Story Of Delhi's 'Haunted' Malcha Mahal, Now Open For Heritage Walks

Delhi Tourism Department introduces 'haunted walks,' starting at Malcha Mahal, a Tughlaq-era hunting lodge in Chanakyapuri, 1.5 km from the main road.

Abandoned for centuries, Malcha Mahal gained attention as the home of a family claiming to be descendants of the Nawab of Awadh, with the last member, 'Prince' Ali Raza (Cyrus), passing away in 2017.

Raza lived in poverty, contrasting royal lineage. His mysterious death in 2017 brought attention to the Mahal, sparking local beliefs about supernatural occurrences.

Locals believe the spirit of Begum Wilayat Mahal, who died by suicide three decades ago, still resides in the ruins. She consumed diaomds which led to ger tragic death.  Begum, along with her two children, moved into the Mahal in 1985 with a dozen hounds. The family's secretive lifestyle and the Mahal's history contribute to its haunted reputation.

In 2019, INTACH proposed the restoration of Malcha Mahal to the Delhi government, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the site.