This happened last Sunday and I had lost my mind on it. I saw something that was a wild deception (Chhalava) while returning back from Jim Corbett. Although no one was harmed, neither of us had the guts to speak until we crossed that stretch. Here's the experience.
The Backstory
Date: 15 June 2025
Jim Corbett is engulfed in the Himayalan belt, so apart from panoramic views, it shrouds the dark side of nature. While driving, the dusk slithered and the roads got dark. The only source of light was the car headlights. I was seated at the backseat with my friend and stole a quick nap. We had to pass through a dense area when the driver, Brahmaji Rawat, advised to roll up the windows.
We rolled up windows and he pushed the accelerator to full. He also said to keep calm and do not speak if ANYTHING HAPPENS. I and my friend were a bit surprised but followed his advice. Our cab was speeding when we sighted an old man crossing the road. I vividly remember his appearance - colored headgear and white kurta pyjama. I told the driver to slow down but he didn't pay heed and ran over the guy.
The driver said to calm down, there's nothing and as we both turned behind, there was nothing! As if it vanished! The driver was nonchalant and we guys were scared to the bone. How come there was no sight of the old man if he was hit and the car ran over him?
We took a break at a cafe in the city to recollect ourselves. The driver told us that villagers do not roam outside during wee hours, and there's definitely no reason for an old man to roam in that proximity.
The Explanation:
Brahmaji told us that it was a Chhalava, or deception. A Chhalava is a notorious ghost that roams the secluded areas in Uttarakhand. It usually appears at wee hours with an intent to harm travelers. He added that if we had stopped to check, either of us could have fallen prey to the Chhalava's hypnosis and met with an accident.
That day, I practically experienced the mountains getting alive and why the elderly would warn to avoid traveling at night. The dark shroud hides so many things that are beyond the human sanity.
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Chhalava isn't a human, but a shapeshifting ghost/ghoul. It takes different forms to harm. You can also refer to it as a demon. Though it preys at night, many people have had experience with it in the broad daylight as well.