Balasore, May 19: In the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary of Nilgiri subdivision, Balasore district, a massive Chhatian tree has gained the eerie nickname of the “Ghost Tree.” Towering high into the sky and spreading across a vast area, this 400-year-old giant has silently witnessed countless events—both tragic and mysterious—yet locals seldom dare approach it, fearing restless spirits that are said to inhabit its branches.
Local lore suggests that the tree has stood since the era of kings. Once surrounded by dense forests teeming with ferocious wildlife, villagers collecting firewood often faced deadly encounters. Many lost their lives, and some were never found. Over centuries, these incidents have fueled legends of the tree’s supernatural presence. Even today, locals firmly believe that lingering spirits make the tree a source of fear.
The Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 272.75 square kilometers, is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its forests are rich with medicinal shrubs and valuable trees such as Sal, Piasal, Shaguan, Asan, Mahul, Pans, and Gambhari. The sanctuary is also home to elephants, tigers, bears, wild buffaloes, sambars, and colorful bird species, attracting tourists from across India and abroad.
The “Ghost Tree” itself stands about 75 feet tall with a girth of 20 feet, its bark hollowed and riddled with cavities. By day, hundreds of birds roost in its branches, while at night locals claims to hear strange, unsettling sounds, reinforcing its haunted reputation. Despite these fears, the tree has become a magnet for visitors who photograph it, take selfies, and explore the surrounding forest along the Jadachua road from Kuldiha Dakbungalow—just 1.5 km south of the main route.
Locals such as Suresh Nayak, Jamini Kant Hansda, and Chamu Baske recount how the tree has endured centuries and continues to inspire both awe and apprehension. They urge the government to take steps to preserve such ancient natural heritage.
Rangers like Hrushikesh Pradhan, however, offer a more pragmatic perspective. While locals believe in its haunted nature, no unusual incidents have been reported during official patrols.
