At Mustafa Khan’s Masjid, tucked away in the Naya Qila complex at Golconda Fort, the stories get stranger as the sun begins to set. Some say trolls emerge from a cave nearby, while others believe the abandoned mosque is visited by djinns. As Halloween approaches, Hyderabad’s old monuments, forgotten palaces and supernatural folklore offer plenty of material for those seeking a spooky fix. But beyond the thrill of a ghost story lies a city whose past is often stranger, more layered and more unsettling than the legends suggest.
Historian William Dalrymple has also explored these beliefs in Under the Charminar, an essay in his book The Age of Kali: A Travels and Encounters in India (1998). Sometimes, knowing what happened there and imagining what life might have been like centuries ago is enough to give you chills— Meera Kareem, 24, a content professional ‘Many people believe djinns live and walk among us’ “Hyderabad is interesting from this perspective because, historically, people believe that djinns live and walk amongst us.
And to that end, there are stories,” says Navin Sigamany, founder of Hyderabad Walking Co. ‘The thrill of the unknown’ I don’t necessarily have to believe a place is haunted for the experience to be exciting. Drawing on conversations with Paigah nobleman Mir Moazam Hussain, Dalrymple recounts tales of mysticism, including one about a holy man who allegedly turned mud into sugar and conjured fruit and biryani with the a djinn’s help. ‘The real story is often overlooked’
You know there is a perfectly natural explanation for it, but being there in person, surrounded by the fort’s history and the quiet of the evening, makes the experience feel different,” says Ananya Naik, 26, a marketing professional.
They prefer to know unconventional things,” he says. Understanding an abandoned building’s former use, its present condition and the circumstances that led to its deterioration can offer a different kind of encounter with the past,” he says. For some, the appeal of a spooky outing lies in the possibility of being frightened. For others, it is the opportunity to encounter a place they might otherwise overlook. “I remember visiting Golconda Fort and seeing bats around the old stone structures. There was something eerie about watching them emerge as the light began to fade. For Sibghat Khan, founder of Deccan Archive, the appeal of heritage walks lies in uncovering stories and details that people might not otherwise encounter. “People are more interested in lesser-known facts and figures. “When we conduct walks, we try to incorporate those kinds of stories alongside the history. We want people to know that these stories and associations are also part of its history. He believes that people can become so caught up in a place’s supernatural reputation that they overlook its history and significance. “A place may feel unsettling, but that doesn’t mean its supernatural reputation is an established fact. ‘Where to go for your spooky fix’ If you’re looking for an eerie atmosphere, a good story or simply a different way to see the city, here are a few places and guided experiences to consider. Do check current timings, access rules and walk schedules before heading out: Golconda Fort Irum Manzil King Kothi Palace Mahboob Mansion Kundanbagh Haunted House Hill Fort Palace You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.
