Nicholson Cemetery, Delhi Overview

Situated in the heart of the city in Kashmere Gate area of New Delhi and formerly known as Old Delhi Military Cemetery or the Kashmere Gate Cemetery, Nicholson Cemetery (also known as Lothian Cemetery) is an ancient Christian cemetery named after the Brigadier-General John Nicholson, a Victorian-era military officer who played a crucial role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and succumbed to injuries during the revolt. Lately emerging among the Delhites as the ‘most peaceful place in Delhi’; the cemetery is a burial ground of both the English and Indian Christians during the British Raj in India.

Located amidst wild bushes on the trail to the left is the grave of John Nicholson. Not much further is a tiny cottage occupied by the caretaker and his family. Other than that, there are umpteen rows of gravestones marked with lifespans of hundreds of people- some newborns who did not even live to see a year. Apart from young kids and a few heritage walks, this place is free of any activity. The cemetery is also notoriously popular for a few ghost activities. According to the Indian Paranormal Society, the headless apparition of John Nicholson haunts the place.

The Ghost of Nicholson Cemetery

Nicholson cemetery is considered one of the scariest and haunted places in the city. It is believed that the headless ghost of John Nicholson (namesake British soldier) haunts the place. The lingering myth behind the concept says that the soldier lost his love and therefore couldn’t leave for his heavenly abode and frequents the cemetery in search of his love. People claim that the ghost becomes more prominent during the full moon nights and roams the place.

Soldiers used to consider Nicholson, a man of high principles, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, however, he had little tolerance for superstition. He was shot near Lahore Gate and died in a slow and painful way.

How To Reach Nicholson Cemetery

The nearest metro station to Nicholson Cemetery is Kashmere Gate Metro situated on the red line. You will need to the exit from Gate No. 4 of the metro and start walking towards the right. The cemetery is just a few steps ahead. Interstate Bus Terminus is the nearest bus stop. From the bus stop, you can take a shared auto or a battery rickshaw which will drop you to the cemetery.