Image Source: Deccan Chronicle
Forget infinity pools and luxury villas—India’s Gen-Z is rewriting the travel playtravelers are increasingly drawn to haunted homestays. Young travelers are increasingly drawn to haunted homestays, abandoned havelis, and creaky colonial bungalows. These destinations, once overlooked or feared, are now the hottest vacation haunts for thrill-seeking teens and twenty-somethings looking for goosebumps over glamour.
This emerging trend reflects a broader shift in travel culture, where curated fear, folklore, and Instagrammable chills are more desirable than traditional sightseeing. Whether it’s a ghost walk in Shimla or a night in a Rajasthani haveli with phantom anklet sounds, Gen-Z is embracing the adrenaline rush of haunted heritage.
Key Highlights from the Trend
Haunted stays are gaining popularity on platforms like Airbnb, especially during monsoon and festive seasons.
Gen-Z travelers are bypassing formal bookings and venturing into deserted homes with flashlights and Bluetooth speakers.
British-era bungalows, colonial estates, and folklore-rich havelis are top picks for these unconventional vacations.
The hashtag #HauntedStay is trending across social media, often outperforming traditional travel tags like #RoomWithAView.
Why Gen-Z Is Choosing Fear Over Frills
Controlled Adrenaline
Psychologists suggest that haunted stays offer a safe dose of fear—an adventure with an exit plan.
Booking a spooky estate allows travelers to experience thrill in a controlled environment, turning fear into entertainment.
It’s the horror-movie fantasy brought to life, minus the actual danger.
Social Media Currency
Creepy corridors and candlelit ghost stories make for compelling content.
Gen-Z travelers are chasing unique experiences that stand out on Instagram and TikTok.
A haunted haveli selfie is now more coveted than a beachside brunch shot.
Cultural Curiosity
These stays often come with rich local legends, adding depth to the travel experience.
Hosts sometimes organize storytelling sessions or ghost walks, blending history with mystery.
For many, it’s a way to connect with India’s layered past in an immersive, emotional way.
Popular Haunted Destinations Among Gen-Z
Shimla: British-era bungalows with tales of wandering colonels and unexplained whispers.
Mussoorie: Colonial estates with creaky floors and chilling drafts.
Rajasthan: Deserted havelis where guests report phantom anklet sounds and shadowy figures.
Ooty: Foggy hill stations with folklore-rich mansions and eerie silence.
Hyderabad: Urban legends around old city homes and forgotten palaces.
The Role of Hosts and Tourism Boards
Some hosts lean into the haunted theme with curated experiences—candlelit dinners, eerie music, and local ghost stories.
Others keep the lore subtle, allowing guests to discover the atmosphere organically.
Tourism boards walk a fine line, promoting heritage storytelling without officially endorsing haunted labels.
Who’s Booking These Stays
Teen groups on weekend thrill trips.
Corporate teams seeking unconventional offsites.
Couples opting for spooky honeymoons.
Solo travelers chasing introspection through isolation and folklore.
Conclusion
Gen-Z’s vacation haunts are redefining what it means to travel for experience. In a world saturated with polished resorts and predictable itineraries, haunted homestays offer raw emotion, cultural depth, and a touch of the supernatural. As the line between fear and fun continues to blur, India’s younger travelers are proving that sometimes, the best memories are made in the dark.
Sources: Deccan Chronicle
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