Khooni Jheel, Delhi Ridge Forest

Commuters through Kamla Nehra ridge area, via Bhiku Ram Jain Marg during night have often heard sorrowful cries of women and wailing children. More than one and half centuries have passed, and the landscape and skyline of Delhi has changed number of times. However, the distressed cries of those helpless women and children which were massacred here are still searching for solace.

 

This spot is known as “KHOONI JHEEL” or BLOODY LAKE. During 1857 a bloody battle was fought at this area between British Armies and Indian forces, who were fighting to seek independence from British.

 

One fine Sunday when Delhi city was soaking in the rains, 2 eternal friends, both named Gaurav took upon the task of discovering the Khooni Jheel. 

And they made it to the spot, despite number of Ola Autos cancelling the ride and normal Autos declining the request on hearing the destination name as Khooni Jheel. It wasn’t so easy as the Guard of the premises spot did not let them in, however he agreed reluctantly in lieu of promise to only go to the lake, not meandering in the forest and return quickly.

Finally, they were relaxed and excited as they were entering the territory of Khooni Jheel. Now it was time to find the way to the lake from the forest, as guided by the premises guard. 

Mud-soaked narrow path surrounded with trees and finding way through the dense forest, the Vagabonds finally reached the “Khooni Jheel.”

 

Explored whole world but was missed out appreciating my backyard. Slowly dripping rain drops and blissful green waters of the lake, the spot appeared no less than a paradise. 

Hard to imagine the buried horrors beneath the waters of this lake. During 1857, heavy fighting took place at this spot and uncounted number of soldiers from both sides (Indian and British) were dumped in the lake. Even women and children were not spared by British and helpless women and children were drowned in the lake and corpses of dead horses were also dumped in this lake. Because of this, the water of lake had turned RED and remained RED for a considerable time. That is why the lake got its name as KHOONI JHEEL or Bloody Lake. For many years after 1857, no one was able to go close to this place as the lake used to stink badly due to the corpses dumped in the lake as well in the adjacent areas. Time has passed but the scars of the tragedy are still to be healed for the dead, spirits of whom are still looking for justice. During night people have also noticed shadowy figures moving around in this area.

 

Spot was also known as Suicide Point. Many people had committed suicide by jumping in the lake. Now the lake is strongly fenced to avoid enthusiasts getting closer to the lake’s waters. In past many people who have tried to go close to the lake or have tried to take a dip in the waters have drowned in the waters of this lake, without a trace.

 

The area is well maintained, and you will click beautiful landscapes created by the serenity of this place. 

Difficult to imagine such a spot in heart of Delhi. Khooni Jheel is only 10-15 minutes' walk from Civil Lines Metro Station, on the Yellow Line. Keep exploring Folks, leave the roads and take the trails.