Begunkodar
Detailed Overview: Begunkodar is a small, nondescript railway station that gained international notoriety as one of India's most "haunted" places. Located in the Jhalda region of Purulia, the station was established in 1960 through the efforts of the local queen, Lachan Kumari. However, its history took a dark turn in 1967 when a station master reportedly saw a ghost—a woman in a white saree dancing on the tracks. Shortly after, the station master and his family were found dead in their quarters, sparking a wave of terror. The fear was so intense that railway employees refused to work there, and the station was officially abandoned by the Indian Railways. For 42 years, no trains stopped at Begunkodar, and it was listed in official records as a "haunted station." It wasn't until 2009 that the then Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee, reopened the station after persistent demands from local villagers who wanted to shed the stigma and regain connectivity. Today, it functions as a regular halt for several passenger trains, though the aura of mystery remains. Rationalists and science forums have conducted overnight stays to debunk the ghost stories, attributing the sightings to shadows, local miscreants, or psychological fear. Despite the scientific explanations, the "ghostly" reputation has turned Begunkodar into a unique dark-tourism spot. Travelers visit not just for transport, but to experience the eerie silence that descends on the platforms after sunset. The station is surrounded by a vast, lonely landscape, which adds to its atmospheric charm. The local community has now embraced this fame, and the station serves as a symbol of how folklore can shape the identity of a place. While trains now run regularly, the legend of the woman in the white saree continues to be whispered by locals and travelers alike, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in the paranormal and the unexplained. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Hour:Place Type:
Dark Tourism & Mystery:Timing:
Regular Timings: The station is functional from the first train in the morning until the last train at night (approx. 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the afternoon (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) to experience the atmosphere while...Regular Timings: The station is functional from the first train in the morning until the last train at night (approx. 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the afternoon (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) to experience the atmosphere while it is still safe and bright.
:Special Events:
Tusu Festival: Celebrated in January, the local villagers bring their "Tusu" idols to the station area, filling the air with folk songs.
Manasa Puja: During the Monsoon (August), special prayers are held in the village, and the station area ...Tusu Festival: Celebrated in January, the local villagers bring their "Tusu" idols to the station area, filling the air with folk songs.
Manasa Puja: During the Monsoon (August), special prayers are held in the village, and the station area sees increased local activity.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Station Signboard: The iconic yellow board with Begunkodar written in Hindi, English, and Bengali.
The Lonely Tracks: A perspective shot of the long, straight tracks disappearing into the horizon.
The Ruined...The Station Signboard: The iconic yellow board with Begunkodar written in Hindi, English, and Bengali.
The Lonely Tracks: A perspective shot of the long, straight tracks disappearing into the horizon.
The Ruined Quarters: Capturing the dilapidated station master's house for a "spooky" aesthetic.
Evening Glow: The station lit by its solitary solar lamps creates a cinematic, eerie atmosphere.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Things to do for the Curious Traveler: Visiting Begunkodar is more about the experience and the atmosphere than traditional sightseeing.
Exploring the Platforms: Walking along the quiet platforms during the day and talking to the local ticket collector provides insights into the station's history.
Photography of the "Haunted" Board: Taking a picture with the Begunkodar station signboard is a must for travelers.
Talking to Elders: Sit with the local villagers at the tea stalls; they have endless stories about the "ghost" and the days when the station was closed.
Visiting the Rasmancha: Take a short walk to the village to see the historic Begunkodar Rasmancha and its unique architecture.
Train Spottin...
Information
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Why Famous:
Reason for Fame: The station is world-famous for its Haunted Legend. It was officially closed for over four decades due to reported paranormal activities, a rare occurrence in the history of Indian Railways.
The Woman in White: The specific...Reason for Fame: The station is world-famous for its Haunted Legend. It was officially closed for over four decades due to reported paranormal activities, a rare occurrence in the history of Indian Railways.
The Woman in White: The specific legend of a ghost in a white saree running alongside trains has been featured in numerous documentaries and news reports.
Reopening Miracle: Its reopening in 2009 after 42 years of closure made headlines across the country, making it a symbol of local resilience against superstition.
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Architecture:
Architectural Style and
Dimensions: The architecture of Begunkodar Station is that of a typical small-town Indian railway halt. It consists of a single-story masonry building that houses the ticket counter and a small waiting area.
Dime...Architectural Style and
Dimensions: The architecture of Begunkodar Station is that of a typical small-town Indian railway halt. It consists of a single-story masonry building that houses the ticket counter and a small waiting area.
Dimensions: The platform length is approximately 400 meters, recently renovated to accommodate modern passenger trains. There are two main platforms. The station building is a simple rectangular structure built with bricks and lime-mortar, featuring a small shaded verandah. Recent developments have added solar lighting and concrete benches. Unlike grand colonial stations, Begunkodar's architecture is functional and modest, which ironically contributes to its spooky appearance when it stands isolated under the moonlight. The lack of a large station complex makes the surrounding wilderness feel much closer to the tracks.
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How To Reach:
By Air: Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi is the closest, about 75 KMS away.
By Train: You can reach by taking a local passenger train from Purulia, Muri, or Ranchi. The station code is BKDR.
By Road: It is abo... -
Near Tourist Places:
Jhalda (5 KM), Muri (18 KM), Purulia Town (42 KM), Ajodhya Hills (30 KM), Charida Village (25 KM), Baghmundi (28 KM), Suisa (20 KM), Ranchi (75 KM), Deulghata (25 KM), Bamni Falls (35 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The station is safe during the day, but it is secluded. Do not wander alone after sunset.
Packing: Carry a flashlight if you plan to stay until evening. Wear comfortable cotton clothes.
Accomm...
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