20 Abandoned Places In India That Were Once Heavily Populated Settlements

11. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

Founded in 1569 as the capital of the Mughal Empire by Emperor Akbar, the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri consists of royal palaces, courts, a mosque, a harem and other buildings. The Imperial complex was abandoned in 1585, shortly after its completion, due to paucity of water and its proximity with the Rajputana areas in the North-West, which were increasingly in turmoil. It’s been abandoned ever since and soon turned into a ghost town. It is now open to visitors and attracts a lot of visitors from across the world.

12. Nalanda University, Bihar

The ancient Nalanda University was the largest Buddhist learning centre in the world and was one of the wonders of India. Founded in the 5th Century by the Gupta Rulers, it attracted thousands of students from India and abroad and boasted of a 9-storeyed library. However, the University was destroyed by a Turk invader and has been in a state of ruins since then.

13. Bateshwar, Morena

Bateshwar Temples are a group of about 200 temples spread over twenty five acres and built across sloping hills near the village of Padavali. The temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu were built in 8th to 10th century AD possibly during the dynasty of Kannauj based Gurjar-Pratihars (6th to 11th century AD). The site remained inaccessible for general public being a hide out for the dacoits, until recently.

14. Maluti Temples, Jharkhand

Today the importance of the village Maluti lies in accommodating 72 ancient temples. It is heard that the king of Nankar state constructed 108 temples in incipient stage. Later generation could not maintain such huge number of monuments and most of them were left uncared for. With the passing of time as many as 36 monuments dilapidated and finally grounded. The existing temples are in a state of ruins because of lack of funds to undertake repair. Global Heritage Fund declared it to be one of the 12 worldwide sites nearest of irreparable loss.

15. Aihole, Karnataka

Boasting of 125 stone temples from the Chalukyan period of the 5th century C.E., Aihole situated in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka that showcases the peak period of the Chalukyan Dynasty. Most of these temples have been abandoned since centuries. The architecture of these temples is particularly noteworthy. Aihole formed the basis of all Hindu Architecture which mainly comprised of flat roofs, intricately designed ceilings, sculptured walls, large extravagant centre pieces of gods and goddesses and some unique designs inspired by Deccan styles.

16. Lakhpat, Gujarat

Lakhpat is a small town and sub-district in Kachchh district in the Indian state of Gujarat. The literal meaning of Lakhpat is the city of millionaire, however today it is sparsely populated Ghost town, a city of ruins of buildings and a magnificent fort surrounding them. Historically it has been very important trading post connecting Gujarat to Sindh. Its decline started when an earthquake diverted the flow of the Sindhu river away from it.

A nearby Gurudwara is historically significant, as Guru Nanak is believed to have visited this site while he was on his way to Mecca.

17. Garh Kundar, Madhya Pradesh

Garh Kundar was built in place of a Chandela stronghold in 1180, and remained a Khangar capital till the Bundelas took over it and then moved to Orchha in 1531. The fort never gained as much prominence as Orchha, and it was abandoned. Inside are magnificent pillars sculpted to the sun and the moon. There are also temples inside – one to the Goddess Gajanan Maa and another to Giddha Vahini. The palace inside is a three storeyed crumbling structure, built around a magnificent courtyard. Besides the main fort the remains of various ancient structures can be seen here.

18. Champaner – Pavagadh, Gujarat

The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park holds a largely unexcavated city which has been built in the late 15th – early 16th century as the capital of Gujarat. It is an early Islamic, pre-Mughal city and its architecture shows the transition between the Hindu and Muslim traditions. The Champaner is full of temples, complexes, palaces, mosques, tombs, etc.

19. Rosary Church, Shettihalli, Karnataka

The Holy Rosary Church, constructed by French Missionaries around 1860 was abandoned about quarter century ago when the Hemavathi Reservoir was built. The villages around the river were relocated but the church building stayed, obviously. But this almost nondescript building provides a great photo opportunity when, during monsoons, the water levels in the reservoir rise and submerge the church entirely. As the water levels recede, the church begins to reveal its full glory.

20. Ratnagiri, Orissa

Ratnagiri, located in the Jajpur district in the state of Orissa, is a renowned Buddhist holy destination. The place consists of several important Buddhist sculptures spotted around the hills. According to some excavations, the history of the region is associated with 6th Century AD and the Gupta Dynasty. Excavation work carried out here have exposed two big monasteries, one big stupa, Buddhists shrines, sculptures and votive stupas. The bigger of the two monastery has 60 columns and well decorated gates.