Bhangarh Fort - Discover The Most Haunted Place In Rajasthan

Bhangarh is a village in the Rajgarh municipality of the Alwar district in Rajasthan, India. It is located at the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The village was founded in 1573 by Madho Singh, the second son of Raja Bhagwant Das of Jaipur. Bhangarh was once a thriving city, but it was abandoned in the 17th century after being cursed by a tantric. The village is now a popular tourist destination due to its haunted history. It is said to be one of the most haunted places in the country and is surrounded by several legends and myths.

The fort was built by the Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Amber, Raja Bhagwant Singh, for his younger son Madho Singh in 1573 AD. Bhangarh was a prosperous town at the time, with over 10,000 people. However, the town's fortunes began to decline after the death of Madho Singh due to a curse in 1630. 

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If you want a thrilling and adventurous destination in India, consider visiting the Bhangarh Fort of Rajasthan.

Bhangarh, nestled at the foothills of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, India, is shrouded in mystery, beauty, and an eerie aura. Often referred to as one of the most haunted places in India, Bhangarh tells a tale of history, superstition, and an air of intrigue that has captivated locals and tourists alike for generations.

The History of Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh Fort was founded in 1573 by Raja Bhagwant Das, the ruler of Amber (now Jaipur), as the residence of his second son, Madho Singh. Madho Singh named the town after his grandfather, Bhan Singh. The town prospered under Madho Singh and his son, Chhatr Singh, who built the magnificent fort on a hilltop overlooking the town. The fort is surrounded by temples, palaces, havelis, markets, and gardens and has been protected by four gates: the Lahori Gate, the Ajmeri Gate, the Phulbari Gate, and the Delhi Gate. The fort also had a royal palace, which is said to be one of the finest in Rajasthan. However, the glory of Bhangarh did not last long. 

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Reasons for the downfall of Bhangarh Fort

According to legend, there were two reasons for the downfall of Bhangarh: one was the curse of a holy man, and the other was the curse of a black magician.

1. The Curse of the Holy Man

According to one legend, when Madho Singh decided to build the fort, he sought the permission of Guru Balu Nath, an ascetic who lived on the hill where the fort was to be constructed. Guru Balu Nath agreed to let Madho Singh build the fort on one condition: that the shadow of the fort should never fall on his retreat. Madho Singh decided against this condition and ordered his architects to design the fort accordingly.

However, as Time passed, one of Madho Singh's descendants added more stories to the fort, which violated Guru Balu Nath's condition. As a result, Guru Balu Nath cursed Bhangarh to be destroyed and deserted. Guru Balu Nath's tomb is said to lie within the fort premises.

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2. The Curse of the Black Magician

According to another legend, Bhangarh was home to a beautiful princess named Ratnavati, admired by many suitors from different kingdoms. Among them was a sorcerer, Singhia, who practiced black magic and wanted to win Ratnavati's heart. One day, he saw Ratnavati's maid buying perfume in the market and cast a spell on it, hoping that Ratnavati would fall in love with him when she used it.

However, Ratnavati sensed something wrong with the perfume and threw it away. The perfume bottle hit a rock and shattered, releasing the spell on Singhia instead. Singhia cursed Ratnavati and Bhangarh as he died to be doomed and haunted forever.

Soon after these curses, Bhangarh faced a series of calamities. Enemies invaded it, suffered from famine and plague, and witnessed natural disasters. The people of Bhangarh fled or died, leaving behind a ghost town that no one dared to inhabit.

The Mystery of Bhangarh Fort

Today, Bhangarh Fort is a popular tourist attraction that attracts visitors curious about its haunted history. ASI, or The Archaeological Survey of India, has declared Bhangarh a protected site and has put up a signboard that warns visitors not to enter the Bhangarh fort after sunset or before sunrise. It is believed that anyone staying in the fort at night will not return alive.

Many people have reported paranormal experiences in Bhangarh Fort, such as hearing strange noises, seeing apparitions, feeling cold spots, and witnessing unexplained phenomena. Some people claim to have seen ghosts of soldiers, princesses, dancers, and animals roaming around the fort. Others claim to have felt an eerie presence or a negative energy in some parts of the fort.

However, only some believe in these stories. Some rationalize them as myths or folklore that have been exaggerated over Time. Some attribute them to natural causes or psychological effects. Some even challenge them by spending nights in the fort or conducting investigations.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, Bhangarh Fort is worth visiting for its historical and architectural value. It offers a glimpse into the rich and fascinating past of Rajasthan and a chance to explore a place that is shrouded in mystery.

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Best Time to visit

The best time to visit Bhangarh Fort is between October to March when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is green.

Important Tips

Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable and safe.

1. The entry fee to Bhangarh Fort is Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners. The Bhangarh Fort is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day.

2. You can also hire a guide to show you around the fort and tell you more about its history and legends. The guide fee is Rs. 100 for Indians and Rs. 300 for foreigners.

3. There has no hotels or restaurants in Bhangarh, so you must arrange your accommodation and food elsewhere. The nearest town with decent facilities is Alwar, about 60 km away.

4. Respect the rules and regulations of the ASI, and do not enter the fort after sunset or before sunrise. Also, do not litter, vandalize, or disturb the peace of the fort.

Bhangarh Fort Address: Rajgarh Tehsil, Bhangarh, Rajasthan 301410

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How To Reach

There are several ways to reach Bhangarh Fort. Here are some of the options given below:

1. By train

The nearest railway station is Dausa Railway Station, about 28.3 km via NH 148 and RJ SH 55. You can then take a taxi or bus to reach the fort.

2. By air

 The nearest airport to Bhangarh is Jaipur International Airport, about 86 kilometers via NH 21 from Bhangarh Fort. You can then take a taxi or bus to reach the fort. 

Once you reach Bhangarh Fort, you can park your car or bus at the parking lot and walk to the fort.