. Due to its close proximity to the 'Line of Control', this place is extremely unsafe and volatile. Not only the enemy poses threat but also there are reports of stray landmines having blown people off. In addition, Gurez valley is also prone to avalanches that killed many people in the region including a few soldiers. It is said that the area has experienced 80 landmines in  3 days. However, the danger of this tumultuous zone is offset by its incredible scenic beauty. 

5. Kuldhara, Rajasthan

The deserted village of Kuldhara was once the home to the community of Paliwal Brahmins. It is believed that all the residents fled overnight and were never seen again. They abandoned their homes and didn’t come back. However, the most striking part is, no one saw them leaving Kuldhara. Even today, it is not known where the Paliwals have resettled. It is said that the village is cursed and never would anyone be able to settle here again. The houses are in the same condition when the inhabitants left the town. The curse of Kuldhara and the eeriness in the air often leave travellers curious. This historical site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and tourists are only allowed in broad daylight.

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.