Enjoy the Paranormal Beauty of Bhangarh Fort

The very well-known Bhangarh Fort, named after the village of Bhangarh, ranks among the most haunted and imposing forts in Rajasthan. It’s a fascinating destination for history buffs and a favorite spot for photo enthusiasts. Known for its eerie charm and architectural grandeur, Bhangarh is part of many heritage circuits across the state. If you’re exploring the region, especially on a road trip, you might come across this stop on a curated Rajasthan tour by Tempo Traveller that covers popular historical and cultural landmarks.

Bhangarh is one of the most popular pre-historic sites, home to beautiful Hindu temples, majestic havelis, a mosque, and the hauntingly atmospheric palace ruins.

Historical Background and Founding

Established in 1573 by King Bhagwant Das, the town of Bhangarh is a deserted city of Rajasthan. King Bhagwant Das had two sons. Elder son was Man Singh who was the famous General of Mughal Emperor Akbar and the younger one was Madho Singh. Built by King Madho Singh, the Bhangarh Fort was established in 1613. Although it is now infamous for its haunted and mysterious presence, it looks beautiful and pleasant once visited.

Location and Accessibility

This fort is located on top of a hill in the deserted village of Bhangarh which is located in between Alwar and Jaipur. The nearby tourist attraction is Sariska National Park and takes around 1h 6 min covering 39.1 km via RJ SH 29A. It is best to drive from Delhi and spend the night on the fringes of the Sariska National Park, and leave for Bhangarh the following morning. Located around 269 km from Delhi via Neemrana route and 242 km via Alwar route, it is often a weekend getaway.

The Legend of Princess Ratnavati

The most popular legend goes as a sorcerer fell in love with the princess Ratnavati of Bhangarh. He tried to sell this potion off as a beauty enhancing oil to her maid. The princess, however, saw through the whole act and threw the oil away. The sorcerer then cursed her saying that the she would die without an heir to leave behind. Soon after, people abandoned the place, leaving it deserted. According to the historian, a great famine in the 1800s likely wiped out all life there. The fort stands as one of the finest examples of the royal era, and tourists from all over the country visit it to witness its spooky presence.

Architecture and Design

Keeping all the ghostly stories aside, the grandeur of the place is one thing that does not goes unnoticed. The architecture of the fort merits equal attention. While Bhangarh is a haunted and ruined settlement, it still holds a place of reverence in the hearts of the villagers. The designers clearly modeled the fort after the medieval city of Shahjahanabad, placing four massive wooden gates in each direction. The fort’s precincts feature a miniature waterfall with ornate designs. Visitors must pay an additional fee to photograph the fort.

Entry Guidelines and Visitor Information

An ASI board stands in welcome, warning visitors against entering the fort after sunset. This what makes it an ‘almost’ legally accredited ghost fort. The entry fees for foreigner is Rs 200 and for Indians it is Rs 25. The distance from Alwar to Bhangarh is about 90 Km and there are plenty of local transports, cars and taxis available for rental.

Best Time to Visit Bhangarh Fort

The best time to visit Bhangarh Fort is during the cooler months of October to February. The summer heat in Rajasthan can be extremely intense, which makes exploring the fort uncomfortable. Winters, on the other hand, provide pleasant weather and enhance the eerie charm of the place.

Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring

If you’re planning a trip to Bhangarh Fort, consider exploring nearby attractions:

• Sariska National Park – A haven for wildlife enthusiasts and just an hour away.
• Alwar City Palace – Offers an insight into Rajputana architecture and heritage.
• Haunted Stepwell at Abhaneri – An ancient, intricately-carved baori (stepwell) near Dausa, often visited en route to Bhangarh.

Planning a group trip from Delhi or Jaipur? Book your comfortable ride now with Tempo Traveller Hire, your trusted travel partner for Rajasthan getaways.