14th Century hunting lodge, an air of mystery: Peek into Delhi’s first ‘haunted’ walk at Malcha Mahal

The Mahal comes into view after a km-long walk through the foliage replete with monkeys, an occasional jackal and other animals.

As the group reached the Mahal, walk leader Nishtha narrated the story of the most recent inhabitants of the historical structure. Says Nishtha: “I have been leading heritage walks for half a decade now but this walk is different. I also had to make a special effort to make it engaging with my storytelling style.”
For the heritage enthusiasts, the walk was a one-of-its kind opportunity to explore a place that they had barely heard of. Said Fazil Khan (32), a photographer, “I had only heard of Malcha Marg but not about the place that the thoroughfare got its name from. It was a unique experience. Although I don’t believe in supernatural powers, the mystery surrounding this place is enough for me to visit again.”

His views were echoed by his friend Shobhit, an IT professional. “I am fond of architecture and love to photograph monuments, something that Malcha Mahal has ample scope for. Besides, I really enjoyed the story behind this ‘palace’, which is yet to make a splash on social media.”

For Karishma Malhan (28), a CA, it was the storytelling that was the highlight of the walk.

While none of participants felt anything “haunted” about the walk, they agreed that there was a mystical air to the place that lends it a different aura than other oft-frequented monuments.

Elucidating on the usage of the word “haunted” for the walk, Atul Pandey, Tourist information officer, DTTDC, said, “We tend to associate the word haunted with places that have been left abandoned for years, and this place was once a hunting lodge. Hence, we came up with the tagline – ‘A hunting or a haunted lodge?’”

On the idea behind starting the walks, Pandey said, “We want people to know that there is more to Delhi than just the few world heritage structures that tourists can explore in a day before moving to Agra or Jaipur for longer trips. We want them to consider Delhi also as a place where they can explore. This will help in promoting tourism and generating employment in the capital.”
Opened on the first day for journalists and a select group of common people, the walk will be open to all starting Sunday. While slots for Sunday are already booked, reservations for subsequent walks can be made through Delhi tourism department website: delhitourism.gov.in or the dekhomeridilli mobile app. The walks will be held every weekend but people in groups can book weekday slots as well, said officials.

Other places that the department plans to cover under its haunted walks initiative are Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal, Ferozshah Kotla and Tughalaqabad fort.

“But Malcha Mahal remains on top in terms of the number of enquiries made for the spot in the last few days,” said an official.