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.
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). It was probably built as a hunting lodge or resting place for the Sultan and his entourage when they went into the Ridge Forest, which was wild and full of animals at the time. It was strategically sound and ideal for royal getaways due to its position on a slight hill with commanding views of the surrounding area. Even today, remnants of its former splendour can be seen in its bastion-like walls and partially preserved arched entrances.
What is a name for? The Curious Tale of “Bhuli Bhatiyari”
The name “Bhuli Bhatiyari” is as strange as it sounds — and it’s at the core of the mystery.
There are multiple theories about how the palace got its name:
1) Lost Woman Legend: According to local folklore, the name refers to a woman named Bhatiyari, from the Bhatiyar tribe or caste. It is said that she got lost and ended up here, where she would vanish forever, possibly meeting a tragic end. Hence, “Bhuli Bhatiyari” loosely translates to “the Bhatiyari woman who got lost.”
2) The Bhatiyara Theory: Some historians suggest that the name derives from the Persian word Bhatiyara, meaning innkeeper. This supports the idea that the mahal might have served as a rest house or Sarai, possibly for travelers, soldiers, or royal caravans.
3) Ghost Connection: A more mythical interpretation is that the soul of a wronged or abandoned woman still roams the site. The eerie name came about as her presence became associated with the ruin over time.
Architecture: A Tughlaq Masterpiece in Ruin
Though time and neglect have reduced Bhuli Bhatiyari to ruins, the remnants still reveal much:
Massive arched gateways: Two arched entry points, one outer and one inner, lead into the main enclosure.
Octagonal layout: As is typical of Tughlaq architecture, stone walls and chambers surround the central courtyard. High boundary walls were once built for privacy or defense. Bastions: One corner has a raised platform or bastion, likely used for viewing the surrounding forest area.
Claims of the paranormal: Is it really haunted? Like Malcha Mahal and Feroz Shah Kotla Fort in Delhi, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal has a reputation for being haunted. The following are claims made by numerous locals, particularly rickshaw drivers and Ridge Forest guards: abrupt decreases in temperature, particularly after sunset The leaves were making strange rustling and whispering sounds. feet when no one is looking. Shadowy figures that vanish in thin air
A strange, suffocating energy that causes people to quickly leave the location Some guards do not even go out at night near the monument. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) posts warning signs near the site to avoid staying after dark, adding to the mystery.
Unknown and Interesting Facts About Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal
- Linked to the Djinn World? Like Feroz Shah Kotla, some Sufis believe that djinns, supernatural beings from Islamic folklore, live in the Ridge area near Bhuli Bhatiyari. Some spiritual seekers visit the Mahal to pray or perform rituals to seek favors or communicate with unseen beings.
- Unsettling, but not harmful Unlike many horror tales, Bhuli Bhatiyari is said to be haunted by a single, benign female spirit. Visitors report a sense of melancholy more than fear—as if the spirit is lost or longing, not angry.
- In History Books, Left Out This location is rarely mentioned in mainstream Mughal or Sultanate records, possibly because it was originally used as a temporary lodge rather than a permanent palace, despite the fact that it is a part of the Tughlaq dynasty’s architectural legacy. 4. Ecological Prosperity Unique flora and fauna surround the monument, which is in the Delhi Ridge, a part of the Aravalli Range. Around the ruin, visitors frequently spot a variety of birds, including peacocks, nilgai (blue bulls), porcupines, and others. 5. Film Shoots and Documentaries Documentary filmmakers and YouTubers interested in exploring haunted locations have found Bhuli Bhatiyari to be a favorite due to its eerie atmosphere and eerie images. However, permissions are strictly controlled due to safety concerns and restrictions imposed by the forest.
How to Get There: How to Get There The Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal is close to Karol Bagh, Ridge Road, and the Ramlila Maidan. Jhandewalan is the metro station closest to you. From there, a short walk through the wooded Ridge area leads you to the ruins.
Is everything just a lie? Instead of actual paranormal activity, skeptics contend that the Mahal’s reputation for being haunted is the result of neglect, isolation, and storytelling. The Ridge area’s dense trees, echoing sounds, and lack of visitors contribute to a naturally eerie experience.
However, legends cannot be denied for their psychological impact. Even though there are no visible signs of a ghostly presence, many claim to feel “watched” or “uncomfortable” inside. EMF detectors and infrared cameras have also been used by some paranormal investigators at the location, with mixed and inconclusive results.
Keeping the Forgotten Alive Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal is a quiet reminder of Delhi’s layered, lesser-known history in a city where landmarks like Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb draw global attention. Despite its haunted reputation, it deserves greater attention for its architectural ingenuity and cultural context. Heritage enthusiasts argue that rather than being sensationalized for ghost stories, this location should be better preserved, studied, and documented. Every visitor to Bhuli Bhatiyari is invited to reflect on the following questions: what stories are hidden in ruins that the world forgets, and how much truth do old stones really hold?
Final Thoughts: There Is Still Mystery Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal is a monument worth visiting—not just for its ghostly tales, but for its forgotten history, unique architecture, and melancholic beauty.
It is a place where the line between folklore and fact blurs, where time seems to stand still, and where every wind whimper feels like a tale from the past. So, the next time you’re in Delhi, take a break from the crowded markets and tourist attractions by going into the forgotten forest, where Bhuli Bhatiyari still waits and keeps her secrets to herself.