Bhangarh Fort, which was constructed in the seventeenth century, is considered to be the most haunted place in India. Situated on the border of Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Aravali range in Alwar district of Rajasthan, this fort was built by Madho Singh I and Man Singh I, who was one of the Navratnas of Akbar’s court.
The fort is named after their grandfather Bhan Singh. The fort and its precincts are well preserved by the Government of India. Entry to the Bhangarh Fort is restricted after sunset by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The place is considered as a forbidden venture after darkness falls because it is so riddled with the element of paranormal events. The evening sun makes eerie shapes in the forested landscapes, which makes the place appear more haunted.
Although the place looks like any other historical fort in India and is left with ruins and artifacts.
Many stories are associated with the fort, two are most prevalent but not credulous. Let us look at the associated story in detail-
The Sage and the Shade
The legend associated with Bhangarh has been widespread around India. The first legend states that there was a king named Madho Singh who wanted to build an enthralling fort. There was a sage named Bala Nath, who lived near the fort area. He has an injunction that none of the houses or forts should be built in such a way that a shadow should fall on his house. If it happens then the whole town along with the fort will be destroyed and reduced to ruins. Having agreed with this condition, Madho Singh built the Bhangarh fort but his ambitious successors added fortifications vertically which caused the ominous shadow to engulf the abode of the ascetic. The alleged prophecy of the sage stood fulfilled, everything was devastated and the Bhangarh fort became haunted.
Beauty and the black magician
In another version, the story revolves around a beautiful Indian princess Ratnavati, who was the princess of Bhangarh. A local black magician fell in love with the princess and later became the cause of the apocalyptic situation which befell the fort. He once tried to entrap the princess by bewitching a cosmetic which she was supposed to use but the princess was saved from his entire conspiracy. She threw the cosmetic over a massive stone boulder, which then supposedly lead the black magician to death. Before breathing his last, the black magician placed a curse upon Bhangarh that no one would be able to live peacefully there and the entire city would be destructed. Since then the entire landscape has been haunted.
People who have visited the Bhangarh Fort claim that they have heard strange sounds and felt the presence of supernatural. If you want to get a thrilling experience and explore the truth behind these myths you should visit this place for sure.
How to reach
By Road: The Bhangarh Fort is close to 300 kilometers from Delhi by road, the best time to leave for the Bhangarh ka Kila as it is popularly known is in the wee hours of the day. The Bhangarh Fort is connected to with Delhi through National Highways, while it takes approximately 5-6 hours to reach the fort, depending on the traffic. One can reach this place from Jaipur and Alwar too.
By Rail: Alwar railway station is the major nearest railway station that is in close proximity to the fort. Cab services are available from outside the railway station for Bhangarh Fort, it takes around two to three hours to reach the fort from Alwar railway station.
Timings of the Bhangarh Fort
The Bhangarh Fort is open for visitors from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m all week.
Best time to visit the Bhangarh Fort
October to February is the best period to visit the Bhangarh Fort, as during the winter season the weather remains pleasant and bearable.
Amazing Places to See Around Bhangarh Fort
There are several tourist places to visit near Bhangarh Fort, which are close to Bhangarh Fort:
Sariska National Park
Sariska Tiger Reserve, as it is popularly known, is 40 km away from the Bhangarh Fort, and the place boasts of natural beauties and a wide range of wildlife.
Jaipur
The majestic capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is close to 90 km from Bhangarh, the capital is known for its magnificent palaces and offers taste-bud exploding food.
Alwar
Alwar offers respite from the hectic and noisy life of the cities, as Alwar’s beautiful landscape and historical monuments in one of the oldest kingdoms, shows the beauty of time. The city is approximately 9 km away from Bhangarh.
Distance from Delhi
The fort is 5-6 hours drive away, as it is located 290 km away from the capital of India. The place serves as a perfect weekend getaway for Delhiites from their busy work schedule.
