Most Dangerous Travel Destinations In India

Sometimes you just can't help yourself but feel that adrenaline rush. It's confusing and intriguing how our brains are wired because even though we know traveling to dangerous places or doing dangerous things can result in some very grave scenarios, we still take the risk to feel that rush of a few moments. One such way of feeling that rush is traveling to dangerous places and indulging in treacherous activities. You’ve been looking for something similar and that’s also probably the reason why you’ve landed here. So without any further ado, let's get to know the most dangerous travel destinations in India that will make your heart go pump, pump.

9 Most Dangerous Travel Destinations In India

  1. Chambal Valley
  2. Dras
  3. Dumas Beach
  4. Bastar
  5. Rohtang Pass
  6. Thar Desert
  7. Kailash Mansarovar
  8. Khardung La
  9. Bhangarh

1. Chambal Valley

We have all heard stories about the robberies and the crimes that take place in the Chambal Valley. Famously bandit-infested and regarded as unsafe to travel, Chambal is still to this day, in spite of the anti-banditry campaigns, considered unsafe to travel. There are many stories floating around about the origin of this valley. Chambal is considered to be cursed because it is believed to have originated from the blood of thousands of cows sacrificed here, by the Aryan King, Rantideva.

There have been many famous dacoits (armed robbers) who ruled Chambal. One of the most famous dacoits was Sultana Daku. Among others, Nirbhay Singh Gujjar, also called the Last Lion Of Chambal, gained a reputation for being one of the most dangerous and cruel dacoits to have ever ruled Chambal.

Also read: Orchha Travel Guide

2. Dras

A small town located in Jammu and Kashmir, Dras is popular for its freezing temperatures. This cursed beauty is famous for its mesmerizing, dumbfoundingly beautiful views and scenic spots as well as its dangerously low temperatures that can have some really bad consequences on its visitors. Most travel plans to Dras are made during the summer when the temperature is at an average of 15°C. During winters, the average temperature is -20°C, which many times can even drop to -60°C during the extreme winters.

Dras is often called 'Hemb-babs', which means 'snow-land'. It gained this name due to the chilling temperature drops during the winters and the white heavy snow that covers the valley. If you want to take some beautiful pictures of the majestic hills and deep valleys of Dras, we recommend you travel during the summers or the early monsoon, where you can witness the perfect blend of temperatures and biodiversity.

Also read: Darjeeling Travel Guide

Most Dangerous Travel Destinations In India

3. Dumas Beach

Located around 21 km from Surat, if you have a knack for visiting haunted places, Dumas Beach is just the place for you. With its mystic black sand and grave endeavor, Dumas Beach is supposed to be cursed, which makes it one of the most dangerous places to travel to. It is said that the sand of this beach is black because it was used as a Hindu burial ground and the ashes of the burnt dead bodies got mixed with the sand of the beach. It is said that the spirits never left the region and still to this day, haunt the place.

People have witnessed many unexplainable happenings and heard mysterious voices and sounds; many have had bad experiences after the sun goes down. The place becomes a "devil's playground" as many refer to it after the sunset. Even if you’re out to venture, it’s advised not to visit the beach in the dark hours.

Also read: Kerala Travel Guide

4. Bastar

This forbidden beauty is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Although you might find that Bastar is hauntingly beautiful, the crime rates and Naxalite and Maoist activities that take place here often outweigh its beauty with terror. A district of Chhattisgarh, filled with magical waterfalls and lush green hills and mountains, Bastar is a paradise on earth, in all its glory. But as they say, there is a dark side to everything. You may fall in love with the beautiful surroundings of this place but you shouldn't forget about the dark activities that take place here.

That being said, the breathtaking views of the Chitrakoot and Teerthgarh Waterfalls, situated near Jagdalpur, are a sight worth taking in. If you ever decide to visit Bastar, it is going to be surely exciting.

Also read: Sikkim Travel Guide

Most Dangerous Travel Destinations In India

5. Rohtang Pass

This beautiful curvy road is known for its picturesque surroundings and the views of the valley and the lush green mountains. Driving through the Rohtang Pass is an adventure everyone should get to experience at least once in their lifetime. It is located on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of around 3,979 meters. The road is open from May to November and encounters heavy traffic jams. It is often covered with snow and slush which makes it slippery and harder to drive on.

With numerous winding bends, steep dropdowns with no barrier, rockfalls, and landslides, this road is a challenge to even the most experienced drivers. Any vehicle can face a hard time getting through the slippery slopes and the rough, inconsistent texture of this road. This is the main reason why Rohtang Pass is considered among the most dangerous travel destinations in India, but if you want to feel that adrenaline rush, passing through this road will surely be worth it.

Also read: Bengaluru Travel Guide

6. The Thar Desert

Although it attracts travelers because of its vast dunes and impeccable beauty, the desert is filled with dangers. Mostly covering the region of Rajasthan and some parts of the state of Gujarat, the Thar desert is the 20th largest desert in the world. With an area of almost 238,254 sq. km, the desert is home to many dangerous wildlife species. Among snakes, saw-scaled viper, large rat snake, black cobra, and sand boa are the most famous and poisonous snakes seen in the desert. 

Apart from this, you can also find Indian Spiny Tailed Lizard, Great Indian Spotted Eagle, Great Indian Bustard, Black Bucks, Asiatic Wildcat, White Footed Fox, Chinkara, Indian Desert Jird, and many more wild animals here. This desert seems like heaven on Earth because of its beautiful views and golden sands, but it doesn't change the fact that it is still one of the most dangerous places to travel in India.

Also read: Mussoorie Travel Guide

7. Kailash Mansarovar

One of the most respected and worshipped temples in the Hindu religion, Kailash Mansarovar, Mount Kailash is said to be the place where Lord Shiva resides. With an altitude of 6,656 meters above sea level, although it is not the highest peak in the Himalayan range, no one has climbed to the peak of the mountain. This is because it is believed that it would disturb the divine energies and be equivalent to trespassing on the sanctity of the mountain. From the perspective of religious beliefs, this becomes a forbidden act among Hindus.

Apart from its religious significance, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is very dangerous and physically challenging. The devotees have to pass through some high-altitude areas including areas that are around 5,943.6 meters above sea level and the areas which are in inhospitable conditions. Every year many travelers lose their lives to these difficult, snow-covered, hard-to-climb spots, making it one of the most dangerous places in India to visit.

Also read: Dehradun Travel Guide

Most Dangerous Travel Destinations In India

8. Khardung La

At an elevation of around 5,359 meters above sea level, Khardung La is a mountain pass located in the region of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The narrow dirt road leading up to the pass was built in 1976 and is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The road is extremely difficult to ride with the frozen layer of ice and dirt. It makes for one slippery and narrow combination of a trail with very deep drop-downs and valleys right next to it.

Although it is one of the most dangerous roads to travel, Khardung La pass is blessed with extremely beautiful views of snow-covered mountains and valleys. So you should definitely plan a trip here, and if you’re looking for a comfortable period then know that it is statistically safer to travel here in summer than in winter.

Also read: Chennai Travel Guide

9. Bhangarh

You must have heard numerous stories about this mysterious fort. Located in the Bhangarh area of Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort has been the center of attraction to a lot of travelers for many years for its mysterious history and beautiful surroundings. The drama surrounding it makes it one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.

Bhangarh Ka Kila or Bhangarh Fort is considered to be one of the most haunted places in India. Many stories surround the mystery of this haunted fort. One such story about Bhangarh is that when Madho Singh started to build the fort, he first met an ascetic Bala Nath, and asked for his permission. Bala Nath agreed to it as long as the king was ready to promise that the fort will never be tall enough that its shadow reaches and covers the house of the ascetic. The king agreed to it, but his power blind successors started adding vertically to the fort resulting in the shadow reaching Bala Nath's house and the fort has been cursed ever since.

Due to the mysterious events and unexplained incidents that took place around the fort over the years, entry to this fort after sunset has been strictly prohibited.

Also read: Leh Travel Guide

Most Dangerous Travel Destinations In India

Summing Up

Are you getting the chills by just reading about some of the most dangerous travel destinations in India? If your answer is no, you should definitely check out some of these places for yourself. While a few of these do have some haunted history attached to them, there are also a couple of places that are relatively safe if you take all the necessary travel precautions. So, if you’re intrigued to explore these places, we suggest you convince your buddies or prepare yourself and set out on the expedition!

FAQs

Is Chambal Valley Still Dangerous?

While police protection has increased considerably in recent years, the area of Chambal Valley is still considered relatively dangerous by many people It’s advisable to not go exploring the area without reason or proper security.

Which Is The Best Time To Visit Khardung La Pass?

The best time to visit Khardung La pass is between April and June and during the months of September and October. You’ll find the route less dangerous in the summers as the roads are dry and the average temperature will be 21°C during this time.

Is A Passport Required For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Yes, a valid passport is a must for pilgrims who want to complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

How Can I Get A Kailash Mansarovar Visa?

You need to apply for a group visa which requires a minimum size of four people per group. You will then get the visa from Kathmandu, which shall be applicable for thirty days.

Is Bhangarh Fort Safe To Visit?

It is deemed unsafe to visit after the sunset as Bhangarh Fort is believed to be the most haunted place in India.

What Is Dras Famous For?

Popularly known as 'The Gateway to Ladakh', Dras is the coldest inhabited place in India and the second most inhabited place in the world. It’s also famous for its extremely cold temperatures that could also freeze the unprepared to death.