Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh is a deserted town located in Alwar district in the state of Rajasthan, India. Situated near the Sariska Tiger Reserve, it was established in 1613 by King Madho Singh, son of great Mughal general, Man Singh of Amber. The town is famous for its historical ruins within the Bangharh Fort, built in 1613.

It is also a best destination for the curious as well as the adventure traveller as it has been designated as one of the top ten haunted places in India. The fort is considered be one of the top 10 most haunted places in India and Asia as well.

It is just 40Km away from Sariska National Park. Even though it is a haunted place, most people wish to travel to this fort, mostly youngsters. It is a totally isolated place and nothing more than ruins and a few temples.

The fort is the only ‘Legally Haunted’ location recognized by the Indian Government. There is a signboard just one kilometre away from the fort by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which says 'Entry here is prohibited after sunset and before sunrise. Legal action would be taken if the instructions are not followed.' Locals say whoever has tried to stay inside after sunset was never found.

There are many myths about the place. It is believed that the entire township was obliterated in a day. But no written evidence has been found till date.

According to one story, the town was cursed by a magician Guru Balu nath who had sanctioned the construction of the town on one condition, "The moment the shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more!" In ignorance, Ajab Singh, son of Madho Singh, raised it, thus the devastation of Bhangarh happened. Balu Nath is said to be buried there to this day in a small samadhi.

The another interesting story says that, the whole town was cursed by a tantrik who fell in love with Princess of Bhangarh, Ratnavati. The princess never fell for the tantrik who got furious and cursed that the whole area be destroyed.

Since it is just is a 300-km drive away from Delhi, very few people know about it. The fort, surrounded by lush green grass on three sides did not seem like a place in the desert state of Rajasthan. It has four gates namely Lahori Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Phulbari Gate and Delhi Gate.

There is a Hanuman temple right next to the main gate. The sprawling premises has more than half a dozen temples: Hanuman Temple, Gopinath Temple, Someswar Temple, Keshav Rai Temple, Mangla Devi Temple, Ganesh Temple and Naveen Temple and a very strategically positioned Purohitji ki Haveli. One will wonder, how ghosts stay in a premises where there are so many temples!

Inside the fort, there is a Dancer's Haveli and Jauhari Bazar. All dilapidated now, but locals say paranormal activities are observed in these places at night. Further down the sprawling expanse of the fort was the Gopinath Temple, crossing which we reached the Royal Palace. It is located at the farthest end of the fort area.

The architecture of the buildings and the fort speaks volumes of the talent and acumen of the people during the rule of Bhagwant Das who established the town in 1573.

Against the backdrop of the Royal Palace stands the Aravalli Range. Bisram Nath, who works in the Someswar Temple said at times wild animals come down from the mountain ranges at night.

The Archeological Survey of India has put up a board on the fort gate that it is prohibited for tourists to stay inside the fort area after sunset and before sunrise.

Standing on the terrace of the Royal Palace one can view the vast expanse of the fort.

Entry Fees
For Foreigner- Rs. 200/-, For Indian- Rs.25/- Video Camera fees Rs.200/-.

Note : It is better to carry some dry food and water as good dhabas and eateries are rare. Also carry a torch, as the fort does not have electricity or light and even in day time, a torch will help you to see parts of the fort better.