What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills
'Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills' is a chilling compilation of the supernatural events of spirits in the hills of Shimla. The Book presents ghost stories as narrated by the residents of Shimla.
©2005 Minakshi Chaudhry (P)2016 Audible, Inc.
©2005 Minakshi Chaudhry (P)2016 Audible, Inc.
140 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
291 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 72 reviews
September 6, 2017
Worthless piece of amatuerish storytelling. The stories are neither interesting nor scary. Don't know why author wasted time on this.
Worthless piece of amatuerish storytelling. The stories are neither interesting nor scary. Don't know why author wasted time on this.
Worthless piece of amatuerish storytelling. The stories are neither interesting nor scary. Don't know why author wasted time on this.
February 15, 2016
Introduction:
Ghost stories always fascinated me. The terrific looks of ghost and their past life are something which makes me read ghost stories. Every culture has its own depiction of ghost and ghostly thing. You will find me reading the ghost story in free time. Shimla is one of my dream destination as it has a dreamy atmosphere. In past Shimla has been the favourite place of Britisher's as they find the environment of Shimla same as to England. As they left our country but with this they have left some stories which have now become the folklore of Shimla.
Summary:
Minakshi Chaudhary was a former journalist. She belongs to Shimla. She grew up listening spooky stories of Bhoots (Ghosts) and churail (Lady ghost) and in this book she has tried to compile some of those stories.
This book has 15 short stories, giving the various instance of Bhoots and Churails. These stories depict the culture of Shimla hills. The misty atmosphere, heritage bungalow, trees of deodar, the lifestyle of Britishers.
All the stories are based on the work of fiction. These are those stories which are coming from generation to generation and now become the folklore. The writer has gathered such stories from people and presents it in a form of the book.
In this book, you can find a story of a man who met a Churail while coming back to his home at night. A ghost of a 14-year-old-girl, who come back in this world just to seek the justice. A story of bhoot bungalow where people get thrown out of the room.
I personally love the story 'The Sanjauli Fruit seller' where a new resident of Shimla, unaware of the ghost route walk back to home and he met a fruit seller in a very odd place. Which was actually a ghost.
This book has the foreword of Ruskin Bond which gives it an incredibility.
Writing style:
Stories are written in a simple way. The language is pretty easy to understand.
My perception:
Actually, I have bought this book in the hope of getting some spine chilling horror but this book is just a collection of folklore mended with work of fiction. You can complete this book in just one day. Stories are amusing but it will not really haunt you. There is some story where you will not even able to find the conclusion. Give it a read when you want to read light horror stories.
Ghost stories always fascinated me. The terrific looks of ghost and their past life are something which makes me read ghost stories. Every culture has its own depiction of ghost and ghostly thing. You will find me reading the ghost story in free time. Shimla is one of my dream destination as it has a dreamy atmosphere. In past Shimla has been the favourite place of Britisher's as they find the environment of Shimla same as to England. As they left our country but with this they have left some stories which have now become the folklore of Shimla.
Summary:
Minakshi Chaudhary was a former journalist. She belongs to Shimla. She grew up listening spooky stories of Bhoots (Ghosts) and churail (Lady ghost) and in this book she has tried to compile some of those stories.
This book has 15 short stories, giving the various instance of Bhoots and Churails. These stories depict the culture of Shimla hills. The misty atmosphere, heritage bungalow, trees of deodar, the lifestyle of Britishers.
All the stories are based on the work of fiction. These are those stories which are coming from generation to generation and now become the folklore. The writer has gathered such stories from people and presents it in a form of the book.
In this book, you can find a story of a man who met a Churail while coming back to his home at night. A ghost of a 14-year-old-girl, who come back in this world just to seek the justice. A story of bhoot bungalow where people get thrown out of the room.
I personally love the story 'The Sanjauli Fruit seller' where a new resident of Shimla, unaware of the ghost route walk back to home and he met a fruit seller in a very odd place. Which was actually a ghost.
This book has the foreword of Ruskin Bond which gives it an incredibility.
Writing style:
Stories are written in a simple way. The language is pretty easy to understand.
My perception:
Actually, I have bought this book in the hope of getting some spine chilling horror but this book is just a collection of folklore mended with work of fiction. You can complete this book in just one day. Stories are amusing but it will not really haunt you. There is some story where you will not even able to find the conclusion. Give it a read when you want to read light horror stories.
February 28, 2023
The fear of the unknown - enhanced by the mist, darkness, patterning of raindrops and lonely paths through the woods is part of life in the hills. Hill stations do have that eerie vibe. Also, there are accounts of encounters with the supernatural at such places,15 of which have been put together in this book by author Minakshi Choudhry based upon recounting the personal experiences of people she met while researching the book.
Whether it is the Churail of Boileauganj and St. Bedes road, the eerie happenings around Lakkar Bazar, University Road and the tunnels around Shimla or the haunted roads, bauris and benches, the author has brought together the lore around the supernatural in Shimla in this book.
First published in 2005 with a foreword by Ruskin Bond, this is a light breezy read on ghosts and spirits set in the romanticised environs of Shimla.
Whether it is the Churail of Boileauganj and St. Bedes road, the eerie happenings around Lakkar Bazar, University Road and the tunnels around Shimla or the haunted roads, bauris and benches, the author has brought together the lore around the supernatural in Shimla in this book.
First published in 2005 with a foreword by Ruskin Bond, this is a light breezy read on ghosts and spirits set in the romanticised environs of Shimla.
December 1, 2016
I don't know how I feel about this book.
Most of stories aren't even real, they're more close to common legends. It was great in the beginning but then it just got worse and worse, till there was no horror left in the Ghost Stories and they became normal stories.
Most of stories aren't even real, they're more close to common legends. It was great in the beginning but then it just got worse and worse, till there was no horror left in the Ghost Stories and they became normal stories.
October 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Set in India, short stories of encounters with Victorian Age English ghosts. A wonderful book full of ghosts for the Autumn/Halloween season. No spoilers and I highly recommend it.
June 15, 2015
Minakshi Chaudhry, a former journalist and writer of multiple books based in Shimla provides yet another book of Ghost stories of Shimla Hills. A total of 16 short stories are based on the other side, deals with supernatural and spirits which refuse to die down. The author's earlier book, 'Ghost Stories of the Shimla Hills', published in 2005 also by Rupa and Co, became a bestseller and is in constant reprint.
In these 16 stories, the readers will encounter bhoots (ghosts) and churails (witches) who wander in the Shimla hills. These stories also tell us about the cultural and religious life of hill people. Generations of Shimlaites grew up hearing stories about bhoots and churails. These tales based on facts and experiences shared by people, have been narrated in a fictionalised way. Dark moonless nights, lonely stretches, mist enveloping hills and valleys, something howling in the faraway jungle - everything in the Shimla hills gives an appearance of these unearthly beings.
The book includes tales about the spirit of an English nurse who wanders in the wards of Lady Reading (now known as Kamla Nehru hospital in Shimla), taking care of the children in need; a theatre manager - an Englishman who died before India's Independence who was so much in love with Shimla that he did not leave even after he died and his spirit haunts the (Gaiety) theatre and roams there on dark nights.
In these stories we meet people who can talk to the spirits and who live between the two worlds - living and the dead! We also travel to the strange world of fairies, who land and take off at the lawns of Pari Mehal (a locality in Shimla) and meet members of a unique family that claims to have met ghosts just as we meet each other.
There is a touching tale of a Muslim ghost who came to Shimla hills (in Nankhari village, some 100 km from Shimla) after partition and stayed back. It plays pranks on people but as it grew old, it lost interest in teasing people and longed to go back to Lahore but could not do so.
But apart from this, all other stories are mostly bland and have a read-that-before feeling to it. They do not invoke much emotions and hardly provides a surprise in its narrative. Over all, a mixed bag of book which provide some interesting stories but does not show enough courage to take it to the next level by introducing some new concepts in the horror genre.
In these 16 stories, the readers will encounter bhoots (ghosts) and churails (witches) who wander in the Shimla hills. These stories also tell us about the cultural and religious life of hill people. Generations of Shimlaites grew up hearing stories about bhoots and churails. These tales based on facts and experiences shared by people, have been narrated in a fictionalised way. Dark moonless nights, lonely stretches, mist enveloping hills and valleys, something howling in the faraway jungle - everything in the Shimla hills gives an appearance of these unearthly beings.
The book includes tales about the spirit of an English nurse who wanders in the wards of Lady Reading (now known as Kamla Nehru hospital in Shimla), taking care of the children in need; a theatre manager - an Englishman who died before India's Independence who was so much in love with Shimla that he did not leave even after he died and his spirit haunts the (Gaiety) theatre and roams there on dark nights.
In these stories we meet people who can talk to the spirits and who live between the two worlds - living and the dead! We also travel to the strange world of fairies, who land and take off at the lawns of Pari Mehal (a locality in Shimla) and meet members of a unique family that claims to have met ghosts just as we meet each other.
There is a touching tale of a Muslim ghost who came to Shimla hills (in Nankhari village, some 100 km from Shimla) after partition and stayed back. It plays pranks on people but as it grew old, it lost interest in teasing people and longed to go back to Lahore but could not do so.
But apart from this, all other stories are mostly bland and have a read-that-before feeling to it. They do not invoke much emotions and hardly provides a surprise in its narrative. Over all, a mixed bag of book which provide some interesting stories but does not show enough courage to take it to the next level by introducing some new concepts in the horror genre.
June 19, 2022
Started this book because I wanted a good scare as I am feeling really low these days. Did not get scared at all..
June 9, 2016
The book is good, gives a number of british ghosts stories at Shimla. For all the interested explorers it provides enough placed in Shimla to explore in this way apart from just getting excited by its natural beauty and british setup. It arouse the urge of exploring shimla more. Though the stories are more on the locally famous stories instead of personal experiences so it is more of increasing excitement instead of giving adrenaline rush which you got from stories of Sacred Evils by Ipsita Roy Chakravatry.
March 2, 2016
A fantastic book, one that gives the reader some serious chills, I enjoyed it over a week-end away in Lonavla, amidst the pouring August rains in the year 2012.
The stories are fabulous and dark. Each a journey of their own.
The stories are fabulous and dark. Each a journey of their own.
February 5, 2018
very good book,,these are all real stories....so you can't compare them to the fabricated ones or those which are looseley based on real life stories.....
January 24, 2019
This story is about a girl who visited Shimla as she was interested in the supernatural, specifically ghosts that wander around cemeteries.
This is her story.
The story is taken from 'Ghost Stories Of Shimla Hills' and name of the story is 'Ghost Don' t Exist'.There she asked a lady that where was the cemetery. The lady pointed towards a narrow road. After ten minutes she had seen a house but got no answer. After sometime she saw dozen of shops in an area. She asked an old man about the cemetery near here. So he said that after walking towards the north, half an hour she would see a very old cemetery. He also asked that why she wanted to go there.
She replied that the main purpose of going there was to find ghosts wandering around there. The old man replied that there were no ghosts there.
Then she started walking towards the north with the help of a compass. After half an hour she saw the cemetery which was on a small hillock.
The main cemetery was an enclosed area; its boundary wall was made up of stones.
She saw that there were about sixty graves, well structured with a cemented path in between.
Several names and names were faintly visible there.
Afterwards when she was returning back she saw a mam and started having a conversation with him.
But afterwards he vanished. Then she met the old man again and he said that people heading towards the cemetery always meet a guy who vanishes after you reach your destination.
Piya Rai Dhamija
6th D
This is her story.
The story is taken from 'Ghost Stories Of Shimla Hills' and name of the story is 'Ghost Don' t Exist'.There she asked a lady that where was the cemetery. The lady pointed towards a narrow road. After ten minutes she had seen a house but got no answer. After sometime she saw dozen of shops in an area. She asked an old man about the cemetery near here. So he said that after walking towards the north, half an hour she would see a very old cemetery. He also asked that why she wanted to go there.
She replied that the main purpose of going there was to find ghosts wandering around there. The old man replied that there were no ghosts there.
Then she started walking towards the north with the help of a compass. After half an hour she saw the cemetery which was on a small hillock.
The main cemetery was an enclosed area; its boundary wall was made up of stones.
She saw that there were about sixty graves, well structured with a cemented path in between.
Several names and names were faintly visible there.
Afterwards when she was returning back she saw a mam and started having a conversation with him.
But afterwards he vanished. Then she met the old man again and he said that people heading towards the cemetery always meet a guy who vanishes after you reach your destination.
Piya Rai Dhamija
6th D
December 19, 2020
Chaudhary's anecdotal wanderings through the Shimla locales is a window through the ages. Although the stories recapitulate the folklore and hauntings of some of the most popular spots across the town, the book is more about the soul of the place that feels like an anachronism in modern times. The past spills over into the present, manifesting itself through ghostly sightings and apparitions that are remnants of the British Raj. Each story is based on Chaudhry's conversations with a local who apprises her of the tales behind the ghost-stories that have endured through generations. There is something about the way common people narrate these "encounters" that just cannot be gotten from conventional horror writers. There is no malevolence in them but a simple connection to the living world that hasn't been severed yet. Some of them lament the loss of simplicity of their times while the others simply don't see a reason to leave the beautiful environs of Shimla.
This book is to be read on one of those rainy evenings when the overcast sky casts an eternal twilight during the day. When the only sound is that of the raindrops pattering against the window and the breeze frazzling the curtains. When the soul is more open to the spiritual dimension and devoid of the burden of rationality.
This book is to be read on one of those rainy evenings when the overcast sky casts an eternal twilight during the day. When the only sound is that of the raindrops pattering against the window and the breeze frazzling the curtains. When the soul is more open to the spiritual dimension and devoid of the burden of rationality.
June 21, 2025
It took me a week to finish this slim book of just 135 pages — and that’s saying something. Not because it was gripping, or horrifying, but because I kept waiting for it to get better… and it never did.
I was genuinely excited to pick this up — my first horror read, and an Indian horror book at that! I thought it would be spooky, memorable, and perfect for my next trip to the hills — something I could bring up during those classic “bhooton wali baatein” sessions with my friends.
But this book? A complete letdown.
I understand that collecting real paranormal experiences is a tough task, but the stories here were so flat. No suspense, no chills, not even the fun kind of creepy. They weren’t even childish — just painfully lame.
The only mildly redeemable story was the last one — The Lady on the Rickshaw — where a ghostly figure gives a glimpse into Shimla’s colonial past. It had a flicker of originality, but that’s about it.
Ironically, the most entertaining part of this book wasn’t a story at all — it was Ruskin Bond’s one-page foreword. It’s clever, humorous, witty and sharp.
So if you ever come across this title, do yourself a favor: read the foreword… and walk away.
I was genuinely excited to pick this up — my first horror read, and an Indian horror book at that! I thought it would be spooky, memorable, and perfect for my next trip to the hills — something I could bring up during those classic “bhooton wali baatein” sessions with my friends.
But this book? A complete letdown.
I understand that collecting real paranormal experiences is a tough task, but the stories here were so flat. No suspense, no chills, not even the fun kind of creepy. They weren’t even childish — just painfully lame.
The only mildly redeemable story was the last one — The Lady on the Rickshaw — where a ghostly figure gives a glimpse into Shimla’s colonial past. It had a flicker of originality, but that’s about it.
Ironically, the most entertaining part of this book wasn’t a story at all — it was Ruskin Bond’s one-page foreword. It’s clever, humorous, witty and sharp.
So if you ever come across this title, do yourself a favor: read the foreword… and walk away.
June 2, 2021
Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills written by Minakshi Chaudhry has 15 shorts. They are eerie, narrating brushes of living beings with the supernatural, and offer a good range of experiences. The book makes for a quick and easy read.
But just because it has a foreword by Ruskin Bond, please don't expect wonder's from the language aspect of the book. In fact, it is quite ordinary, call it passe. In fact, The Ghost On The Railway Line contained a glaring error (page 82) that's very subcontinental and made me laugh although the protagonist's experience was meant to evoke fear. I wish the author had also requested Mr. Bond to edit her stories. Further, the stories, rather the essays had a typical construction design - it delved too long to create the preamble to the horror and then the experience itself was extremely short. It is as if Ms. Chaudhry is inspired by Saki's sudden ends with twists in his short stories, but in the process failing to capture the effects of the supernatural to the fullest extent.
But just because it has a foreword by Ruskin Bond, please don't expect wonder's from the language aspect of the book. In fact, it is quite ordinary, call it passe. In fact, The Ghost On The Railway Line contained a glaring error (page 82) that's very subcontinental and made me laugh although the protagonist's experience was meant to evoke fear. I wish the author had also requested Mr. Bond to edit her stories. Further, the stories, rather the essays had a typical construction design - it delved too long to create the preamble to the horror and then the experience itself was extremely short. It is as if Ms. Chaudhry is inspired by Saki's sudden ends with twists in his short stories, but in the process failing to capture the effects of the supernatural to the fullest extent.
August 20, 2025
Well !
Hi All,
Have come here after ages I feel. So much so happened that I forgot I used to love reading and mostly share my views on the books.
Any how, I have decided to start and build the reading habit again so rather diving into the hard core reading I decided to start slowly and with short stories.
And so my husband recommended me this book.
I have just finished this book.
Mmmm… I didn’t have much expectations because the first few stories are just basic, but some of the horror stories are really creepy, interesting, and with unexpected endings.
If you are new and did not know about this book earlier like me, it is basically an amalgamation of many short horror stories and real experiences of people living in Shimla.
Though this book is quite old, but there are some stories in it which still has impact.
So go for it !! You will love the experience.
Hope to share my reviews soon on another book.
Happy Reading!
Hi All,
Have come here after ages I feel. So much so happened that I forgot I used to love reading and mostly share my views on the books.
Any how, I have decided to start and build the reading habit again so rather diving into the hard core reading I decided to start slowly and with short stories.
And so my husband recommended me this book.
I have just finished this book.
Mmmm… I didn’t have much expectations because the first few stories are just basic, but some of the horror stories are really creepy, interesting, and with unexpected endings.
If you are new and did not know about this book earlier like me, it is basically an amalgamation of many short horror stories and real experiences of people living in Shimla.
Though this book is quite old, but there are some stories in it which still has impact.
So go for it !! You will love the experience.
Hope to share my reviews soon on another book.
Happy Reading!
June 18, 2019
Hair raising ghost stories
Haunted Sanjhauli road in Shimla reminds me Camel back road in Mussoorie. Conifers, cemetery and ghosts. A chill ran through my spine while browsing through ghost stories in this well written book. Though about ghosts, this book is suitable for all ages. Why so? Because it is written in such a balanced way not to cause a crude horror in you despite raising every hair in your body!
Haunted Sanjhauli road in Shimla reminds me Camel back road in Mussoorie. Conifers, cemetery and ghosts. A chill ran through my spine while browsing through ghost stories in this well written book. Though about ghosts, this book is suitable for all ages. Why so? Because it is written in such a balanced way not to cause a crude horror in you despite raising every hair in your body!
June 29, 2023
I find this book as an average read for those who are not much familiar with the shimla hills. Though it is a treat to the natives as they can easily relate to the places and roads mentioned. I myself found it bit difficult to connect that much. Also the form of the ghosts reveal themself easily in a Bollywood like manner. I personally like those stories which do not present a clear picture of the spirit. Instead they should let your imagination wander here and there without giving it a shape.
June 13, 2024
"Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills" by Minakshi Chaudhry offers a captivating journey into the supernatural folklore of the Shimla region. Chaudhry's storytelling prowess brings these eerie tales to life, painting a vivid picture of the haunted landscapes and mysterious occurrences. While some stories may lack depth or originality, overall, the collection succeeds in delivering an entertaining and spine-chilling read for enthusiasts of the paranormal genre.
October 31, 2025
Excellent book! Spooked me 😨😀!
This book is a true masterpiece of horror and suspense. The stories start with normal conversations and then deepen into a sense of fear and that feeling for readers, "Keep reading,keep reading." The book absorbed my attention, I finished it in two 2 hour sittings, perhaps my habit or the book's magic itself. I would recommend thus book to anyone who likes spooky things ,especially children.
This book is a true masterpiece of horror and suspense. The stories start with normal conversations and then deepen into a sense of fear and that feeling for readers, "Keep reading,keep reading." The book absorbed my attention, I finished it in two 2 hour sittings, perhaps my habit or the book's magic itself. I would recommend thus book to anyone who likes spooky things ,especially children.
March 24, 2018
One of the few Horror stories book that I have read. The writing style is very narrative and I found my self in some situations (partly because I belong to Shimla and could easily connect with the places mentioned). All in all its really interesting and quick read and I recommend it to get a instant chilling experience.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 72 reviews