A traveler’s paradise can be found anywhere in the world.
From beaches to hills to cities, even cafes, every traveler has his or her own favorite place to be! And then there are those who are attracted towards mystical scenes and abandoned places that sometimes send a shiver down the spine. So, while rest of the world enjoys watching a sunset on a beach or climbing Everest, there are a few of us who would take a road that literally lead to cities that are too beautiful to be deserted.
So, for all of you, who want to visit and see cities that are abandoned and forgotten by the rest of the world, here are a few that also include a fistful from India.
1. The city of Ani, Turkey
Once flooded with a thousand people, cultures and powers under the Bagratid Armenian dynasty, this city now stands isolated on a plateau in the highlands of northeast Turkey.
Ruled by kingdoms and empires ranging from Byzantines to Ottomans, the area is now guised in ruins and is popularly known as the ‘city of ghosts’ or ‘city of 1,001 churches’ for holding extraordinary architecture and quantity of churches and minarets in the area. It was abandoned about 90 years from now and is now ready to be recognized as a World Heritage Site.
2. Craco, Italy
The town is so strikingly beautiful that even after being abandoned by its people during 20th century because of infertile soil, flood and landslide in 1972 and 1963 respectively, it was used as the set for the movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’ and is considered an ancient site for being into existence since 540.
3. Gougi Island, China
Located on the Yangtze River, this fishing village is known for its lush green buildings and towers. Known as the ‘Wizard of Oz’s Dream, this site sure will make you feel as if you’re walking into a fantasy, and belongs to a group of 400 islands called Shengsi Islands, however, Gougi forms a part of those fishing villages that are abandoned but still preserved.
4. Kolmanskop, Namibia
Founded in 1908 when a man found a diamond in the area in the Namib desert but was also deserted around 1954 due to lack of resources but still it remains a strikingly gorgeous site since the abandoned houses are all covered in sand and attracts the eye.
5. Bhangarh, Rajasthan
Yes, it’s known as the most haunted place in India and an abandoned one too! Though people aren’t allowed to stay in the ruins of the fort, you can test your courage by staying overnight there and figure out the truth.
6. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
Known for the famous and religiously significant Ram Setu, the one Sri Ram built to connect India and Sri Lanka, this ghost town, situated on Pamban Islands was reduced to almost nothing after witnessing a devastating cyclone but is a blessing for photographers who want to witness the beauty of sea.
7. Kuldhara, Rajasthan
Another famous ghost town, with an interesting history, is Kuldhara, Rajasthan, where around 300 people disappeared and were never seen again. Known as the ‘village of death’, the mystery of the people who were gone has never been solved.
We hope that the traveler in you would definitely want to pack their bags and set out on a journey to find shelter in some of these abandoned cities. So, book your tickets and get going today!
Blob - There are places that you can never forget and then there are place that were made to be forgotten. Today, we have decided to step away from the norm and pay a visit to 7 most beautiful yet abandoned cities in India and abroad - because forgotten or not their beauty would remain timeless!
These abandoned cities are for those travelers who like to put their shoes on where other tourists hang their boots!