12 Things to Know About Bhangarh Fort, The Most Haunted Place in India
You will never see Rajasthan the same way, once you visit Bhangarh Ka Kila.
Rajasthan Tourism is known for its deserts, royalty and forts. But while you go gaga over the sublime beauty and grandeur of its forts and palaces that still stand charming, there is one place that can completely change it all. Forget Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur or Pushkar, we dare you to visit Bhangarh Fort which is the most insanely Haunted Places in India.
Bhangarh Fort is located in Alwar district of the royal state of India. Situated at the borders of the famous Sariska Tiger Reserve in the area, surely the name of Bhangarh Fort is not for those with faint hearts. Listed as one of the Most Haunted Place in India, and the world, it can give you goose bumps just by its mere tale, forget a glimpse. The Bhangarh Fort’s history dates back to centuries being built in the 17th century in Rajasthan. Still a popular travel destination, it is wonderful and there are truly fascinating best places to visit in Rajasthan, you cannot afford to miss.
Here are the bloodcurdling Bhangarh Story and scary facts about the Bhangarh Fort that will definitely give you sleepless nights.
The Ominous Beginning
1. History of Bhangarh
Popularly known for being the Most Haunted Place in India, Bhangarh was, in fact, a flourishing town of ancient times. Built for his son, Man Singh I, in the 17th century by Madho Singh, one of the nine ratnas of Emperor Akbar’s court, Bhangarh Fort was once a thing of beauty and power. It is believed that over 10,000 people used to reside in Bhangarh before it was allegedly deserted overnight! Spooky. Standing in ruins, this 400 years old grand edifice and the spread town around it owe their present state to the pitiful Bhangarh Story that sealed its ill-fate.
2. Eerie Bhangarh Fort Story- Into the Shadows
Whether you believe in curses and prophecies or not, here’s the scary tale behind the doom of Bhangarh. As the legend goes, the land which where Bhangarh Fort lays standing was once the home to a puissant ascetic, named Guru Balu Nath. Madho Singh hence made a point to take his due permission before constructing the fort and was even granted one, however on one condition. The ascetic placed a condition that the shadow of the fort must never fall on his home or else great tragedy will unfold. But alas, an ambitious successor of Madho Singh ignored the warnings fortified Bhangarh Fort with higher walls. As a result, the shadow engulfed the home of the ascetic and in return, his curse engulfed the whole of Bhangarh!
Feeling the chill in the air? Wait, there’s more. Read this another Bhangarh Fort Haunted Story that’s even scarier.
Read this: The Most Haunted Places in India that will leave You with an Eerie Feeling
3. Eerier Bhangarh Fort Story- The Enduring Void
Here’s another Bhangarh story that about a different and a more frightening tale behind the doom of Bhangarh. As per the folklore, there was a princess of Bhangarh, named Ratnavati who was allegedly an extremely beautiful woman. Hypnotized by her exquisite beauty, a necromancer in the region fell in love with her. In order to get her, he put a spell of black magic on the oil that the princess was supposed to use for massage. But, before his dirty ploy could work, Princess Ratnavati got a whiff of his trickery and threw off the magic-laden oil onto a huge boulder in the vicinity. This was when the doomsday clock of Bhangarh Fort and the whole town was set in a countdown. The black magic worked its way and caused the boulder to crush the tantric to his death. However, before breathing his last, he cursed the entire town of Bhangarh, struck down by grief and despondency, to slowly succumb to its utter desolation just like him.
Proving his dreading last words right, the next year itself the ruler of Bhangarh suffered a calamitous defeat at the hands of an enemy. His entire army was annihilated and all of the inhabitants of Bhangarh were brutally massacred. While the fate of the princess is still a mystery, it is said that she was condemned to roam in the precincts of Bhangarh stuck in a limbo. It is said, all of the people of Bhangarh can still be heard in Bhangarh Fort at Night; doomed to linger in this realm, never to leave the cold environs the place, hopeless and restless.
This Bhangarh Fort story gave me a chill run down my spine. What about you?
If you too can’t wait to experience this horrifying yet intriguing place, check out our meticulously designed Rajasthan Tour Packages for the best deals.
You Were Warned
4. There are warning signs all around Bhangarh Fort
Now, there may not be ‘Haunted’ written in neon on the information boards at the site, but surely the constant urging by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) to leave the premises before sunset clearly indicates something. The boards clearly say it again and again that it is prohibited to stay within the environs of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset. There have been quite many incidents of getting lost and even deaths in the area, hence the precaution.
5. Entry in Bhangarh Fort are is banned for foreigners
Strange as it is, Bhangarh Ka Kila could be the only tourist place in India, where the entry of foreign tourists is not freely permissible. They need to obtain a special permit to gain entry into the premises and Bhangarh Fort. It is not only the Bhangarh Fort story but also the fact that among the tourists getting lost in the region , there’s a large number of foreigners which angered the government officials owing to their disregard for rules and caused them to take the strict step.
Also read: Four spooky, abandoned places in the world!
Strange Construction
6. The houses in Bhangarh are roofless!
The mysteries of Bhangarh don’t seem to ever cease. Once you visit this eerie place in Rajasthan you will get to know what we mean. Every house located in the entire area is roofless. Yes, no house whatsoever has a complete roof on its head. It is prevalent that the sage who cursed the town to its ultimate devastation is responsible for it. As per the locals, it is impossible to construct a roof on these houses, since as soon as one is built, it collapses, which has killed many people in the past. This is yet another nerve wrecking fact about the Bhangarh Fort’s history.
7. Numerous temples are concentrated in the small area
What may lend you a sigh of relief is the fact that Bhangarh Fort area has about half a dozen temples built in it which give the region a slight break from the all-pervasive spooky aura. These small and ancient temples are dedicated to different Hindu deities, including Lord Hanuman, Keshav Rai, Lord Gopinath, Mangla Devi etc. The temples that dissipate a spiritual air about them and the legendary curse of the region have attracted innumerable sages and priests to Bhangarh with the hope to relieve the region of its jinx, but of course to no avail.
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8. The site holds great Archaeological importance
The region may have gained such popularity due to the fascinating Bhangarh Fort Haunted Story but surely it is much more than just that. Bhangarh which is believed to be a hot spot for ghost activities also happens to be a hub of archaeologically significant findings discovered by a handful of archaeologists who were fortunate enough to have spent their time here. As related by them, the region has revealed many stone paintings, tools and carvings of the early men in the area. Lord Someshwar temple located near Bhangarh Fort is also been discovered to be the spot for natural spring and even waterfalls.
Unexplained Freaky Accidents
9. Caution to the Wind
Bhangarh Fort’s History is nothing but one with utter misery and anguish which as the locals claim is translated into misfortune and horrible accidents. The locals narrate the Bhangarh story of three daredevils who decided to stay in Bhangarh Fort premises post-sundown. Despite being equipped with a torch, one of the three guys fell into a deep well. Thankfully, he was rescued soon by his friends who rushed to the hospital to get him treated, but as it was perhaps predestined, all three of them got crushed in a freaky road accident and died.
10. Ghostly Sighting
In another incident as per the locals, a group of friends sightseeing in Bhangarh caught the glimpse of what seemed like the apparition of a boy in a house without a door but a grilled window. This and many other stories are popular or rumoured to be true, around here. So, what do you think? Rumour or truth? Maybe you can find out for yourself with one of these great Rajasthan Packages.
What Happens in Bhangarh Fort at Night
11. Lost in the Darkness
It is completely forbidden to stay inside Bhangarh Fort at Night. ASI has put up boards at several spots in Bhangarh warning against staying in the premises after sunset and before the sun rises. You can hear strange noises from inside the fort premises during night time and the air gets charged with an uneasy heaviness. It is said that spirits roam inside the closed gates at these hours and the place becomes a hotbed for paranormal activities. In fact, if the locals are to be believed, whoever who has attempted to stay back in the fort or the nearby area after dark, has never returned to tell their tale.
Bhangarh Fort as a Tourist Destination
12. Beautiful and Worth Visiting Nonetheless
Of course, each of these stories is frightening, but don’t let them talk you out of visiting the wonderful site. It may be fabled to be a home to supernatural phenomena and sightings but it is also the home to scores of striking architectural marvels. On the better part of the day, Bhangarh Fort and the surrounding area is no less than the best of tourist destinations. The fort which reminds you of Shahjahanabad in Old Delhi is marked by four gigantic wooden doors located in each direction. The Johari Bazaar, exquisite temples, imposing fort and Dancer’s Haveli are the remnants of a glorious past worth witnessing.
How to Reach Bhangarh Fort
From Alwar
The closest town to Bhangarh Fort is Alwar which is located at a distance of 90 km from the place. The most convenient way to reach Bhangarh from here is via a rented cab or a bus which are easily available.
From Delhi
It takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Bhangarh from New Delhi. There are two routes that can be opted for it, one via Neemrana and other via Alwar. Though the latter is a shorter route, it takes a longer duration of time owing to the unfavourable road conditions. The easiest way to reach Bhangarh Fort from Delhi is by driving to the place, taking NH8 and pass through Neemrana. Post this, turn to NH11A and continue for about 50 minutes then take SH55 and drive for another 20 min until you reach your destination.
From Jaipur
Rajasthan is among the most popular Places to Visit in Rajasthan and if you are here, you can easily go for a short day-long trip to Bhangarh Fort which is located just 83 km away. It usually takes around 2 hours to reach the destination from here, taking NH11 onto Agra road then reach Dausa to turn to NH11A and then continuing for about 15 minutes, take SH55 to finally reach Bhangarh.
Best Time to Visit Bhangarh
October to March is the best time to visit this freaky but strangely beautiful Haunted Place in India. While Summers (March to June) are extremely hot, Monsoons (July to September) to are not very advisable to visit this region due to torrential downpours. Winters (October to February) however, is the apt season to witness Bhangarh Ka Kila in its full glory, though it is also the peak tourist season in Rajasthan.
Bhangarh Fort Timings & Entry Fee
6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Entry is free of cost, however, video filming is chargeable at approx. Rs. 20- 40
Where to Stay in Bhangarh
Bhangarh is a small Rajasthan Attraction with almost no place for accommodation. Although there are no Hotels in Bhangarh, there are enough Resorts in Rajasthan located at nearby locations such as Alwar.
The Sariska Palace and Amra Ka Baas in Alwar, Umaid Lake Palace and Hotel Bhadrawati Palace in Dausa, and The Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge Jaipur in Jamwa Ramgarh are a few resorts near Bhangarh Fort you can opt for.
Conclusion
These are the modern times and our modern brain is taught to disregard anything and everything that’s inexplicable by the new age God- Science. But is there no possibility for the unseen or the unheard? Does it really mean everything, every accident, every mishap and all things disastrous inside Bhangarh Fort that perfectly fell into place as if pieces of a puzzle, were just coincidences? Well, maybe but surely, maybe not. We are not here to judge or debate. If you believe in such stuff or just find it interesting, visit the Most Haunted Place in India- Bhangarh. In fact, irrespective of ghosts or myths Bhangarh is a simply spectacular place lost in the history and we urge you to explore its forgotten lanes at least once in life, if not for the legends then for its striking beauty and mysterious dissolution.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bhangarh Fort:
Are you allowed to stay the night at Bhangarh Fort?
No, there are strict rules against staying the night at Bhangarh fort because its Most Haunted status in India. The gates of the fort shut by 6p.m and no one is allowed to go in before sunrise.
Is Bhangarh Fort safe to visit?
The Bhangarh is not a safe place to visit as this fort has been deemed to be the Most Haunted Places in India. However, this is exactly what draws tourists in for a visit. It has become a tourist attraction and is completely safe to be visited during daytime. No visitors are allowed to go in before sunrise and after sunset.
Do we need to book tickets in advance to visit Bhangarh Fort?
Because of its stringent hours of visiting, the Bhangarh fort can get really crowded. You can buy tickets at the time of visiting, however, booking e-tickets in advance is also advisable to get a spot and avoid the crowd.
When is the best time to visit Bhangarh fort?
October to March is the best time to visit Bhangarh fort.
Where can I stay near Bhangarh Fort?
As the bhangarh fort has a history of its own and has been termed as an unsafe place for visit, the However, you can stay in hotels in the nearby areas of Alwar, Dausa and Sariska.
About Author
Ratna Sehgal
A day dreamer by nature and writer by choice, Ratna is a movie buff and has an undying penchant for food. She is an avid reader and a dog lover. Her ultimate dream is to travel places and own a house in a secluded country like Bhutan.