Khooni Darwaza (Lal Darwaza) Tours

One of the 13 old gateways to Delhi that still stand to this day, Khooni Darwaza (Lal Darwaza) is an ancient gate that has long been associated with bloodshed, hence its name (which translates as "bloody gate"). There have been countless brutal murders at the gate over the centuries, and many people believe it to be haunted.

This spooky old gateway was built by Sher Shah Suri in the middle of the 16th century, and over the years it has been the site of many tragic events. Emperor Jehangir had the murdered bodies of his adversaries displayed here, while Aurangzeb, the son of the creator of the Taj Mahal, had his own brother's head displayed at the gate. Three Mughal princes were killed here during the 1857 Rebellion, and legend has it that the trio haunt the archway to this day.

Khooni Darwaza is located right on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in Old Delhi, a 6-minute walk south of the Delhi Gate metro station. Delhi's main bus station, the ITO, is about a 20-minute walk or 5-minute auto rickshaw ride away. Taxi and rickshaw drivers may know the site by its alternative name, Lal Darwaza (Red Gate).

Khooni Darwaza is accessible day and night, though it's best to avoid visiting after dark, irrespective of whether you believe it's haunted, as it has been the site of crimes. If you’re in Delhi during the warmer months (April through October), you’re best off visiting earlier in the day, when temperatures are at their coolest.

Delhi is a very old city, so it's no surprise that many of its ruins and ancient buildings are reputedly haunted. These include the Jamali Kamali Tomb in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the Malcha Mahal in South Delhi, Nicholson Cemetery in the Kashmiri Gate area, and Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, right across from Khooni Darwaza.