District: Shimla
Theme: Folkloric Hauntings
🕰️ A School Steeped in History
Founded in 1864 by the Religious of Jesus and Mary, this all-girls convent school—also known as Chelsea—was originally an orphanage for children of British soldiers. Nestled in the green belt of Navbahar, the campus is known for its serene beauty, academic excellence, and deep-rooted legacy. But behind the stone corridors and pine-shaded playgrounds lies a darker tale whispered through generations.
👻 The Headless Horseman of Friday the 13th
One of Shimla’s most chilling legends unfolds here:
On Friday the 13th, a headless horseman is said to ride through the school grounds on a white horse. He offers a rose to unsuspecting girls.
- If the rose is accepted, the girl vanishes without a trace.
- If refused, she is found dead the next morning.
Though no official records confirm the tale, the fear is real—students reportedly refuse to stay late on this date, and staff have shared stories of unexplained shadows and galloping sounds echoing through the night.
🧸 The Doll That Still Cries
During the British era, a fire broke out in the orphan dormitory, claiming the lives of several children and caretakers.
- The playground is said to be built over their burial site.
- One ghost, a little girl clutching a doll, is often seen asking staff for her lost toy.
- Helpers and sisters have reported hearing her voice in the dormitories, especially during winter evenings.
🪟 Paranormal Phenomena
- Footsteps in empty hallways
- Cold spots near the swings and dormitory
- Disembodied whispers during prayer hours
- Apparitions of nuns gliding silently past chapel windows
Despite its reputation, the school continues to function normally—its haunted history woven into the fabric of its legacy.
🗺️ Travel Experience & Tips
- Location: Navbahar Directorate Road, Chotta Shimla
- Access: Active school; not open for public tours, but visible from nearby roads
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or twilight for atmospheric photography
- Nearby Attractions: The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Kali Bari Temple, Charleville Mansion
- Local Insight: Heritage guides and older residents often share firsthand accounts—especially around Friday the 13th
🧭 Why It Belongs in “Haunted Places”
The Convent of Jesus & Mary is a haunting blend of innocence and unease. Its legends are not just ghost stories—they’re emotional echoes of loss, mystery, and colonial memory. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the atmosphere here is undeniably charged.
