Did you know that even the birds commit suicide? Did you know that it’s possible to construct 3-storey buildings without any pillars and supports? Did you know that it is possible to mummify ourselves when we’re alive? Don’t be surprised, it’s true! Welcome to India, a place where you can dine with the rats and snakes. The land of snake charmers, black magic, floating lakes and red rains! Here’s a list of 10 mysterious places in India that blow our minds away. The scientists and paranormal experts are yet to come with a logical explanation about these bizarre places.
- Mayong: Where Humans Turn Into Animals…
Famous as the ‘land of black magic’, Mayong is an eerie village, situated 40 kilometers away from Guwahati, the largest city of Assam. The place derives its name from ‘Maya’, a Sanskrit word for ‘illusion’. Mayong is shrouded by evil, sorcery and black magic. There are actual reports of men disappearing into the village, taming of the dead and regular folks turning into animals. The magical traditions are passed down over generations, now preserved in the Central Museum. Warning signs greet travelers on the outer boundary of the village. Enter on your risk! Who knows if you can return or not?
- Kodhini & Umri: The Land of the Twins…
What if every family in the city produces twins? That actually happens in Kodinhi (a village based in Malappuram, Kerala) and Mohammedpur Umri (a village near Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh). These villages are actually famous as the ‘land of the twins’. There are 350 pairs of identical twins in Kodinhi and 60 pairs in Umri. What’s weirder is that even the doctors and researchers can’t find the logic behind high twinning rate in these villages.
- Dine with the Rats at Karni Mata Temple…
Situated 30 kilometers from Bikaner is Deshnok, a little town that houses the famous Karni Mata temple. Here, rats are revered more than people, as they’re believed to be the reincarnation of Karni mata, an ancient Rajasthani deity, and her sons. White rat, the rebirth of Devi herself, is believed to grant all your wishes. The temple houses 20,000 rats that mingle with the devotees and bring them good luck.
- The Lake of Floating Skeletons…
The Roopkund Lake is situated in a secluded sanctuary in the Himalayas, at the height of 16,500 feet above the ground. Skeleton Lake, as they call it, contains over 600 odd skeletons dating back to 9th century. Ancient myths suggest that they were the corpses of living men, who faced the rage of goddess Latu. Fed up with their sins, the local deity sent a terrible hailstorm their way that eventually killed them. Their dead bodies drowned inside the water and settled at the bottom of the lake.
- The Suicide Ground of Birds…
Don’t be fooled by the natural beauty of Jatinga. This idyllic village is nestled amidst the Borail Hills. The place is an ideal holiday destination all year round except the monsoons. Every year, between September and October, thousands of migratory birds visit Jatinga to commit suicide. They fly full speed towards hills, buildings, and trees, crushing themselves to death.
This mass bird suicide was first captured in 1960 by E.P. Gee, a famous naturalist. The ornithologists are yet to resolve this mystery.
- Where the Flame doesn’t Die…
The ancient Jwala Ji Temple in Kangra consists of a flame that has been burning for a couple of centuries. The flame originates from hollowed rocks, within a cave. No one knows the source of the fire. The devotees believe that it arises from the tongue of Goddess Sati, who immolated herself in anguish when her husband Lord Siva was insulted by her father King Daksh.
- Crime-Free, Door-Less City…
Shani Shinagpur is an ancient village in Maharashtra that has the famous Shani temple. Natives have entrusted their safety into the hands of Lord Shani who’s believed to be the God of Justice. The homes, offices and commercial buildings in the village don’t have doors. Even the UCO bank has a lock-less branch in the village. Till date, the village hasn’t witnessed any crime, not even robbery, and theft.
So, these were the most bizarre, unusual villages in India. Don’t forget to add them to your bucket list, the next time you plan an all-India tour!
