Haunted Fernhill Hotel

Fernhill Hotel in Ooty has long been shrouded in haunted tales that weave through its rich history. Originally built as Fernhill Palace in 1844, it served as the summer retreat for a benevolent Mysore king known for his charity and love for the region's natural beauty.

Over the years, this majestic palace transformed into Fernhill Hotel, attracting travelers seeking respite from city life. However, it soon gained notoriety for its haunted reputation. The eerie atmosphere surrounding the hotel is amplified by its proximity to the abandoned Nizam Palace, rumored to be haunted.

Guests at Fernhill Hotel have reported chilling encounters with paranormal activities. Many claim to have seen shadows, heard unexplained noises, and experienced strange occurrences in the corridors and rooms. The lingering spirit of the Mysore king is said to watch over the hills, imparting a calming influence on those who stay.

Colonel John Sullivan, a British army officer and the alleged former owner, is believed to haunt the premises. Guests have described sightings of a ghostly figure in colonial-era attire wandering throughout the hotel, adding to its haunted mystique.

During the shooting of the RAAZ movie at Fernhill Hotel in Ooty, several eerie incidents added to the mystique of the haunted location. One notable account involves the film crew experiencing abnormal activities that heightened the sense of the supernatural.

According to reports, the crew heard the distinct noise of furniture being dragged on an upper floor of the hotel. Alarmed by the sounds, they reported the incident to the hotel's reception. However, the receptionist's response intensified the mystery—the crew was told that there was no floor above the room they were in.

This perplexing encounter during the movie shoot contributed to the hotel's reputation for paranormal occurrences. The actress of the film even mentioned these strange incidents in interviews, further fueling speculation about the haunted nature of Fernhill Hotel. 

Apart from the incidents during the shooting of the RAAZ movie, the Fernhill Hotel in Ooty has a history filled with ghostly encounters and eerie happenings. Some guests and locals have reported various paranormal incidents, contributing to the hotel's haunted reputation:

Shadowy Figures: Many visitors claim to have witnessed shadowy figures and apparitions in the corridors and rooms of the hotel. Some describe these shadows as moving mysteriously, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

Unexplained Noises: Guests have reported hearing unexplained noises, such as footsteps, whispers, and strange sounds during their stay. These occurrences often happen late at night, heightening the feeling of a supernatural presence.

Sightings of Ghostly Figures: The ghostly figure of a man, believed to be Colonel John Sullivan, has been reportedly seen by guests. Witnesses describe a colonial-era figure walking through the hotel, contributing to the belief that the property is haunted by its former owner.

Calming Presence: On a contrasting note, some guests claim to have experienced a calming influence during their stay. They believe this presence could be the spirit of the benevolent Mysore king who once cherished the natural beauty of the region.

Closure and Renovation: The hotel's closure in 2018 for renovation has fueled speculation about the reasons behind it. While officially stated as renovations, some locals and enthusiasts suggest that supernatural occurrences within the premises played a role in the decision to temporarily shut down the hotel.

Tragic Event: Stories are circulating about a young woman who allegedly took her own life within the hotel's walls, adding a tragic and mysterious element to Fernhill Hotel's history.

Such incidents have become part of the lore surrounding the property, adding to its allure for those fascinated by supernatural tales and ghostly encounters.

Intrigued by its haunted history, Fernhill Hotel remains a place of fascination for those seeking to explore the supernatural and unravel the ghostly stories embedded in its walls.