Bhangarh Fort is nestled amidst the green hills of the Aravallis. It is located around 50 km away from the popular Sariska Sanctuary. It is between the cities of Alwar and Jaipur in Rajasthan State. Raja Madha Singh, the younger brother of the great Mughal general Man Singh of Amber, constructed the fort in the 17th century.
Apart from the royal palace, Bhangarh had more than 9000 houses until 1720. However, after this year, the population reduced gradually. The Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan State along with the entire township was safeguarded by five huge gates and three successive fortifications.
The fort houses the remains of deserted marketplaces, temples and havelis within its premises. These ruins stand as proof of the prosperity during its heydays. Even though the fort is now considered a haunted place, it continues to attract many tourists. Tourists are attracted to its picturesque Aravalli Mountains and serene atmosphere. Also, visitors feel excited about the architectural marvel of the fort.
Bhangarh Fort – An Introduction
Bhangarh Fort is located in Alwar District of the state of Rajasthan in India It is located at the borders of Sariska Tiger Reserve. You might be surprised to know that this fort is spotted as one of the haunted places in India. Even though haunted stories revolve around this fort, it continues to be one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
Inside the premises of Bhangarh Fort, you can find ruins of havelis, palaces and temples. The fort has four entry points apart from the main gate called the Lahori Gate. The other gates are Ajmeri, Phulbari and Delhi Gate.
At the main entrance of the fort, you can find many Hindu Temples. Examples include Ganesh Temple, Mangla Devi Temple, Keshar Rai Temple, Someshwar Temple and Gopinath Temple. These temples stand as proof of the workmanship and architecture of the 17th century. The temples have been built following the Nagara Style of Architecture.
History & Story Behind
Even though now it is called a haunted place in India, Bhangarh was once a flourishing town. Madho Singh built this fort in the 17th century for his son Man Singh I. Madho Singh was one of the 9 ratnas in the court of Emperor Akbar. Once, the Bhangarh Fort was a thing of attractiveness and power. Before the fort was allegedly deserted overnight, it is believed that more than 10000 people lived within its boundaries.
Many stories revolve around the present state of the Bhangarh Fort. However, two of them are popular among the locals in this region.
- The first story is related to a saint named Baba Balau Nath. Several years before King Madho Singh decided to build a fort in Bhangarh, the region was functioning as a point of meditation for Sadhu Babu Balau Nath. However, the king sought permission from the Sadhu to build a fort in the region. The sadhu permitted to building a fort. However, he gave this permission with a condition. The condition is that the fort or any other building in the region should not be above the height of the sadhu’s house. If the shadow of any structure falls in the sadhu’s house, the result will be the annihilation of the entire fort town. However, this condition was ignored by Ajab Singh, the grandson of Madho Singh. He raised the fort above the height of the sadhu’s house. When the shadow of the fort fell in the sadhu’s house, the destruction of the entire town happened.
- The other story is associated with Princess Ratnavati. Her beauty was admired by many men from royal families. However, a wizard with expertise in black magic also fell in love with her. One day the princess went to shop with her friends. The wizard saw her buying scent. He replaced the scent with a love tonic. However, understanding the trick of the wizard, the princess threw the tonic over a rock. The rock started rolling towards wizard the and crushed him to death. Before his soul left the body, he cursed the city. He stated that the city will be destroyed soon. He also stated that no one will be able to live anymore within its boundaries. Following this, Mughal forces invaded the region killing everyone including the princess. Thereafter, the fort became haunted.
Ghost Stories & Journalism
Bhangarh Fort, as mentioned earlier, has been pointed out as one of the most haunted places in India. Many locals and visitors claim that they have experienced paranormal activities like mysterious apparitions and eerie sounds from the fort. Visitors are not allowed after sunset into the fort. Locals claim that:
- Strange cries and whispers are heard at night
- Some visitors have reported having feelings of being watched and uneasiness when they explored the remains of the fort.
- As the site is considered unsafe to visit at night, the fort gates remain closed after sunset.
Paranormal researchers and journalists have investigated the fort. They have documented their experiences. Most importantly, their experiences keep the legends behind the fort alive. The Archaeological Survey of India also has put up signboards near the fort recommending visitors not to enter the fort after sunset. This further adds to the mystique of the fort.
How to Reach Bhangarh Fort?
You can choose one of the different modes to reach Bhangarh Fort. Here are a few options to consider:
By Bus
Due to the location of the fort in the Alwar District of Rajasthan between Delhi and Jaipur, it is easy to access. The fort is connected well to other parts of the state via roadways. You can find plenty of buses from Delhi and other cities of Rajasthan to reach the fort. If you are located in nearby cities, you can travel by bus to important cities in Rajasthan. From there, you can rely on government-operated or private buses to reach the fort.
By Train
The closest train station to Bhangarh is the Dausa Railway Station. From this station, the fort is situated about 28 km away. Trains from important destinations like Alwar, Jaipur and Delhi stop at Dausa. From this railway station, you have the option to hire a taxi. Otherwise, you can also rely on public transportation to reach the fort. The journey from this railway station to the fort will take around 30 to 45 minutes by road.
If you are travelling from Delhi or other distant cities, you can take trains to Jaipur or Alwar. From these railway stations, you can choose to travel by road to reach Bhangarh. Jaipur is around 83 km away, while Alwar is about 90 km away from the fort.
By Flight
The closest airport to the Fort is Jaipur International Airport. It is located around 86 km away from the fort. Once you reach this airport from your hometown, you can book a taxi to reach the fort. The road trip will take around 2 to 3 hours.
By Car
The road trip to Bhangarh Fort offers scenic views of the countryside of the state. From Jaipur, you can access the fort via the NH21 route. After this road, you will have to pass through state highways. Also, you will have to travel through rural roads that will lead you to the fort. The total distance from the Jaipur to the fort is around 83 km. The trip will take around 4 hours by car.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Indeed, Bhangarh Fort is popular for its haunted nature. However, there are certain things you cannot miss out on during your visit to the fort:
- See the ruins of the fort. You can marvel at the ancient architecture. This includes chambers, palaces and gates that speak a lot about the glorious past of the fort.
- You can visit the temples of Someshwar, Gopinath and Hanuman. All the temples near the fort are preserved well even though the fort does not have a good reputation.
- Standing at the far end of the fort, the Royal Palace offers a bird’s eye view of the nearby landscapes.
- Explore the remains of the old bazaar. When you witness, you can imagine what life might have been like in its heyday.
- The ruins of the fort along with the nearby Aravalli Hills, make it an ideal spot if you love photography.
- The lush surroundings and nearby trails make the fort trip ideal for nature walks and short hikes.
If you love fort explorations, do check out my post on Chittorgarh Fort: A Comprehensive Guide to India’s Majestic Citadel.
Best Time & Season to Visit
The ideal time to visit the Bhangarh Fort is from October and March. These are winter months in this region. So, the weather will be cool and pleasant. It is better to avoid summer months due to its soaring heat environment. Also, it is better to avoid monsoon season as there will be occasional heavy rains. The fort remains open from 10 am to 5 pm every day.
Duration To See
You can complete the Bhangarh Fort within half to one day. Within half a day, you can explore the temples, the fort and the surrounding regions. When you can spend a single day, you can combine a visit to nearby attractions like Sariska Tiger Reserve or Ajabgarh Fort.
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
The entry fee to the Bhangarh Fort for adults is Rs.40, which applies to Indian nationals. Foreigners will have to pay an entry fee of Rs.200. For children less than 15 years old, free entry into the fort is possible.
FAQ
1. Is It Safe to Visit Bhangarh Fort?
Yes, you can safely visit the fort during the daytime. However, entry after sunset is now allowed.
2. Can I Find Accommodations Near Bhangarh Fort?
No, there are no accommodation options within the premises of the fort. However, you can find places to stay in nearby cities like Jaipur, Alwar or Ajabgarh.
3. Are Guided Tours Available?
Yes, guided tours are available. With a guide by your side, you can gain better insights into the history of the fort.
Go Through My Other Posts On Rajasthan:
Nahargarh Fort Guide – All you need to know about Nahargarh Fort near Jaipur
Udaipur Itinerary – Spending 4 Days in Udaipur to see best of the city
8-day Rajasthan itinerary For A Journey Through the Land of Kings
Bhangarh Fort, Visit to the most haunted place in Asia!
25 Places to visit in Udaipur you should consider
7 offbeat destinations to consider for your next trip to Rajasthan
