India has untapped potential in the dark tourism economy
While many haunted sites exist across India, they lack the machinery to become central parts of the growing tourism industry.
India possesses numerous haunted locations, including ghost villages, forts, and abandoned cemeteries, but many remain largely unexplored, according to a report by The Times of India. While these sites have an audience, the country lacks the concrete machinery to make dark tourism a central part of the economy.
The global dark tourism market was valued at $31.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $38.6 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Dataintelo estimates the specific ghost tourism market will be worth $2.9 billion in 2025 and could grow to $5.7 billion by 2034.
In Rajasthan, Kuldhara is promoted by Rajasthan Tourism as a ghost village abandoned in the early 19th century. However, visitors have reported issues with litter, such as plastic and food packaging, at the site near Jaisalmer.
Bhangarh in Alwar district is another site frequently described as haunted. While legends involving Baba Balu Nath and a sorcerer add to its appeal, some tourists have told The Times of India that the site is unorganised and that guides can be historically inaccurate.
Some attempts to package these experiences exist in Delhi. Delhi Tourism offers Haunted Heritage Walks at Malcha Mahal and Feroz Shah Kotla Monument for Rs 800 plus GST per person. The Ministry of Tourism's Utsav portal also lists a haunted walk at Bhuli Bhatiyari organised by Enroute Indian History.