District: Shimla
Theme: Colonial Hauntings
🕰️ A Home with a Shadowed Past
The House of Dukhani dates back to the British Raj, nestled on a secluded hillside overlooking Shimla. It was once owned by a British gentleman named Buck, or Bucky, who frequently hosted weekend gatherings for his elite circle. The house, with its sprawling architecture and antique charm, was a symbol of colonial leisure—until tragedy struck.
According to legend, Bucky shot himself in one of the oldest rooms of the house, wearing a white dressing gown. His death cast a long shadow over the property, and the room where he died became the epicenter of ghostly activity.
👻 Sir John Smith’s Encounter
The most famous tale comes from Sir John Smith, a close associate of Bucky. During a short stay at Dukhani, he was assigned Bucky’s room for the night. As he lay in bed, the moonlight filtered through the garden-facing window. Suddenly, he saw an old man with grey hair in a white gown standing near the window.
Assuming it was Bucky, he asked him to shut the window. But then—he heard Bucky snoring from the opposite corner of the room. Horrified, Sir John watched the figure retreat through the window and vanish into the garden. He later learned that the man he saw had died 40 years earlier in that very room.
🪟 Paranormal Phenomena
Visitors and locals have reported:
- Cold drafts and sudden temperature drops in the room
- Disembodied whispers and footsteps in empty corridors
- Apparitions of an old man in a white gown, especially near the garden window
- Feelings of dread or heaviness, especially after sunset
Despite renovations, the house retains an aura of melancholy. Some say the spirit is not hostile—but deeply sorrowful, forever replaying the moment of his demise.
🗺️ Travel Experience & Tips
- Location: Hillside near central Shimla; exact coordinates are often kept vague by locals
- Access: Not officially open to the public; best viewed from a distance or with a heritage guide
- Best Time to Visit: Early evening for atmospheric photography
- Nearby Attractions: Charleville Mansion, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Himachal State Museum
- Local Insight: Ask heritage tour guides or older residents—they often share firsthand accounts
🧭 Why It Belongs in “Haunted Places”
The House of Dukhani is a haunting blend of colonial elegance and lingering sorrow. Its story is not just about a ghost—it’s about memory, regret, and the emotional imprint left behind. It’s a place where architecture and atmosphere conspire to make visitors feel watched, even when alone.
