Other than being the popular haunted place in India, there is a lot to talk about Bhangarh Fort. And, above all the history, architecture, and tech talks, is Bhangarh really haunted?
Let’s find out!
What and Where is Bhangarh Fort?
It is a fort situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan State and is considered as the most haunting place in India. It was built by Rajah Bhagwant Das of Jaipur city and later was made capital of Madho Singh l.
Bhangarh Fort was built in the 16th century. The fort is in its ruins now and a popular tourist destination. It is famous because of many mysteries and paranormal stories associated with it. The fort is managed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and entry is free for all.
Also read: Kite Festival Jaipur
History of Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh is situated on the foothills of Aravali hills adjacent to Sariska Tiger Reserve. The fort is surrounded by high walls of Aravali Hills and guarded by the thick Sariska forest which adds to its mysterious reputation.
Also read: Mi Service Centers in Jaipur
It is said on its prime after establishment it was a prospering town. It was once inhabited by 10000 people. A lot of research has been done on the history of this lost town and fort. The fort was built by Sawai man Singh l of Jaipur for his brother Madho Singh l but no theory explains the incidents of destruction of Bhangarh Fort.
Must read: Travel from Delhi to Jaipur
The mystery of Bhangarh Kila
Apart from haunting stories related to the place the biggest mystery is the destruction of Bhangarh which was a beautiful town once. There are many popular beliefs but none confirms the actual facts.
Bhangarh Story number 1 – According to one legend, the place was once a sacred worshiping place of revered Saint Balu Nath Ji. Balu Nath Ji gave permission to build the city under one condition that any building in the town must not be that high that its shadow blocks the sunlight on his ashram.
Also read: Jaipur Bus Stand
Rulers initially abided by the condition but later the palace was built up to seven stories hence shadowing the Saint’s ashram. This provoked the saint and he cursed the town with demolition.
Also read: Masala Chowk Jaipur
Soon after, the town was razed and its residents perished without a clue. There is still a pilgrim center next to the palace but it couldn’t be confirmed if it is of Saint Balu Nath Ji.
Bhangarh Story number 2 – According to another theory, a wicked wizard fell in love with Princess Ratnawati of Bhangarh who was a very beautiful woman but could not marry her because he wasn’t from royal lineage.
Also read: Jaipur Railway Junction
The evil tantric gifted her magical perfume. If applied, the princess would fall in love with a wizard and would run away to him. A maid understood his wicked plan and as the princess Ratnawati was about to apply the perfume, she threw away the bottle on rocks.
Must read: Places to Visit in Jaipur
The magical perfume bottle broke on the rocks and due to its magic, the rocks started to roll over towards the tantric. The cunning tantric understood on seeing rolling boulders that his end was near.
He cursed the town with the same fate. This caused the rocks to demolish the town and killing everyone instantly including princess Ratnawati.
But no historian has ever confirmed these theories and to this day people are amazed by the beauty and haunting stories of Bhangarh.
Also read: Mysterious Kalki Temple in Jaipur
The truth of Bhangarh mysteries and haunted stories
Many websites and travel blogs claim that Government does not allow visitors in the fort after dark because of paranormal activities but this is not the case. In fact, in all properties under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the entry is prohibited after dark by law.
Yes, it is not allowed to enter Bhangarh Fort after dark.
But many take it as a challenge. But at the same time, if local legends are to believed, the Bhangarh Fort is Haunted. The nearest human habitation is in Gola Ka Baas village which is 2 km away.
Elderly people in the village claim they have witnessed strange cries, screams, noises, and presence of unknown in the night as well as in day time. Thus they respect the curse and refrain from going near the fort in the night time.
Though, they regularly visit the temples inside the fort in the day time. Many daredevils have tried to enter the fort after dark. Some say they didn’t felt anything and some claim they were sure of paranormal activities in there.
Although the road to Fort entry gates is open 24 hours, the gates are locked by dusk. Its surrounded by Aravali hills and Sariska Forest area which makes it more mysterious.
On the south of the Fort is a monsoon river valley. Pandanus or Kewda trees are abundant in the valley. When the wind blows from the valley it picks up the Kewda fragrance and the entire fort is filled with the smell making it scarier.
It is said that if someone stays in the fort in the night he or she won’t return to this world normal.
Many ill incidents have been reported where people start behaving strangely, faint or just go numb in fear. Nonetheless, the fort lures adventure seekers to its gates.
Also read: Historic Tea Stall in Jaipur
Is Bhangarh Fort really haunted?
Bhangarh Fort makes it into the top most haunted places in India list. The surrounding forest changes color with different weathers. In other words, the place shows many colors to visitors.
During the daytime, the Fort is open for tourists and there are many people in the fort during visiting hours. Many people have experienced a strange phenomenon in the daytime and many people claim they didn’t felt anything.
It is important for tourists to not make any perceptions based on local legends and visit the fort to see for themselves. Tourists are advised to visit the fort in the daytime.
Also read: Pushkar Camel Fair
The architecture of Bhangarh :
The fort is guarded by thick walls made of big stones. On entry, there is a Temple on a plinth. The temple style is similar to those from South India. Inside the fort, there are ruins of residences of Traders and dancers, markets and other grand temples.
The main fort is 4 stories high, which was once 7 stories before strange destruction of the town. A monsoon river flows from inside the fort filling 2 beautiful Baodis or wells.
Many ancient Hindu God’s statues, pillars, carved stones are scattered all over the fort like they are telling the story of their destruction.
Also read: 5 Star Hotels in Jaipur
On top of the fort, there are roofless rooms which show how magnificent the fort was once. The view from the top of the Fort is breathtaking and the scary at the same time.
How to reach Bhangarh Fort from Delhi/Agra?
Bhangarh is adjacent to Sariska Forest near to the remote village of Gola Ka Baas of Alwar District in Rajasthan. Nearest railway station to Bhangarh is –
- Alwar Junction, which is around 50 km away.
- Dausa Railway station is also 53 KMs away from Bhangarh. Taxi services to Bhangarh are easily available from these two stations.
- Bhangarh is 283 km away from Delhi by road. There are two alternative routes to reach Bhangarh from Delhi, either national highway NH 248A or NH 48. The roads are in excellent condition and traveling time by car is up to 6 hours.
- From Agra, Bhangarh is 208 km away by road. National Highway NH 21 (Bikaner- Agra Highway) would lead to Dausa and then Bhangarh is 25 km away from the highway.
Also read: How to Be Safe in Jaipur
How to Reach Bhangarh from Jaipur?
Bhangarh is 85 km away from Jaipur. From Jaipur, the fort could easily be covered in a day. There are two alternative routes to reach Bhangarh from Jaipur.
- Taking NH 21 till Dausa would save some time but would cost in form of toll taxes. It takes up to 2 hours to reach Bhangarh from Jaipur by this route.
- Alternatively, the place could be reached via Ramgarh & Andhi. The drive via Andhi town is a little bumpy one but promising of village life of India and beautiful landscapes. Traveling time from this route would be up to 2 hours.
Is there any entry fee for Bhangarh Fort?
As per the latest updates by the Government of Rajasthan, Indian visitors will have to buy a ticket of Rs.25 to visit Bhangarh Fort.
Do you think I missed something important? Let me know in the comments.
Well defined story about Bhangarh fort.
Thanks Neelam ji. Do share with your friends online.