India has a large number of scenic hill stations that are great tourist attractions especially during the summer season.
The snow clad mountains, the cool breeze, the tea gardens and the pollution free air makes these places a heavenly retreat, an abode amidst clouds. A place where people can escape from the daily routine life and relax in the lap of nature.
However when we talk of Dow Hills situated 30 kms from Darjeeling in Kurseong, we find ourselves in one of the most haunted hill stations of India, reputed to have a cluster of paranormal stories surrounding it.
There is no doubt about the fact that Dow Hills has no dearth of natural scenic beauty all around with its tea gardens, orchids and thick forests. But while enjoying the natural beauty of the place, tourists cannot help hearing eerie tales related to this place.
The Ill-Reputed Death Road
One of the stories which generally make their rounds in Dow Hills is the ill- reputed ‘death road’, as it is called. It lies between Dow hill road and the forest office. There is such a thick growth of tall pine trees in this place that it is hardly well lit even during the daytime contributing fully towards creating a chilling atmosphere.
Local people especially wood cutters have encountered many frightening experiences like a sudden blast of cold breeze and strange sounds from behind the trees. Reports say that unsuspecting travellers get the feeling of being followed and have also seen a pair of red eyes peering at them through the thick growth of trees.
Some have also seen a woman in a grey dress walking around. The sightings have had such harrowing effects on people that there are rumours of people going mad or killing themselves.
Victoria Boys High School
Another place with the reputation of paranormal activities is the Victoria Boys High School. People have seen the headless spirit of a boy roaming about in the ground in front of the school. It is believed that this boy was murdered on that very ground many years back.
Locals also claim to have heard voices of little children playing and running around in the corridors of the school during the long vacations when there is nobody around.
There is a history behind these incidents which can be traced back to the the time when India was under the British rule. During those days, the Britishers frequently came to Dow hill during the summer season.
This was during the late 19th century. A very big school was started here by the British officers especially for their children in 1879. Unfortunately they were not aware of the fact that the building was constructed near a graveyard. The school first started as an all boys school named Victoria Boys High School but later was divided into two parts. The other half was made into Dow Hills Girls boarding school in 1900. A church and an administrative building were also built.
Gradually paranormal activities were experienced in all these places. People living close by attribute this to the nameless graves near the buildings.
Spine Chilling Story Of The Caretaker Called Prithvi
A care taker of the school named Prithvi, who was new to the place had a harrowing experience. He came face to face with the spirit of a headless boy with blood flowing down his body. This happened when Prithvi was doing his usual rounds after the school was over. His duty was to check the classrooms and lock them up.
One day as he was checking each room he heard the sound of a little child crying. He immediately goes in search of the child. Little did he know that it was the ghost of a little boy named Aatish. The boy was murdered by the enemies of his father, a wealthy businessman. Prithvi became unconscious when he saw the apparition of the boy without his head.
Paranormal experts and tourists seeking to get a feel of the thrilling forests and the haunted school have had terrifying experiences. These sightings were far beyond their imagination, something which they had never encountered before.
Apart from all of this, Dow Hill is a beautiful place to visit and relax. It’s serene atmosphere surrounded by the tall pine trees is indeed a treat to anyone who wishes to spend a few quiet moments away from the humdrum of city life.
There is a forest museum worth visiting and old British structures with wonderful architectural designs not to be found in today’s modern world.
Thus Dow Hills or the land of white orchids as it is called in the lepcha language with the flowing Teesta river and the Himalayan range surrounding it, continues to attract visitors either for their love of scenic beauty or their love for the supernatural.
However it is advisable not to venture in these areas after dark for it’s better to be safe than sorry.
