Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal – Delhi’s Forgotten Haunted Ruin in the Ridge Forest
Nestled in the heart of Delhi’s Ridge Forest, away from the noisy chaos of city life, lies a ruin that very few locals even know about — Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal. For decades, this abandoned hunting lodge from the 14th century has been the focus of paranormal claims, ghost stories, and urban legends.
Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal is more than just an ancient ruin; it is a story that is waiting to be told, from its odd name to its abandoned corridors that echo with whispers of the past. If you are searching for “bhuli bhatiyari delhi” or planning to explore bhuli bhatiyari park, here’s everything you need to know.
The History: A Palace with a Mission
The Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal was constructed during the time of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, the third Tughlaq emperor (1351–1388). Built most likely as a hunting lodge or resting place for the Sultan and his entourage, the location was perfect — perched on a slight hill, overlooking the wild Ridge forest full of animals.
Even today, its bastion-like walls and arched entrances hint at its former grandeur. Though neglected, it remains a part of Delhi’s Sultanate-era legacy.
What’s in a Name? The Curious Tale of “Bhuli Bhatiyari”
The name itself carries mystery, and there are several theories:
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Lost Woman Legend – Folklore says a woman named Bhatiyari, possibly from the Bhatiyar tribe, got lost here and vanished forever. “Bhuli Bhatiyari” translates loosely to “the lost Bhatiyari woman.”
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The Bhatiyara Theory – Some historians believe the name comes from the Persian word Bhatiyara, meaning innkeeper, suggesting the place may have once served as a rest house or Sarai.
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Ghostly Connection – A mythical version claims the spirit of a wronged woman still roams the mahal, giving the ruin its eerie reputation.
Architecture: A Tughlaq Masterpiece in Ruin
Though in ruins, the structure showcases typical Tughlaq architecture:
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Two massive gateways – Outer and inner arched entrances leading to the main enclosure.
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Octagonal layout – Stone walls and chambers surrounding a central courtyard.
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Bastions & raised platforms – Possibly used to survey the forest.
Is Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal Really Haunted?
Like Malcha Mahal and Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal has long been rumored to be haunted. Locals, rickshaw drivers, and Ridge guards have reported:
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Sudden drops in temperature after sunset
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Whispers, rustling leaves, and the sound of unseen footsteps
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Shadowy figures that vanish into thin air
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A suffocating, uneasy energy that forces people to leave quickly
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has even put up signs warning people not to stay inside the monument after dark.
Unknown & Interesting Facts about Bhuli Bhatiyari
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Linked to Djinns – Some Sufis believe supernatural beings reside in the Ridge forest near the mahal. Rituals and prayers are still occasionally performed here.
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A Benign Spirit – Unlike other haunted places, locals claim the mahal is haunted by a sad, wandering female spirit, not a violent one.
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Missing in Records – Despite its connection to the Tughlaq dynasty, the site is rarely mentioned in history books, probably because it was only a temporary lodge.
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Ecological Richness – Located inside Bhuli Bhatiyari park, the area is home to peacocks, nilgai, porcupines, and several rare birds.
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Filming Spot – Its haunting charm has attracted filmmakers and YouTubers, though permission is restricted.
How to Reach Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal
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Location: Ridge Road, near Karol Bagh & Ramlila Maidan.
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Nearest Metro: Jhandewalan Metro Station.
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From there, it’s a short walk through the Ridge forest to the ruins.
👉 Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal ticket price: Entry is free since it’s a protected monument, but visitors are advised not to stay after sunset.
Skeptic’s Take – Is it Just a Myth?
Skeptics argue that the Mahal’s haunted reputation comes from its isolation, silence, and eerie forest surroundings, not from actual paranormal activity. The Ridge forest naturally amplifies sounds, making the site feel spooky.
Still, visitors often report feeling “watched” or uneasy inside, and paranormal investigators with EMF detectors have found inconclusive readings.
Final Thoughts – A Forgotten Heritage
The Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal is not just a haunted ruin; it is a forgotten piece of Delhi’s Sultanate history. Whether you visit for its ghostly tales or for its architectural past, the site is worth exploring.
In a city full of famous monuments like Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, Bhuli Bhatiyari remains Delhi’s hidden mystery — a place where folklore and history blur, where silence speaks louder than words, and where secrets still linger in the air.
So next time you’re near Karol Bagh, step away from the markets and venture into Bhuli Bhatiyari park. Who knows — you might just feel the whispers of the past yourself.